Mass Marriage at Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala: 192 Couples Enter Wedlock
 
Pics: Janani Dharmasthala
Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (PS)
 
Beltangady, Apr 27: With the object of simplifying and thereby curbing wedding expenditure and to attain harmony in the society, a mass marriage ceremony was organized by Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala here on Wednesday April 27.

As many as 192 couples entered into wedlock on the day. State tourism minister Janardhan Reddy was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, he appreciated the efforts of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala and Dr Veerendra Heggade in assisting the couples and their families in bringing them together in such a harmonious union.

The 40th annual mass marriage ceremony was held irrespective of caste or creed, and couples from different communities like Jain, Veerashaiva, Gowda, Bunts, Konkani, Mogaveer, Devadiga, Koraga among others entered into wedlock.

Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade and Hemavathi Heggade gave away a set of saree, blouse, shawl and dhothi to each of the couples. Dr Heggade blessed them on the occasion.
 
Out of the 192, 52 couples were from Dakshina Kannada, 30 from Udupi, 16 from Hassan, 15 from Shimoga, 2 from Bangalore, 4 from Mysore, 16 from Chikmagalur, 9 from Haveri, 16 from Dharwad, 8 from Uttar Kannada, 6 from Davangere, 5 from Kerala, and other districts. There were also 10 inter-caste unions.

In all, 119 couple were coolies, 27 from agricultural occupation, 4 engaged in business, 12 drivers, 9 private employees, 8 government employees, 9 factory workers and a tailor, a carpenter, a barber and a weaver each.
 
A sum of Rs 8, 515 was spent on each couple, including Rs 5,965 for mangalasutra, Rs 450 each for saree/blouse and Rs 450 for shawl/dhothi/shirt, Rs 300 for religious rituals, Rs 1,050 for meals (for 20 persons) and Rs 300 on other expenses.