Widows in India have historically faced many different kinds of restrictions, however, these vary depending on region, community and socioeconomic background. Traditionally, women are expected to withdraw from public life, live in isolation, wear white, avoid jewelry and stick to a simple diet.
In the past, some widows were often blamed for their husbands’ deaths and subjected to harsh social stigma. One historical practice, known as sati, involved a widow dying on her husband’s funeral pyre. It was banned in the 1800s.
Today, discrimination, social exclusion, and stigmatization still remain in some communities. But in Vrindavan, one of Hinduism’s sacred cities, widows come to seek refuge. Located about 150 kilometers from Dehli, Vrindavan has been a pilgrimage site for widows since the 16th century. Here they can once again find a sense of community in the vidhwa ashrams, or widow shelters, which are funded by the government, NGOs and private donors.
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