The much touted marriage between a pair of dolls was solemnised on Thursday evening here as per schedule with pomp.

The marriage venue was the Defence Colony near the KV Baleswar and the groom’s procession began from Gandhismurti  Bhawan.

The groom arrived at the colony in a procession which witnessed light, crackers, drums, dances and traditional martial art show. The groom along with his party was received by the family members of the bride like in any other marriage.

The event is being observed symbolically for last six years to popularize the lacquer works, an indigenous art of the district. This year the name of the bride and groom were Padmavati and Purosottam respectively.

DRDO senior scientist and additional director of ITR Dr Binay Das acted as bride’s father, while PHED assistant engineer Ashok Mohapatra was groom’s father. A lavish banquet was thrown on the occasion.

Dr Das said, “I and my family feel fortunate to be representing the bride’s side. The tying of nuptial knot was held very peacefully. The residents especially the women and children  participated with a great enthusiasm.” Kesu Das, a key organizer, said, ‘Although the marriage between in the district was initiated by BKK, Baleswari Kala Kendra in a small way, yet now it has gained enough popularity and is observed by a committee comprising  civil society members.”

Subasini Jena, a culture lover and key founder member of lacquer dolls’ marriage committee, said, “The prime objective of the doll’s marriage was to promote and propagate the lacquer works. A considerable degree of success has been achieved in last 6 years in this direction,” adding that efforts should be made to see that the artisans get adequate market to sell their products.