Rajkot, March 12: It’s an amalgamation of both Brahmin priests and Kazis preparing Nikah Namas – all under one roof and at the same time. The Brahmin priests’ shlokas reverberate inside the podium, even as the air fills up with Kazis’ Quran dedications – both imbibing an atmosphere of piety and care, writes Nimesh Khakhariya of The Times of India on March 10, 2024.
This mass marriage, where Hindu and Muslim couples get married under one roof, has been organized in Mota Angiya village of Nakhatrana taluka in Kutch district for four years now.
The village panchayat there also issues marriage certificates on the spot. The event has seen 108 couples tie the knot, out of which 76 were Hindu and the rest Muslim.
From making arrangements for priests and Kazis, a venue, food and sitting arrangements for guests – it’s panchayat’s management!
The TOI report adds that the villagers voluntarily announce gifts, but panchayat ensures that the newlyweds get the maximum things they require to start their new life….
Iqbal Ghanchi, the village sarpanch reportedly said, “The level of intolerance between the communities has increased in the last two decades. There is casteism among Hindus and different Firkas (sects) in Muslims. So, we decided to organize this event to unite the people and understand each other’s cultures and rituals.”
Shamji Bhadru (24) and Heena (22) who got married at the mass marriage said, “The caste-based mass marriages are organized like the Patel community, but this is something unique. A common culture connected us.”
Jubair Bagali (25) who got married to Afsana (20) said that such events keep Hindus and Muslims united in our village. “All the couples met after marriage and congratulated each other. It was the common culture that connected us, making it a very memorable experience.”
