Bhiwani : It has been nearly 150 years since anyone from Barwas or Jhuppa Kalan - neighbouring villages in Bhiwani district - shared a meal or even had water in the other village.

However, this unusual boycott is set to end on November 17 when people from both villages will get together to enjoy a feast.

This restriction dating back to a century-and-a-half is going to end thanks to the efforts of a youth who happened to attend a marriage in Barwas village recently and came to know of the curbs. He prevailed upon the panchayat of Sisodian khap 84 (comprising 84 villages) to broker peace between the two neighbours.

This unwritten ann-jal (grain and water) boycott was the outcome of a turf war between purohits (Brahmin priests) of the neighbouring hamlets. Purohits of Jhuppa Kalan used to perform rituals in the houses of their hosts in Barwas village. This apparently upset Brahmins of the latter village. The situation became so bitter that some members of the Brahmin community of Jhuppa Kalan waylaid a purohit on the outskirts of the village and dumped him after tying his hands and feet. To prevent possible clashes, the village elders decided to impose curbs on residents enjoying the hospitality of people in the other villages, which are prevalent even to this day.

However, this will end soon. The caste panchayat, on Sunday, brokered peace between the two villages during a meeting at Jhuppa Kalan village, where both sides agreed to bury the hatchet and to do away with the boycott. Announcing the end of 'hostilities', Amar Chand Chainhar, pradhan of Sisodian khap 84, said after the meeting, "They have decided to resume ties and will host a feast on November 17."