3 weeks ago
Wed Jul 30, 2025 1:57am PST
Show HN: I built a satirical Dowry Calculator to highlight a harmful tradition
Hi HN,

I've created a simple, non-commercial web tool called the Dahej (Dowry) Calculator.

Growing up hearing stories within my community about the immense pressure and financial ruin caused by the dowry system in India, I wanted to find a way to talk about this difficult topic. Direct confrontation often shuts down dialogue, so I chose satire as a way to approach it.

The calculator is intentionally absurd; it generates a monetary 'worth' based on real-world (and often ugly) factors like profession, salary, and even caste. The goal isn't to be accurate, but to be a conversation starter. It's an educational tool designed to hold up a mirror to a practice that treats marriage like a transaction.

There are no ads, trackers, or sign-up requirements. It's just a simple page built with React.

I'm here to answer any questions and would love to hear your feedback on using satire and technology for social commentary.

Thanks for checking it out.

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