Bokaro, Giridih women look to end ‘Bhauji-Saree Ukhma’, dub it as financial burden

Bokaro: The womenfolk, especially youngsters in the rural pockets of Bokaro and Giridih districts, are lately carrying out awareness campaigns to abolish the ritual of ‘Bhauji –Saree Ukhma’, a century-old practice which mandates married woman to gift sarees, sweets and clothes to their sister-in-laws and brothers whenever they visit their parental house.
Dubbing it as a superstition, many now say the custom is a financial burden on those who hail from poor families which has led many married women to stop visiting their parental houses. Many following this custom even believe that violating the ritual will anger the deities and their parental families will have to face the wrath of the Gods.
In last two days, girl students of Palamu panchayat in Upperghat of Nawadih block took out rallies to create awareness among the women of the area.
“The practice is based on a superstitious belief and we want to end it,” said Sarawati Kumari (20) of Nawadih. Another resident, Premkumar Mahto, said, “In various panchayats of Upperghat, the practice of giving sarees and makeup kits to sister-in-laws has stopped after awareness drives were carried out.”
On Thursday, an awareness drive was held in Bagodar block in Giridih district by a group of women. “We have decided to fine Rs 5,051 on villagers who try to fulfil this evil practice. No woman of this village will give sarees to her sister-in-law or take one from her,” said a villager, Narayan Mahato.