Udaipur, 31 August (Kiran News): The 44th free mass wedding for differently-abled and underprivileged couples concluded with great joy at Narayan Seva Sansthan’s Seva Mahatirth, Liyon Ka Guda, on Sunday. On the second and final day of the two-day event, 51 couples tied the knot in the presence of the holy fire and Vedic mantras, finally embarking on a journey they had dreamed of for years.
Among the newlyweds were couples with various physical challenges: some brides or grooms were differently-abled in their legs, some with only one limb, some visually impaired, and even some who walk on their knees or by crawling. Now, these couples will become each other’s strength and support, fulfilling their dream of a happy married life. Most of them underwent free corrective surgeries at the institute and received vocational training in tailoring, mobile repair, and computers, leading them to find self-reliance and their life partners here.
A Traditional & Grand Ceremony
The festivities began at 10 AM with a lively wedding procession (“Bindoli”), where the grooms and brides, dressed in traditional attire, were accompanied by a band, dancing family members, and guests from across the country. Under the divine presence of Lord Shrinathji and Ayodhyapati Shri Ramlala, the grooms performed the ceremonial “Toran” ritual before entering the wedding pavilion.
Garland Exchange & Sacred Vows
At 12:15 PM, on a beautifully decorated stage, each couple received blessings from the institute’s founder, Padma Shri Kailash ‘Manav’ and Smt. Kamla Devi. The brides and grooms exchanged garlands (varmala) with silent consent, as rose petals showered upon them. The traditional “pheras”—seven rounds around the sacred fire—were performed under the guidance of 51 priests, making the ceremonies grand and auspicious.
The event saw the presence of supporters and donors from India and abroad, as well as officials and family members of the newlyweds. Several couples who had previously married at the institute returned with their children, blessing the new couples and sharing stories of their self-reliant, happy lives.
Starting Married Life with Support
Each couple received essential household items—utensils, gas stoves, trunks, crockery, dinner sets, steel containers, beds, mattresses, fans, wall clocks, and more—to start their new life. Additional gifts from donors and guests included jewellery such as mangalsutras, bangles, chains, earrings, nose rings, anklets, rings, and cosmetics.
Celebration & Emotional Farewell
The event featured vibrant wedding songs, dance dramas of Shiva-Parvati and Krishna-Rukmini weddings, and lively performances by guests. A handicraft stall by hearing- and speech-impaired children from the institute’s Mahavir Residential School was also set up, encouraging their creative talents.
The ceremony ended with an emotional farewell, as the newlywed daughters were symbolically sent off in a palanquin with their husbands and families. Institute staff bid them farewell with moist eyes, escorting them with all belongings to the railway station or their respective hometowns by buses arranged by the organisation.
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.