Daijiworld Media Network – Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Apr 20: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Sunday hailed the significance of community weddings in fostering societal unity and offering economic relief to families, as he participated in a mass wedding ceremony hosted by the Rabari community in Ahmedabad.

“Community weddings promote unity within society. Such weddings also provide financial relief to families,” said CM Patel, speaking at the grand ceremony where 16 couples were married in a shared celebration of tradition and togetherness.

Organised by the family of Jayrambhai Motibhai Desai of the Surpura Rabari Samaj, the event drew wide community participation. As part of the sacred ‘Kanyadaan’ ritual, the Chief Minister also presented gifts to the brides, marking the state’s support for inclusive social practices.

The mass gathering saw attendance from prominent figures including Mahant Jayramgiri Bapu of Valinath Dham, Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibhaben Jain, Rajya Sabha MP Babubhai Desai, MP Mayank Nayak, and MLAs Harshad Patel, Jitubhai Patel, Mavjibhai Desai, along with Deputy Mayor Jatin Patel and Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani.

Thousands of Rabari community members, spiritual leaders, and well-wishers gathered to bless the newlyweds and celebrate their shared heritage.

The Rabaris, a historically pastoral and nomadic group, form a significant social community in Gujarat, particularly in regions such as Kutch, Banaskantha, Patan, Mehsana, and Saurashtra. Renowned for their deep cultural roots and association with livestock rearing, they are classified under the Other Backward Classes (OBC), availing of benefits in education and employment.

Social cohesion remains a cornerstone of Rabari identity, reflected in mass weddings, spiritual congregations, and cultural traditions. Their traditional panchayats still serve as guiding institutions, resolving disputes and preserving age-old values.

In parts of North Gujarat, the Rabari community also wields considerable political influence, making their events an important socio-political gathering for local leaders and policy-makers.

By championing such collective initiatives, the Gujarat government reiterates its commitment to inclusive growth and cultural respect, with mass weddings symbolising both economic sensibility and social solidarity.