Mangalore: Sixteen Couples Tie the Knot at Mass Marriage Ceremony
Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Nov 23: Sixteen couples belonging to the Beary community tied the nuptial knot at a mass marriage ceremony organised by Al Wafa Charitable Trust at Unity Hall, Thokkottu, here on November 23.
The 'Nikah' was solemnized by Mangalore Qazi Twaka Ahmed Musliar while Udupi Qazi P M Ibrahim Musliyar Bekal inaugurated the programme.
In his address, MLA U T Khader urged Muslims to involve themselves in charity work and strive for the betterment of the community. He lauded the organizers for holding the mass marriage ceremony twice in a year, and added that it helps poor families afford a good wedding and also gets rid of the system of dowry. He gave his full support to the cause.
Chairman of Al Wafa Trust Mohammed Badruddin presided over the function. He said that the Trust aims to support the needy in the community by helping them with their education, improving their means to earn livelihood and so on. He explained the purpose behing holding a mass marriage ceremony and said that it was to help poor families who could not afford a decent marriage for their sons and daughters.
Qazi Musliyar appreciated the concept of mass marriage and said that the because of the dowry system, many girls in the community are left unmarried, and urged the community members to focus on helping them get settled in life. He termed the mass marriage ceremony an example for others to follow.
Each couple was presented with five sovereigns of gold, clothes worth Rs 12,000 and meals for their relatives.
Al Wafa Trust general secretary Umar U H welcomed the gathering.
Former state education minister B A Mohidin, South Canara Muslim Welfare Association-Doha president Abdullah Monu Mohidin were the chief guests, along with businessman Mohammed Ullal Soofi and Sunni leader Hathim Kanchi.
President of fishmeal and oil manufacturing M Shaukat Shauri, proprietor of Vishwas Bava Builders Abdul Rauf Puttige and others were present.
G Mohammed Haneef proposed the vote of thanks.