Tirthahalli MLA's son marries in mass wedding ceremony

Shivamogga: In contrast to the lavish weddings, hosted by political families, Tirthahalli MLA Araga Jnanendra set a precedent by choosing to wed his son at a mass marriage ceremony held in the town on Thursday. 

His son, Abhinandan, was one among five bridegrooms to be married at the event organised by the Samuhika Vivaha Sanchalana Samiti. The wedding was attended by state BJP president B.S. Yeddyurappa and party leaders B.Y. Raghavendra and Shobha Karandlaje and others.

Pointing out that agrarian families often borrow money to spend on weddings, Jnanendra suggested that elected representatives can set an example for the public by reducing the marriage expenses and promoting such mass weddings.

Earlier, in the year 2017, Jnanendra had married his daughter in a ‘Mantra Mangalya’ wedding advocated by Kuvempu. This distinct ceremony is officiated by elders of both families, or well-wishers, and leaves no room for the practice of dowry or the presence of priests.

Since the model code of conduct has come into force, the Election Commission deputed a flying squad and a video surveillance squad at the venue.