SOCIETY

54 couples tie the nuptial knot at mass marriage in Porbandar

     Porbandar ( Gujarat ): Dozens of Hindu and Muslim couples tied the nuptial knot at a mass marriage ceremony in Porbandar, Gujarat , on Sunday. The wedding ceremony was conducted by the Guru Bhai Bodwaria Trust. The brides and grooms were married off as per traditional Hindu and Muslim rituals in a huge makeshift hall that was erected for the occasion. "This year we have got 54 couples married at this ceremony, out of which 19 people are from minority community and the rest are Hindus. There is also a deaf couple amongst them. Here people from different communities, religions and backgrounds come together under one roof to unite in holy matrimony," said Ram Dev Bodwaria of the Guru Bhai Bodwaria Trust. Mohammad Rafi, a Muslim cleric, expressed delight over the event. "I am here in the capacity of a priest and I am delighted at this beautiful gesture that is taking place here in Porbandar," he said.Gujarat was rocked by large-scale communal riots in 2002, the worst seen in the country in more than a decade in which more than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed. Scars of the riots still remain with even minor incidents sparking clashes. Group marriages are becoming very popular, especially among the economically backward sections of Indian society, as it eases a huge financial burden. The family of a bride is expected to bear the expenses of a lavish wedding and give "dowry" or handsome gifts in cash or kind, to their daughter. Several organisations are now campaigning against high-cost marriages and social evils like dowry. However, multi-faith marriages are still rare and at times trigger tension between communities.
-April 30, 2007    

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