21 Sikh couples tie the knot in mass marriage ceremony

A mass Sikh wedding was held to enable 21 couples from poor backgrounds to marry

For 21 Sikh couples it was the day that they had always dreamed of, but never thought possible. Thanks to the Prabhandak committee, Gurudwara Saheb Barambala, Sikh Chawniat, Kishanbagh, Hyderabad, the couples were able to celebrate their union in style.

The mass marriage ceremony, or Samuhik Vivaha, was organised to allow the poorest Sikh couples living in Andhra Pradesh to have a wedding day with all of the trappings of a lavish Sikh ceremony, without it costing them a penny. The cost of a traditional Sikh marriage ceremony is simply beyond many couples which is why the mass wedding was held.

The day started with a colourful Baraat, which saw all of the bridegrooms arrive on horseback marking the beginning of proceedings. At 11am the brides joined their husbands-to-be for the marriage service known as Sagai. Later at 7pm Lawn Phere, or the solemnising of the marriage, took place.

The occasion was made extra special with the presence of several government officials, plus some 25,000 people travelled from different parts of India to come and bless the 21 newlyweds.

In order to help the new husbands and wives as they embark on married life, the Minorities Welfare Department gifted each couple with Rs 15,000 worth of household articles.

All 21 Sikh couples extended their sincere thanks to everyone who made their special day possible.