In a bold move to preserve marital harmony, the Sen community in Chhattisgarh has overhauled its wedding traditions. Citing rising breakups after engagements, community leaders have imposed strict bans on pre-wedding phone conversations between betrothed couples and the playful ritual of brides’ sisters hiding the groom’s shoes.
The decision emerged from a district-level meeting in Balod, where elders expressed alarm over fragile alliances. ‘We’ve seen too many engagements crumble due to unchecked mobile chats,’ said Santosh Kaushik, president of the Sen society in Balod. With a population of around 2.25 lakh, mostly in the OBC category and engaged in salon businesses, the community is determined to safeguard its future.
Under the new rules, fiancés can no longer speak privately on phones post-engagement. Conversations, if essential, must occur in the presence of parents. This stems from investigations revealing that secretive calls often breed misunderstandings leading to broken ties.
The shoe-hiding tradition, a lighthearted custom during weddings, has also been scrapped. Umesh Kumar Sen, a community spokesperson, explained that it frequently sparks arguments between families, escalating tensions on what should be a joyous day.
Additional measures include limiting engagement guests to 15-20 people, adhering strictly to auspicious wedding timings, serving food on leaf plates instead of plastic, and severing all social ties—including marriages and shared meals—with anyone converting religions. These changes reflect a broader push to modernize while honoring cultural roots, ensuring weddings foster lasting bonds rather than discord.