India, June 9 -- Weeks after a tragic, dowry-related suicide jolted the Maratha community, families across western Maharashtra have begun altering wedding plans to align with a newly framed code of conduct aimed at promoting simplicity, equality, and accountability in matrimonial practices.

The code-drawn up during recent community meetings-urges families to shun dowry, cut down on wedding extravagance, and discourage practices like pre-wedding shoots, firecrackers, and loud music. More importantly, it mandates social boycotts for families found guilty of domestic violence or harassment post-marriage.

And while the code was formalised just days ago, its effects are already visible.

Madhuri Patil from Hadapsar said, "We had booked a res...