PUNE: Punyadham Ashram, a charitable institution of Vishwa Jagriti Mission Trust, Pune, organized its annual Mass Marriages ceremony on December 9th, 2023, where 12 couples from different parts of Maharashtra tied the knot in a grand celebration. The event was a heartwarming experience for all who had the opportunity to witness it, and it marked the 8th year of this unique function, with 132 couples wedding to date.
The Mass Marriages ceremony is a noble initiative of Punyadham Ashram, which aims to support the neediest section of society by organizing weddings for girls whose families cannot afford the expenses of an elaborate wedding. The event is organized without any expense or dowry, and it is trying to bring about a change in the mindset of the populace by discouraging the custom of dowry.
The excitement, energy, and anticipation of over 2000 people at the venue were infectious, with all the hustle-bustle of wedding arrangements, the sounds of shehnai, floral decorations, and the festive atmosphere everywhere in Punyadham. The brides looked radiant in Gold-Red sarees and beautifully adorned jewelry, and the grooms smartly dressed in ‘Sherwanis, phetas & mojris’. The groom’s baraat procession came in with all the baraatis dancing, and the brides’ families eagerly awaited to welcome the grooms.
Finally, after the grooms joined their respective brides in the beautifully decorated mandap, the learned pandits started chanting the wedding rituals. The marriage ceremony was performed in traditional Maharashtrian antarpat, followed by the pheras and the kanyadaan ceremony, in the presence of esteemed guests.
The day became even more special with the gracious presence of eminent personalities, including Ex-mayor of Pune- Prashantdada Jagtap, Former M.L.A Mahadev Babar, Kondhwa P.I Corporator-Nandatai Lonkar, Nagar Sevika Sangitatai Thosar, Corporator-Gafur Pathan, and many more.
After all the traditional rituals, it was time for the Chairperson Maa Krishna Kashyap, President Sadananda Shetty, the Trustees, and the special guests to bless the young couples with gifts and trousseau, consisting of household items, dinner sets, cooker, blankets, new sarees, and salwar-kameez sets., to help the newlyweds start their married life.
“Every year Punyadham Ashram organizes Mass Marriage of girls whose families cannot afford the expenses of an elaborate wedding. The girls are supported to fulfill their dreams of having a beautiful wedding ceremony with their families & friends. This unique institution is trying to bring about a change in the mindset of the populace by discouraging the custom of dowry”, said Maa Krishna Kashyap, Chairperson, who has made ‘Service to God through Service to Humanity’ her mission in life!
It was heartwarming to see couples who were married a few years ago come together to celebrate this special occasion. All the guests were treated to a lavish Maharashtrian lunch, which was enjoyed thoroughly by all.
The whole credit for this immensely noble initiative goes to Maa Krishna Kashyap, who meticulously planned this massive event, which was perfectly executed. Without her dedicated support, gracious presence, and inspiration, none of the activities of Punyadham Ashram are possible.
Punyadham Ashram’s annual Mass Marriages ceremony was a grand success, and it marked another milestone in the institution’s noble initiative to support the most needy section of society. The event was a heartwarming experience for all who witnessed it, and it showcased the power of love, compassion, and community spirit.
