Author: Bihar Say | Amrita | 42 Years of Tradition: The Unique Fine System of Bhagalpur’s Kurban Village In Kurban village, nestled in the Jagdishpur block of Bhagalpur,
In Kurban village, nestled in the Jagdishpur block of Bhagalpur, a remarkable tradition has been upheld for over four decades. Every Friday, villagers gather for Jumu’ah prayers, and when someone passes away, the entire village attends the janaza (funeral prayers). If anyone fails to show up without a valid reason, they must pay a fine—a practice that has been in place since 1982.
But here’s the twist: This fine isn’t just a penalty; it serves a greater purpose. The collected amount is used to fund weddings for underprivileged girls, ensuring that no daughter of the village faces financial hurdles in getting married.
The system is simple yet effective. Initially, the fine was ₹250, but due to rising costs, it was increased to ₹500 in 2020. Villagers say that the money has helped in the weddings of over 50 girls so far.
Kurban’s villagers see this tradition as a symbol of unity and respect. They believe that a person’s funeral should be attended by all, as a sign of solidarity and compassion.
With over 2,000 fines collected, the initiative has provided financial assistance for countless weddings. This support system ensures that no family struggles alone.
Many villagers say this rule has deepened their commitment to religious and social responsibilities. Mohammad Imtiaz, a resident, shared, “20 years ago, I missed Jumu’ah prayers and had to pay a fine. Since then, I never skip. If I can’t attend for any reason, I inform the Sadar.”
The village remains committed to this practice, seeing it as a moral duty rather than a burden. The system continues to evolve, with villagers exploring more ways to help the needy through collective contributions.
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