Udaipur: A two-day 45th free mass wedding ceremony for divyang (specially-abled) and economically weaker couples organized by Narayan Seva Sansthan concluded on Sunday at its service campus in Liyon Ka Guda, Udaipur. The grand event delivered a powerful national message of social unity, equal opportunity, and humanitarian compassion.
In this remarkable ceremony, 51 couples from different states of India—including specially-abled individuals and those from economically weaker backgrounds—began their married life by taking the seven sacred vows around the holy fire amidst Vedic chanting.
Among these couples were individuals facing various forms of disabilities—some with mobility impairments, some missing a limb, some visually impaired, and others requiring support to walk. Having faced many challenges in life, these couples will now move forward together, supporting each other and building a hopeful future.
Notably, many of these couples had earlier received free corrective surgeries, artificial limbs, calipers, and rehabilitation services at the institute. They also gained skills such as tailoring, mobile repairing, computer training, and other vocational programs to become self-reliant. In many cases, the institution also helped them find suitable life partners.
Out of the 51 couples, 25 are specially-abled while 26 belong to economically weaker sections of society.
Madhu Bhoi from Khempura, Udaipur, is physically challenged in her left leg but leads an independent life with determination. After her father’s passing, she supported her family by working at a beauty parlor. Her life partner is Santosh Lodha from Naulana village in Indore district, who was affected by paralysis at the age of six months but now works as a school teacher. The two met at a social event, and their conversations over the phone eventually led them to the sacred wedding pavilion.
Rajesh from Morena, Madhya Pradesh, was born with a deformity in his legs but has become self-reliant by running an e-Mitra center and supporting his family. His life partner Rajkumari from Barauna village in Bhind district is hearing and speech impaired. Their friendship began during a social program and gradually blossomed into a lifelong relationship.
At 10:00 AM on March 15, all 51 couples were welcomed with traditional musical instruments and auspicious chants. The ceremonial Toran ritual was performed in the divine presence of Shrinathji with Vedic recitations, attended by guests, supporters, and family members from across the country.
At 12:15 PM, on a beautifully decorated stage filled with flowers, the newlyweds received blessings from the institution’s founder Kailash 'Manav' Agarwal, a recipient of the Padma Shri, and Kamla Devi. In the presence of institution president Prashant Agarwal, director Vandana Agarwal, and Palak Agarwal, the couples exchanged garlands, formally accepting each other as life partners while rose petals showered over them.
A total of 51 altars were set up, where 51 priests, guided by a chief priest, conducted the wedding rituals according to Vedic traditions. Donors, social workers, representatives from various branches of the institution, and family members from India and abroad witnessed the historic moment.
Couples who had been married in previous mass wedding ceremonies organized by the institution also attended the event. They shared their inspiring journeys, explaining how the organization’s support helped them lead dignified and self-reliant lives while integrating confidently into mainstream society.
Each newly married couple received household essentials to begin their new life, including a bed, bedding, cupboard, utensils, gas stove, dinner set, fan, wall clock, and other necessities. Donors and guests also gifted mangalsutra, bangles, chains, earrings, toe rings, anklets, rings, and cosmetic items.
Cultural dance dramas based on the divine weddings of Shiva and Parvati, and Krishna and Rukmini added grandeur to the event. After the ceremony, the symbolic bridal farewell (Doli Vidai) created an emotional atmosphere as the institution family bid farewell to the brides with heartfelt blessings and arranged their safe travel to their hometowns.
The event also witnessed devotional presentations of five forms of Lord Krishna—Dwarkadhish, Sanwariya Seth, Khatu Shyam, Vitthalesh, and Shrinathji—which filled the venue with a spiritual ambiance. Later, divine representations of Ganesha with Riddhi-Siddhi, Krishna-Rukmini, Shiva-Parvati, Rama with Sita, and Vishnu with Lakshmi blessed the couples during the garland ceremony.
Institution President Prashant Agarwal said,
“The objective of Narayan Seva Sansthan is not only to organize marriages but also to provide dignity, confidence, and opportunities for self-reliant lives to specially-abled individuals. When society moves forward with compassion and service, a harmonious and strong India can be built.”
Chief guests including Darshana Mehta, Yash Mehta, and Om Prakash Soni, along with many social workers, donors, and distinguished guests, were present on the occasion.
Notably, the institution has so far organized marriages for 2,510 specially-abled and underprivileged couples, most of whom are now living happy and stable family lives.