THE MOMENT HAS ARRIVED: Newly-wed couples are awestruck at the mass marriages conducted by the Hyderabad Welfare Society at the Exhibition grounds on Sunday. - Photo: Mohd. Yousuf

Hyderabad: It was a grand carnival which saw participation of people cutting across religious lines. And why not when everyone had a stake in it. The idea of Muslims, Hindus and Christians sharing their joyous moments is no wishful thinking.

It actually happened at the Exhibition grounds here on Sunday when 51 couples belonging to different communities tied the nuptial knot. There was an air of camaraderie and solidarity as 27 Muslim, 17 Hindu and seven Christian couples entered into wedlock in a mass marriage arranged by the Hyderabad Welfare Society (HWS). The marriages were performed as per the religious rites of the couples.

The brides and grooms turned up in their wedding best. While the Muslim grooms sat on a dais, the Hindu and Christian couples sat in a row of flower-bedecked `mandapams.' Gynani Gospellers band played as the ceremony was in progress. For the parents of the marrying couples it was dream come true.

Many of them couldn't think of marrying of their daughters without spending a pie. Some shed tears of joy while others uttered silent prayers for the HWS which made the whole thing possible. There was also a modest trousseau for each bride. It comprised an iron cot, bed, almirah, suitcase, a showcase, clothes and household utensils. The HWS incurred expenditure of Rs. 18,000 on each marriage. Not just this. There was also a sumptuous feast for the kith and kin of the couples.

Zahid Ali Khan, Editor of Siasat and patron of the HWS, said the excessive spending by the rich in marriages had set a bad precedent with the result the poor and middle class families found it difficult to marry of their daughters. The HWS commenced the practice of marrying off the poor in 1985 with a single marriage. And over the years the number had increased to 51.

Housing needs

The coming together of people of different communities on a common platform augured well for the country. Mr. Khan felt the HWS should look into the housing, education and other needs of the newly-weds.

Shiv Prasad, president, City Congress Committee, said the mass marriage was a best example of national integration. Donors who contributed to the HWS were felicitated. Earlier, Haji Ghouse Khan, president, HWS, welcomed the gathering.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail