Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal

Bantwal, March 9: A mass engagement ceremony was conducted at the Punjalakatte Pilathabetu Primary Agricultural Co-operative Society Hall on Sunday, March 9, in preparation for the 17th free mass marriage Event, which is scheduled to take place on March 16 at the Punjalakatte Bangla Maidan. The event was organised by the Punjalakatte Swastik Friends Club.

Nagesh Prabhu, the president of the Punjalakatte Shri Gopalakrishna Temple, inaugurated the ceremony and expressed his thoughts, stating that mass weddings, as opposed to expensive individual weddings, are a great social service. He added that such events are truly beneficial to the community.

Bantwal sub-divisional officer Naveen Benjanapadavu, who chaired the event, spoke about the rising divorce rates in today’s society, expressing concern over this issue. He noted that peaceful and prosperous married life can only be achieved when the husband and wife understand each other.

M Tungappa Bangera, the founder president of the Swastik Friends Club, welcomed the initiative and said that mass weddings are a significant way for economically disadvantaged and backward communities to celebrate weddings in a grand manner, something that would otherwise be impossible due to financial constraints.

The ceremony also saw the distribution of bridal garments by contractor Ajjadi Babu Rajendra Shetty, Shushanth Karkera, president of the Kuttile Brahma Badarkala Garadi Committee, and Sadananth Poojari, president of the Korantabettu Shri Brahma Badarkala Garadi.

Several dignitaries were present, including Santosh Sunil, principal of Murje Narayana Guru Residential School; Yamunappa Koravara, development officer of Pilathabetu Grama Panchayat; grama panchayat member Kanthappa Karkera; Kabaddi referee committee secretary Francis V V; businessman Nitin Shetty from Murje; club president Prashanth Punjalakatte; former presidents Madhav Bangera and Ravi Shankar Holla; vice president of the Pilathabetu Agricultural Cooperative Society Ravi Shankar Holla; librarian Amrita S; and others such as Harish Naak, Rafiq R D S, Hemant, and Dhanraj.

Girish Salyan Hegdebettu and Harish Poojari served as Gurikars, following traditional customs by exchanging gifts including betel leaves, areca nuts, and jasmine flowers. During the ceremony, eight couples were presented with bridal garments. The families of the brides and grooms also took part in the event.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, staff members of B C Road Amar Printers were honoured for their support. Former president Prabhakar P M extended a warm welcome to everyone, while H K Nayanadu compered the event.