TTD chairman inaugurates Kalyanmastu programme

Visakhapatnam, Oct 16 (UNI) The Tirumala-Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman D K Naidu today inaugurated the 'Kalyanamastu' (free) mass marriages programme for poor at Kalabharati here.

Speaking on the occasion, he said 20,000 marriages were performed during the three phases held so far and more than 10,000 weddings would be performed in the fourth phase under the free mass marraige programme to be held in all the 294 Assembly constituencies of Andhra Pradesh on November two.

Besides kalyanamastu, the Devasthanam has taken up several programmes, including welfare of the employees, better facilities for pilgrims at hill-top Tirumala, the abode of lord Venkateswara, assisting for renovation of ancient temples and taking care of temples with less income, he said adding plans were afoot to orgainse Divya kshetram in Karnataka.

As part of the mass marriage programme every couple were being provided with jewellery, clothes, household articles and a book named 'Kankanalu,' explaining the importance of marriage. The newly-wed couple along with their parents are provided accommodation at the Tirumala hill and cellar darshan of lord Balaji, he added.

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