9,000 couples registered for 'Kalyanamastu'

Tirupati, Aug 24 (UNI) Despite the controversy in the second phase of 'Kalyanamastu Programme Muhurtam', as many as 9,000 couples registered their names for the mass marriages to be held at 249 constituencies in the state on August 26.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman B Karunakara Reddy said all the arrangements had been made for the programme and the highest number of registration received was from the Karimnagar district.

About Rs 7,000 would be spent on each couple.

He hailed the efforts of NGO's public representatives, government administration and TTD employees in creating awareness, and focussing on the rural areas for the programme.

In future, more mass marriages would be held under 'Kalyanamastu' he said adding nearly eight lakh Sri Vari free meals would be provided to those who attend the marriage ceremony.

Mr Reddy said the mass marriages, comprising five constituencies would be held in Hyderabad.

In view of 'Sravan Poornima', TTD would be conducting 'Sri Padmavathi Srinivas Kalaynotsavams' at 147 centres in the state, including seven centres in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Orissa on August 28.

UNI