Khordha, April 21: As many as 49 couples tied the knot at a mass marriage ceremony held under the Chief Minister’s Kanya Vivaha Yojana at Barunei–Karunei Peetha in Khordha.

A total of 98 families from the district benefited from the state government’s welfare initiative, aimed at ensuring social security and promoting gender equality. The couples had earlier registered under the scheme through the District Social Welfare Department and completed their court marriages before participating in the traditional Hindu wedding ceremony on the day.

The event was jointly organized by the District Social Welfare Department and the Women and Child Development Department, with support from a leading social organization, People’s Forum.

The scheme has brought relief and joy to economically weaker families, who often struggle to bear the expenses of conducting weddings with dignity.