Belthangadi: 102 couples entered into wedlock at the 46th annual free mass wedding ceremony in Dharmasthala at the auspicious hour of Goudhuli Lagna on Thursday, May 4.
Renowned Kannada movie actor Yash and his wife Radhika wished all the newly weds and lauded the village development projects carried out by Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala under Dr.Veerendra Heggade’s guidance, especially in the field lake rejuvenation.
The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Veerendra Heggde and spoke about the importance of marriage in human life and marriage bond in Indian system.
As many as 12029 pairs have entered into wedlock till date. Out of the 102 couples that tied the nuptial knot on Thursday, 11 couples hailed from Dakshina Kannada district, 85 from different districts of the state along with six from neighbouring state of Kerala. While most of the couples belonged to Hindu communities, 11 of them were inter-caste groups.
Physically challenged Kiran from Udupi and Sridevi from Karkala became the 12,000th pair and a special platform was erected for them during the ceremony.
The brides were presented with a mangalsutra , saree and a blouse whereas bridegrooms received shawl, dhoti and shirt material free of cost on the occasion.
DGP-CID Ashok Chandra, MLA K Vasanth Bangera, MLA Abhayachandra Jain were among those present.
