Agra, Dec 15 (IANS) Hindu marriages are becoming costlier each year, causing a great deal of stress and anxiety in middle class families. The only way to alleviate the financial burden is to promote community mass marriages, according to leaders at the 14th Agrawal Maha Sabha-sponsored mass marriage programme here.
The event was held Monday evening.

It was a rare spectacle to see thousands of family members and anxious friends dance with joy as 52 brides and grooms entered wedlock. The couples were showered with blessings and flower petals. They were also given presents to help them start their family life on a sound plank, Pawan Agri, who conducted the proceedings said.

The organisers hosted a feast for 10,000 guests.

Chairman of Amar Ujala group of publications, Ashok Agrawal said he was impressed with the significant participation of the youth. “The involvement of the younger generation is indeed a great achievement and a good omen for the future.”

The Brahmin Maha Sabha is organising a similar mass marriage next week where a dozen couples will enter wedlock. The Mathurs, the Guptas, Diwakar Samaj and other caste organisations are also preparing for their respective mass marriage programmes that will continue till the end of January.

About 1,100 prospective grooms and brides have registered for the coming mass wedding programme, a Brahmin Sabha spokesperson said.