Belthangady: Around 102 couples married in the free mass marriage organised by the Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala in the temple town on Wednesday. It was the 48th annual mass marriage organised in Dharmasthala.
Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr D Veerendra Heggade, who presided over the programme, expressed happiness on the fact that the mass marriages being held here had inspired for the conduction of similar programmes all over the state now.
"The society has become stronger now. People have drawn benefits from our rural development project, and through the savings they could accumulate, have been becoming financially stronger in addition to meeting their needs. This is reflected in the dwindling number of couples coming forward to get married in mass marriage programmes. This is a development that brings cheers to us. Couples which got married here in the past 47 years have been leading a mutually satisfying life. With the best wishes of thousands of people and blessings of Gurus and elders, the relationships between the bride and groom get strengthened over the years,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, State minister for health and family welfare Shivanand Patil said, the mass marriage programmes being organized by Dharmasthala establishment every year as per the basic tenets of the religion on the basis of religion and without unnecessary expenses, upholds high and noble values in the society. Therefore, the mass marriage programmes at Dharmasthala have become a role model for other such programmes.
Sandalwood actor Shiva Rajkumar who participated in the programme addressed the newlyweds and said that they are lucky to marry in the presence of Lord Manjunatha Swamy and Dr Heggade. He recollected that his father, Dr Rajkumar, had taken part in the 25th mass marriage programme here. He also sang two popular songs sung by his late father on the occasion.
