Over 1200 couples nuptial knot in mass marriage in Gwalior

Gwalior, Feb.17 (ANI): A mass marriage ceremony, meant to enable financially backward youngsters to marry, witnessed 1,250 couples tying nuptial knot here on Tuesday.

Organised by a temple trust, Sri Achaleshwar Mahadev Sarvajanik Nyas, the special ceremony saw the couples getting married as per the traditional Hindu rituals.

"Under the banner of Shri Achaleshwar Mahadev Sarvajanik Nyas ...we made 1,251 mandaps (traditional decorative stages) in which marriage of girls from all castes took place. The priests of our temple conducted the marriages according to the Hindu rituals. The ceremony commenced at 8 a.m. (local time) and continued till 6 p.m.," said Mahesh Mudgal, the President of Shri Achaleshwar Mahadev Sarvajanik Nyas.

Rakhi Verma, one of the brides, who found her soulmate at the ceremony, said that such mass marriages are important for people who cannot bear the expenses of other social rites.

"In today's time such mass marriages play an important role, especially for parents who cannot bear the expenses of hotel charges, dowry and other things. I want that all parents should come here and get their sons and daughters married here," said Verma.

The trust also distributed free utensils, cupboards, blankets and other clothing to the married couples.

A feast was also organised for the relatives of the couples by the trust.

Mass marriages are becoming very popular, especially among the economically backward sections of Indian society, as these help in reducing the worries of financial implications among the parents or guardians of the brides. By Ashok Pal (ANI)