In A Hopeful First, Khap Body Urges Women Not To Wear Ghoonghat, Calls It Foolishness

Since forever, women have been told to 'cover up', because that is the sanskaari thing to do. They have been cloaking their bodies and hiding their faces because that was the norm - or so they were told.

Read more: It's Official, Adults Can Marry Without Fear Of Khap, SC Backs Love Marriages Of Inter-Caste Adults

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In a similar vein, women in rural India and several parts of urban areas have been covering their heads with 'ghoongat' to honour the presence of men in their families or whatever that means. Fortunately, this facade running in the name of concealing their identities from males will now stay in the bygones.

In a first, Haryana's Khap Panchayat has asked women to avoid wearing ghoongat at home as well as outside. That said, women are now asked to do away with this age-old tradition.

Read more: Khap Panchayats Cannot Become 'Self-Appointed Conscience Keepers' Says Supreme Court

The Malik Gathwala Khap made the announcement on Monday at Sonepat's Gohana town during an event which was organized to commemorate the birth anniversary of its ancestral leader. The event which was also attended by Union Minister Birender Singh and Bihar governor Satyapal Malik attracted a lot of applause and praises from the evangelist of the progressive world.

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The 66-year-old chief of Malik Gathwala Khap, Baljeet Malik said, "Time has come to end the age-old traditions that are not relevant today. Expecting women to remain confined under veils is foolishness. It blocks their vision and does not let them breathe properly. Happiness and peace come to those houses where daughters-in-law are loved like real daughters." reports Mirror Now.

As for the tradition, the khap have said that if women want, they can keep a scarf over their head to show respect. More than 700 villages across the states of Haryana, Punjab, UP and Rajasthan will now follow the ruling, along with abiding by many measures under the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' movement.

The khap also criticised people who practice female foeticide or infanticide.

Read more: After Manushi Chillar's Title Win, Khaps In Haryana And Delhi Have Suddenly Become Progressive

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This may not seem like a life-altering reform but it indeed is a big step towards many reforms that will change life for women in India. From wearing ghoongat to not being able to study - every tiny thing is a big leap.