The marriage of 105 couples were solemnized on Wednesday by the Gwalior Municipal Corporation under the Mukya Mantri Kanyadan evam Nikah Yojana. This yojana was set up by the Government of Madhya Pradesh to help economically backward families get their daughters married off with financial assistance from the government.
As many as 105 young women belonging to various communities and castes got married at the Phoolbagh Maidan amidst mooted celebrations due to the shadow of violence that had rocked the city a few days back. By evening the Phoolbagh Maidan had turned into a sea of humanity with relatives and associates of 105 couples thronging the area. Though there weren’t any processions or wild partying due to section 144, the police and the administration had a tough time controlling the huge number of people.
A few more communal marriages were organized by various social organizations in different parts of the city and rural areas. Communal marriages were also held at the Government Higher Secondary School, Ghatigaon, Krishi Mandi, Dabra, Dhumeshwar Mandir, Bhitarwar and a few other places. Each couple was given Rs 2000.00 cash and clothes and jewelry worth Rs 5000.00.
The birthday of lord Prashuram was celebrated in various places with prayers and poojas held in all the temples. Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister of Rural Development, Panchayat Raj and Mines and Anoop Mishra, Member of Parliament participated in the celebrations held at the Natraj Hall of the Achleshwar Mahadev Mandir and offered prayers. Various Hindu organizations and sadhus paid obeisance to lord Parasuram, the sixth incarnation of Mahavishnu by offering poojas and prayers. Devotees were seen thronging the temples for prayers and fasting due to the strong belief that the merits gained by the pious and good acts on this day are forever. However the customary processions and spiritual demonstrations were missing due to the prohibitory orders.