In a quiet yet powerful wave of social change sweeping across rural Maharashtra, over 7,600 villages have formally renounced long-standing customs that marginalized and distressed widows. These declarations were made through gram sabhas, signalling a significant shift in societal attitudes.

Activist Pramod Zinjade, who has led the movement against harmful traditions targeting widows, confirmed that 7,683 villages out of the state’s 27,000 gram panchayats have passed resolutions to eliminate such practices.

This movement gained traction after Herwad village in Kolhapur district set a historic precedent in 2022 by becoming the first in India to outlaw widowhood rituals. The village’s resolution prohibited acts such as removing the mangalsutra, breaking bangles, and wiping off sindoor—customs traditionally performed after a woman’s husband dies.

Since then, several villages across the state have followed suit, including widows in community celebrations like Ganesh festivities, haldi-kumkum events, and national flag-hoisting ceremonies.

In response to these developments, the National Human Rights Commission had also issued an advisory last year, urging all states and Union Territories to ensure widows are treated with dignity and to work toward improving their quality of life.

Speaking to PTI, former Herwad sarpanch Surgonda Patil shared that such customs have seen a steep decline in his village. “Earlier, we used to visit homes after a death to check if these rituals were being carried out. Now, there’s greater awareness,” he said. He added that several widows in Herwad have remarried and actively participate in social and religious events.

Vaishali Patil, a widow from Herwad who lost her husband 12 years ago, said, “People now treat us with respect. We are seen as individuals first. But changing old mindsets takes time, and not everyone has accepted this new way yet.”

Kadoli village in Nagpur district also took early steps toward inclusivity. Former sarpanch Pranjal Wagh shared that she began inviting widows to haldi-kumkum gatherings even before Herwad’s landmark resolution. “There was resistance, but I persisted. I still invite around 1,000 women each year, ensuring widows are part of the celebration,” she said.

In Musalgaon, Nashik district, sarpanch Anil Shirsat stated that harmful widowhood rituals are largely absent in the village. “We focus on supporting widows through financial aid. Every year, we allocate part of our panchayat funds to assist five widows. We’re planning to pass a resolution soon to further empower them through self-help groups,” he said.

Similarly, Sanjay Pawar from Dhondvir Nagar village in Nashik mentioned that their local body ensures widows receive pensions and housing under government schemes. “The gram panchayat actively supports widows and addresses their concerns,” he said.

In Sangola, across Kolhapur, Sangli, and Solapur districts, 76 gram panchayats have pledged to reject outdated customs. Social worker Lalit Babar, who is actively involved in the region, noted that local development officers and ICDS workers now intervene when a death is reported. “No woman willingly participates in these rituals—they’re often coerced. When we explain that the customs are no longer valid, most families comply,” he said.

However, he acknowledged that 10–20% of households still follow these traditions. Babar emphasized that while a draft law banning such rituals has been submitted to the government, legislation alone isn’t enough. “We need a widespread awareness campaign. Workers from ASHA and anganwadi centres can play a vital role in educating communities,” he added.

This growing movement reflects a broader transformation in rural India—a gradual but determined shift toward equality, dignity, and human rights for all, regardless of marital status.