Day One Filled with Joyous Rituals – Haldi, Mehendi, and Melodies of Women’s Sangeet
51 Couples to Tie the Knot Today in a Grand Ceremony; Guests from Four Continents to Bless the Newlyweds
Udaipur, February 8 – When dreams were woven in their eyes, words failed to express them. Hopes soared, but the world turned a blind eye. Today, those unspoken dreams are finding a home at Narayan Seva Sansthan.
At the Seva Mahatirth in Badi, the 43rd two-day mass wedding for differently-abled and underprivileged couples commenced with traditional Haldi and Mehendi ceremonies, marking the beginning of a sacred journey from the rituals to the final vows. On Sunday, 51 couples will take the seven sacred vows, promising a lifetime of companionship.
Inauguration with Blessings
The wedding festivities began with the installation of Lord Vinayak, invoking divine blessings for a smooth and auspicious ceremony. The event was inaugurated by Padma Shri awardee and founder of Narayan Seva Sansthan, Kailash ‘Manav’, co-founder Kamla Devi, President Prashant Agarwal, and Director Vandana Agarwal.
Adding to the grandeur, nearly 800 guests from across the world, including visitors from Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe, joined hands with Indian well-wishers from Rajasthan and various other states to bless the newlyweds.
Overcoming Physical Challenges with Love and Support
Among the 51 couples uniting in matrimony, many have faced extraordinary challenges—some without limbs, some visually impaired, and others hard of hearing. Despite their struggles, Narayan Seva Sansthan has provided them with medical care, rehabilitation, and vocational training, helping them become self-reliant. Now, with this wedding, they step into a new life, finding strength in each other.
Traditional Rituals Amidst Festive Cheer
With the echoes of Rajasthan’s traditional wedding songs, the Haldi and Mehendi rituals were performed with immense joy. Co-founder Kamla Devi and Director Vandana Agarwal, along with the families of the brides, led the ceremonies, blessing the couples.
The venue resounded with celebratory songs like:
- “Haldi lagao ri, tel chadhayo ri…”
- “Banni ka gora badan damkao ri…”
- “Mehendi ko rang surang nipje malwe ji…”
Relatives of both the brides and grooms danced enthusiastically, smearing the couple with turmeric and adorning their hands and feet with Mehendi. Some moments of deep emotion were witnessed when Indore’s groom, Dharmdas, who has no arms, had Haldi applied to his shoulders and Mehendi on his feet. Similarly, bride Sajjan, with amputated arms, had her Mehendi applied as part of the sacred ritual.
Words of Encouragement and Technological Advancements for the Differently-Abled
Welcoming the esteemed guests and donors, President Prashant Agarwal emphasized that many of the couples getting married have undergone medical procedures at the Sansthan and received skill training for self-sufficiency.
He also announced a groundbreaking initiative—Narayan Seva Sansthan is soon adopting world-class, cutting-edge technology for the manufacturing of prosthetic limbs, which will significantly enhance the lives of the differently-abled.
Founder Kailash ‘Manav’ and Kamla Devi Agarwal bestowed their blessings upon the 102 brides and grooms, praying for their blissful married life. In a heartfelt gesture, the donors who played the role of ‘Dharm Mata-Pita’ (spiritual parents) and performed the symbolic Kanyadaan were honored.
An Evening of Music, Dance, and Joy
The first day’s festivities culminated in an energetic and joyous Sangeet night, where the beats of the dholak and traditional folk music turned the venue into a celebration of love, resilience, and new beginnings.
Grand Wedding Ceremony on Sunday
On Sunday morning at 10 AM, the 51 grooms will arrive for the Torana and Varmala ceremony, followed by the main wedding rituals conducted under the guidance of Vedic scholars. With the sacred fire as a witness, the couples will take their seven vows, uniting as life partners.
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.
