________________
180
Part IV. Rise and Glory
marriage in certain circumstances. Oshwal communities residing in other parts were advised of the resolution and their support was sought. Most places approved the resolution. The Nairobi Halari community followed suit and passed a similar resolution in 1934 A.D.
The first widow marriage took place in Thika on June 20, 1937. Devchand Parbat, a businessman from Tanzania and widower, married a widow, Amritben, a daughter of Manek Sura of Padana, living in Fort Hall. Many young people and prominent leaders of our community attended the marriage and gave their approval as well as blessing the couple.
Naat tedu: Just as the community had bright moments there were some dark moments too. Even then the community was following many orthodox outdated customs. Due to the hard and persistent work of younger generation many changes were made, but mostly overseas. Back home in India the changes were slow to take place. One of such customs was to celebrate the death of a family member by holding a feast (naat tedu). Depending upon financial and social status this could be limited to family and friends or extended to the entire community.
In 1945 A.D. the chairperson (patel) of the village council of village of Kansumara, Raja Depar passed away. The family was well known and wealthy. They decided to have a naat tedu in honor of the deceased. They called on the community leaders and told them about their decision. As this type of celebration was taking place for the first time in 50 years all the leaders unanimously gave their approval. But some conditions were imposed. Since the families of Lakha Kara of the village of Changa and Goribai of Dhinchada were banished from the community they were not be invited for this occasion. The Raja family agreed to the conditions. The group made up of 27 (satavisa) families who had supported those two families
