Udupi: The function of Mehndi, as part of a pre-marriage ceremony, is often not less than the festival.
In coastal cities in recent years, they turned out to be a luxury ceremony, where people gathered in large quantities and danced to popular songs, and non-vegetarian food and liquor served.
However, about 27 years ago, the elders of Kodi Bengre Village, about 18 km from Udupi, felt that this trend could have a negative impact on children, because they were introduced to drink on family functions, which could mislead youth, and therefore decided to Do not serve non-vegetarian food and liquor in the Mehndi function.
This village population is around 1,600.
Nagaraj B Kunder, a resident of Kodi Bengre, told Tii, “Initially, when the decision was taken not to serve liquor and non-vegetarian food at Mehndi’s ceremony, there were several resistance from certain quarters, but gradually people agreed.
This is a rule of village Unwritten, and the elders have compiled it for the benefit of the people.
In addition, beedi or cigarettes are not sold in this village, “he said.
Most of the people living in this village are fishermen from various communities, such as Konkani Kharvi, Magavera, Billavas and Muslms.
Also, because Puja and Homa are held as part of the function of marriage, which is generally the day after Mehndi’s ceremony, the villagers feel it will be ideal to stick to the vegetarian menu, added Kunder.
The village is under Kodi Gram Panchayat, which has around 1,327 houses, which nearly 300 houses are in Kodi Bengre.
The entire Pancrayat is free of tobacco, and Kodi Bengre follows some unwritten rules, said the Panthayat Development Officer Benni Quardros.
Last year, locals complained that someone tried to sell liquor illegally, intended and resolved.
A district government official said that there were around 14 shops in the village, and none of them sold tobacco, but the consumption of betel leaves and nuts was permitted.
Restrictions for consuming tobacco are in women too, and no one rolls beedis.