Cuttack, Mar 13: A total of 110 couples tied the knot in a grand mass wedding ceremony at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Cuttack on Thursday, under the state government’s flagship Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana. The initiative provides financial assistance and a dignified platform for brides and grooms from economically weaker sections, easing the burden of wedding expenses.
The marriages were solemnized according to traditional Vedic rituals, with all couples sharing a single mandap, taking vows of companionship for seven lifetimes. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida personally performed the ceremonies, blessing the newlyweds and highlighting the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and dignity.
Speaking at the event, Parida said, “We need to take a pledge to improve the status of women, prevent child marriage, promote widow remarriage, eliminate gender inequality, and reduce the gap between boys and girls. I congratulate all the couples who tied the knot today. On behalf of the Women and Child Welfare Department, I thank Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for enabling us to organize such a meaningful event.”
The Cuttack ceremony marks the second phase of the scheme, following the inaugural mass marriage in Ganjam district. Similar ceremonies were also held in Sundargarh on the same day, expanding the initiative across the state.
Launched earlier this year by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana provides around Rs 60,000 per eligible bride, promoting dowry-free marriages, encouraging marriage registration, and supporting widow remarriages. The government has allocated approximately Rs 12 crore annually, with a total provision of Rs 60 crore over five years (2025-26 to 2029-30), ensuring broad coverage for deserving families.
Newlyweds expressed joy and gratitude, describing the scheme as a “blessing” that helps prevent dowry while fostering strong family foundations. One couple said, “This initiative builds a strong, equitable society by removing financial barriers and supporting young couples to start life together with dignity.”
