Sayed Habib, Udaipur.
Dreams that once seemed impossible turned into reality on Sunday as 51 differently-abled and underprivileged couples tied the knot at the 44th Divyang and Economically Weaker Section Free Mass Wedding Ceremony organized by Narayan Seva Sansthan at its Seva Mahatirth, Leprosy Colony, Udaipur.
Amid the chanting of Vedic hymns and in the sacred presence of fire, the couples held each other’s hands and stepped into a new journey that they had been dreaming of for years.
From Limitations to Strength
Among the brides and grooms were those who are differently-abled in various ways—some with partial or complete disability in legs, some with one hand, some visually impaired, while others who could only walk on their knees or by dragging themselves forward. Yet, on this day, every couple became each other’s strength, eyes, and support to begin a household filled with hope.
Many of these couples had earlier undergone free corrective surgeries at Narayan Seva Sansthan. They were also trained in skills like tailoring, mobile repairing, and computer education, enabling them to become self-reliant. It was within the same institution that most of them also found their life partners.
Procession and Rituals
The grand ceremony began at 10 a.m. with a vibrant Bindoli (traditional procession). Dressed in traditional wedding attire, the brides and grooms marched with music bands leading the way, accompanied by relatives, guests from across India, and well-wishers. The grooms then performed the Torana ritual in the presence of the divine images of Lord Shrinathji and Lord Ram Lalla before entering the beautifully decorated wedding pavilion.
Garland Exchange Amid Flower Showers
At 12:15 p.m., on a stage decorated with colorful flower garlands, the brides and grooms exchanged varmalas (wedding garlands). They first received blessings from institution founder Padma Shri awardee Kailash “Manav” and Mrs. Kamla Devi, followed by the institution’s President Prashant Agarwal, Director Vandana Agarwal, and Palak Agarwal. As the couples garlanded each other, rose petals rained from above, creating a divine atmosphere of joy and togetherness.
Sacred Fire and Seven Vows
The marriage rituals were solemnized through the traditional saptapadi (seven sacred vows) around the holy fire. Each couple was seated at a separate altar with one priest, and the entire ceremony was conducted under the guidance of a chief priest along with 51 assisting priests. Donors, coordinators, and representatives from across India and abroad witnessed this heart-touching mass wedding, which was nothing short of a grand spiritual congregation.
Inspiration from Former Couples
The event also welcomed couples who had tied the knot in earlier ceremonies of the institution. Sachin and Padma, a differently-abled couple from Mumbai who married in 2020, shared their experience. They said, “We never imagined such a life. Today, we are not only self-reliant but also proud parents to our one-year-old child. Narayan Seva Sansthan gave us dignity, happiness, and a chance to be part of mainstream society.” Their words moved everyone present and inspired the newlyweds.
Household Gifts for a New Beginning
To support the couples in starting their new lives, the institution gifted them essential household items such as utensils, gas stove, trunk, crockery set, steel wardrobe, bed, mattress, fan, and wall clock. Donors and guests also presented jewelry items including mangalsutra, bangles, earrings, anklets, nose rings, toe rings, rings, and beauty products, ensuring that the brides could begin their married life with pride and joy.
Cultural Programs and Handicrafts
The ceremony also featured cultural dance dramas depicting the weddings of Lord Shiva-Parvati and Lord Krishna-Rukmini, which delighted the audience. Guests enthusiastically purchased handicrafts made by hearing and speech-impaired children of Narayan Seva Sansthan’s residential school, thereby encouraging their artistic talent.
An Emotional Farewell
As the ceremony concluded, the brides were given a symbolic farewell in decorated palanquins, leaving the wedding ground with their husbands and families. Members of the Sansthan bid them goodbye with tearful eyes, blessing them for a bright and prosperous future. The couples were later escorted to railway stations and their hometowns by buses along with their families and belongings.
