The Tradition of Ghoonghat

For the traditional Indian Woman, her veil Or Ghoonghat was considered to be a symbol of her righteous attitude towards her elders, the storehouse of Manners she possessed and the extent to which she would prove herself to be the ideal House-Wife. How Can I Say that?

Do not consider me as The Re-Incarnation of some 18^th Century Guy who dreams about the villages and the women and their veils, rather it is on the basis of the Inputs provided to me by some inhabitants of that period and the few existing instances of the Veil-Tradition which I witness around myself, have led me to say that.

It is not an indicator of respect.

The Women while recalling their experiences with the Ghoonghat, told me about the much sought after tradition of that time (late 80s’- early 90’s). According to the customs, a newly married woman on arriving her Sasural was obliged to visit the temple(followed even today), accompanied by her family members and that too, with the Ghoonghat at its’ peak i.e. fully covering the face and if possible, upto the neck. The sight of Ghoonghat clad woman led people to know that a new Bride had arrived in their locality. Although it poised difficulty in climbing the Staircase of temple but none of the women of that time considered that to be a burden, which they wished to shred off from their lives. It was considered a moral obligation to be fulfilled by them, a habit that had already set its’ roots deep within the scary hearts of the people of that time. There were a group of women roaming around the locality, who had the task of certifying the Bride by her veil, congratulating or taunting the Mother-in-law based on the length of the Ghoonghat. The brides of that time were expected to adjust their veil and quit the room as soon as visited by some elder. Whether they were eating, taking rest or singing a lullaby to their child, she was bound to leave all that and hid herself behind that piece of cloth.

Contrast that with the situation of today, where the Majority of the Girls are opposed to that traditional Fashion and could feel the turmoil within on listening that word. Even if they agree to that, their mothers would ensure that her darling kid is not threatened to hide herself and just agrees on the minimal Cover. But if that condition persists, she is ready to go to any length to abuse and dis-respect the Boys’ Family, even it means rejecting that Family. This transition is a strong reminder of the fact that The Women today have come to realize their true potential and no-longer consider themselves as the means to Settle the household, raise kids and provide her everlasting service to her GOD like husband. How could someone be labeled, just on the basis of that veil of ignorance which dominates our mind. Why doesn’t the men pay respect to the women by wearing Turban over their heads? Has anyone stopped them from doing so?

By Saying so, I am not opposing the fact that elders need to be respected, the people who can’t respect their elders find it difficult to achieve their aim. But there isn’t only one way for showing respect. Also, Ghoonghat tradition does not need to be sacked, as long as it is not imposed as a compulsion on women rather is based on the will. There were good things in that time too and there is good now.

The Women, too like men  want to lead a comfortable, respectful and joyful life not expecting much, but at least the basic rights which they possess being a citizen of their nation.This malpractice of analyzing by the veil is fading away from the society but its’ presence in some places is absolute. The women of today are more independent, open-minded and frank. But that doesn’t make them disrespectful, disobedient and causing riots within the family and they don’t need a veil to reflect the respect they have for others’ opinion, life and health. Accept Woman for what they are rather than what you want them to be. A lot of changes have occurred to women in the past years, some accepted readily by people while some still debated strongly, but hasn’t everyone changed with the passage of time?