Puri, April 20: In a significant welfare initiative, the district administration will organize a mass wedding ceremony for 70 underprivileged couples on April 21 under the Chief Minister’s Kanyadaan scheme. The move comes in response to requests from economically weaker families who are unable to bear the expenses of marriage and associated feasts.
The ceremony will be conducted with full traditional rituals, with priests chanting Vedic mantras in the presence of family members from both sides. The couples will solemnize their union through sacred fire rituals and take lifelong marital vows.
Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida is scheduled to attend the event as the chief guest. The District Collector and other senior officials will also remain present. The programme is being organized by the District Social Welfare Department.
According to District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Tanuprabha Beura, the event will commence at around 10 AM at Bagala Dharmashala. All necessary arrangements, including wedding logistics and feast, have been put in place.
Post-ceremony, arrangements have been made to escort the brides to their in-laws’ homes, with the Odisha Patita Uddhar Samiti entrusted with this responsibility.
This marks the first such initiative in Puri. A final review meeting is scheduled on Monday to assess preparedness, after which detailed information will be shared.
