AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal Attends 151-Couple Mass Wedding Ceremony in Gujarat

In a heartwarming display of community solidarity in Gujarat's Bhavnagar district, Arvind Kejriwal attended a mass wedding ceremony where 151 couples tied the knot together. The event, organised by the Shri Veer Mandhata Koli Samaj organisation, has been supporting underprivileged and orphaned girls for the past 12 years. So far, the group has facilitated the marriages of over 2,000 daughters, with one previous ceremony witnessing as many as 501 couples marrying at the same time.

The large gathering was filled with celebration and emotion. While a single wedding often brings joy to an entire family, this occasion saw 151 brides beginning a new chapter in their lives simultaneously. The initiative is aimed not only at solemnising marriages but also at protecting economically weaker families from falling into debt due to extravagant wedding expenses.

The Koli community in Gujarat, largely associated with farming, fishing and daily wage labour, has historically faced financial challenges. In many cases, families are forced to take loans, mortgage jewellery or even sell land to meet wedding costs. Mass wedding programmes such as this provide relief by ensuring dignified ceremonies without unnecessary expenditure or social pressure.

Addressing the gathering, Arvind Kejriwal refrained from political remarks and instead spoke about the happiness of daughters, the responsibilities of families and the importance of ending social evils linked to showmanship in weddings. He stressed that with proper education and opportunities, children from hardworking communities can excel and bring pride to the nation.

Notably, the ceremony included brides from different castes and religions, making it a symbol of broader social unity rather than a community-specific event. The presence of the Aam Aadmi Party leader was seen as a gesture of standing with communities beyond electoral politics, highlighting a message of social support and inclusive engagement in Gujarat.