
24 couples tie the knot at free mass wedding in Nanjangud
Mysuru: As many as 24 couples tied the knot at a free mass wedding at Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud here on Thursday. The mass wedding was part of the Mangalya Bhagya scheme — an initiative by the Karnataka govt promoting simple weddings for economically disadvantaged families.
P Shivaraju, additional deputy commissioner (ADC), who presided over the mass wedding, emphasised the importance of financial prudence during life's milestones. "There is no need to take loans for weddings. Simple ceremonies can set an example for others and prevent families from falling into debt," he said.
Launched in 2020, Mangalya Bhagya is a flagship programme organised by the district administration and the department of Hindu religious institutions and charitable endowments.
It aims to support poor and middle-income families by covering wedding expenses, ensuring that financial constraints don't stand in the way of a new beginning, the ADC said.
Shivaraju expressed optimism about the growing impact of the initiative, stating, "This year, 24 couples are beginning a new chapter without the burden of debt. We hope to see that number grow to at least 100 in the coming year."
Srikantha, president of the Nanjangud City Municipal Council, commended the programme as a "thoughtful and practical approach" to reducing unnecessary expenditure and supporting community welfare. "Such events bring dignity and convenience to families who might otherwise struggle to afford wedding costs," he added.
The ceremony was also attended by tahsildar Shivakumar Kasanur and Jagadeesh Kumar from Srikanteshwara Temple.

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