Budgam, July 23: In a remarkable departure from the growing trend of extravagant weddings across Jammu and Kashmir, the residents of Shulingpora village in Khag Tehsil of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, have preserved a time-honoured tradition: simple marriages with zero dowry.With a population of over 8,500, spread across two panchayat halqas—Shulipora A and Shunglipora B—the villagers have consciously chosen to marry within their own community and shun dowry demands. “Our ancestors never allowed dowry or lavish wedding demands. This tradition continues even today,” said Abdul Gaffar Malik, a village elder. He added that nearly 90 percent of marriages take place within the village, maintaining a community ethos that discourages material demands during wedding ceremonies. “All Nikkah Majlis are conducted at the Masjid Shareef, and the groom’s family only gives Mehr to the bride—no other gifts or dowry are expected.”The result? Zero cases of domestic violence or divorce in the village, which locals proudly attribute to a strong understanding of Islamic values and the protection of women’s rights. Another local resident, Kareem Ahmad, emphasised that marriages are conducted as per Hadith: modest, affordable, and within the means of families. “Most families can’t afford extravagant weddings, and we believe in celebrating with just a cup of tea,” he said. He noted that avoiding outside matches is also rooted in avoiding dowry pressures. “People marrying outside the village often face financial and social burdens. Here, we don’t accept dowry—whether from the groom or bride’s family.”Kareem also warned that abandoning these traditional values could lead to rising late marriages and cultural dilution. Most residents earn their living through livestock rearing, carpet weaving, Pashmina work, and agriculture, while some work in government departments. The village primarily speaks Kashmiri and Pahari. The community isn’t just committed to traditional marriage practices—they are also engaged in social awareness campaigns. “We regularly hold sessions for youth, students, and elders to promote education, women’s rights, drug-free lifestyles, and other important issues,” Kareem added. Shulingpora’s model offers a lesson to the wider society–that respect, simplicity and faith can form the foundation of peaceful families and a progressive community.
