The two-day 45th free mass marriage ceremony of the disabled and the poor, organized at the Seva Mahatirtha, Lyon Ka Guda campus of Narayan Seva Sansthan, dedicated to the empowerment of the disabled and social harmony, concluded on Sunday with a sweet confluence of emotions, blessings and human sympathy. In this event, 51 disabled and economically weaker section couples from different states of the country started a new journey of life by taking seven rounds while chanting Vedic mantras and witnessing the sacred fire. These couples included many young men and women who did not give up on life despite having various types of disabilities. Some are disabled with legs, some with one hand or leg, and some are visually impaired. These couples, who have gone through the difficult paths of life, will now support each other and move forward with new dreams. It is noteworthy that most of the couples received free surgeries, prostheses, callipers and rehabilitation services at the institute itself and took the path to self-reliance through skill training.
Of the 51 couples involved in mass marriage, 25 are handicapped and 26 are from economically weaker section. Vijay Gamar of Banaskantha district of Gujarat chose Manju of Chikhla Guda of Udaipur, who is handicapped in legs, as his life partner. Vijay says that Manju may be physically disabled, but he is confident that she will fill his life with happiness and hope. All the couples were welcomed and the Toran ceremony was completed at 10 am in the morning amidst traditional rituals, seven rounds, with traditional musical instruments and auspicious sounds. After this, the bride and groom garlanded each other on a stage decorated with flowers. On 51 altars, the Acharyas performed seven rounds with Vedic chanting, where with each round, seven sacred words to remain together throughout life echoed. Every couple was gifted a bed, bedding, cupboard, utensils, gas stove, dinner set, fan and other necessary materials for setting up a new household. Kanyadanis and guests also blessed the newlyweds by giving them mangalsutra, bangles, anklets and other gifts.
Cultural presentations and emotional farewell ceremony: Cultural presentations based on the marriage of Shiva-Parvati and Krishna-Rukmini made the atmosphere devotional. After the marriage, the moments of symbolic Doli farewell of the newlyweds made the atmosphere emotional, where tears of happiness and emotions were seen flowing together. Message of building a harmonious society: Institute President Prashant Aggarwal said that the aim of the institute is to provide respect, self-confidence and an opportunity for a self-reliant life to the disabled people. He said that only when the society moves forward with the spirit of compassion and service, building a harmonious and strong India is possible. Chief guests of the ceremony including Darshana Mehta, Yash Mehta and Om Prakash Soni, institute founder Padmashree Kailash ‘Manav’, Kamla Devi, Vandana Aggarwal, Palak Aggarwal and many other guests, donors and social workers were present. So far, marriages of 2510 disabled and poor young men and women have been solemnized in the institute.
