Udaipur, March 15, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran): The two-day 45th free mass wedding ceremony for specially-abled and economically weaker couples, organised by Narayan Seva Sansthan at Seva Mahateerth, Liyon Ka Guda, concluded on Sunday with a strong message of social unity, equal opportunity and humanitarian values.
During the grand event, 51 couples from different states tied the knot with Vedic rituals and sacred fire as witness, beginning a new chapter of married life. The couples included individuals facing various types of disabilities—some with disabilities in legs, some with one hand or one leg, some visually impaired and others requiring support to walk. After overcoming difficult circumstances, they now move forward as partners supporting each other in life.
Most of the couples had earlier received free corrective surgeries, artificial limbs, calipers and rehabilitation services at the institution. Many also underwent skill training such as tailoring, mobile repairing and computer courses to become self-reliant. For several participants, the search for a life partner was also completed through the institution.
Among the 51 couples, 25 are specially-abled while 26 belong to economically weaker sections.
One of the couples includes Madhu Bhoi from Khempura in Udaipur, who is specially-abled in her left leg but lives an independent life with determination. After the death of her father, she works at a beauty parlour and supports her family. Her life partner is Santosh Lodha from Naulana village in Indore district, who suffered paralysis at the age of six months but now works as a school teacher. The two met during a programme, and their communication later led them to marriage.
Another couple includes Rajesh from Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, who has a congenital leg deformity but runs an e-Mitra centre and supports his family. His bride Rajkumari from Barauna village in Bhind district is hearing and speech impaired. Their acquaintance at a social programme gradually developed into a marriage.
Traditional Welcome and Rituals
The ceremony began at 10 am on March 15 with the traditional welcome of all 51 couples accompanied by ceremonial music. In the presence of guests, supporters and family members from across the country, the Toran ritual was performed with Vedic chanting before the sacred image of Lord Shrinathji.
At 12:15 pm, on a stage decorated with flowers, the newlyweds received blessings from the institution’s founder Padma Shri Kailash ‘Manav’ and Kamla Devi. In the presence of Sansthan President Prashant Agarwal and Directors Vandana Agarwal and Palak Agarwal, the couples exchanged garlands, marking the beginning of their life partnership as rose petals were showered upon them.
Sacred Seven Vows
Under the guidance of a chief priest, 51 priests conducted the seven sacred vows at 51 wedding altars according to Vedic traditions. Donors, social workers, representatives from different branches of the institution and family members from India and abroad witnessed the ceremony.
Inspiration from Earlier Couples
Specially-abled couples married in previous years also attended the event and shared their experiences, stating that with the institution’s support they are now living dignified and self-reliant lives while remaining connected to the mainstream of society.
Gifts for a New Beginning
Each couple received essential household items to start their new life, including bed, bedding, almirah, utensils, gas stove, dinner set, fan and wall clock. Donors and guests also presented items such as mangalsutra, bangles, chains, earrings, anklets, rings and cosmetics.
Cultural Performances and Emotional Farewell
Cultural performances based on the divine weddings of Shiva–Parvati and Krishna–Rukmini added a special cultural touch to the ceremony. After the wedding rituals, the symbolic farewell of the brides created an emotional atmosphere as members of the institution bid them goodbye and arrangements were made to safely send the couples to their hometowns.
The event also featured the presence of symbolic forms of Lord Krishna—Dwarkadhish, Sanwariya Seth, Khatu Shyam, Vitthalesh and Shrinathji—which added a devotional atmosphere to the venue. Later, the couples performed the garland ceremony in the presence of representations of Ganesha with Riddhi-Siddhi, Krishna–Rukmini, Shiva–Parvati, Ram–Janaki and Vishnu–Mahalakshmi.
Sansthan President Prashant Agarwal said that the aim of Narayan Seva Sansthan is not just to organise marriages but to provide specially-abled individuals with dignity, confidence and an opportunity for a self-reliant life. He emphasised that a harmonious and strong India can be built only through compassion, service and respect in society.
Chief guests Darshana Mehta, Yash Mehta and Om Prakash Soni, along with several social workers, donors and guests, attended the ceremony.
It is noteworthy that 2,510 specially-abled and economically weaker couples have so far been married through the institution, and most of them are now living happy family lives.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
