Mass Wedding of 101 Couples Held in Gumla Village
A heartwarming mass marriage ceremony for 101 couples, including orphans and individuals from economically weaker sections, was solemnized at Telgaon village in Gumla, Jharkhand, on Sunday. This significant social event brought together couples from diverse backgrounds, with 68 belonging to tribal communities and 33 from the Sadan community, highlighting a beautiful blend of cultures and traditions.
Organizer's Noble Mission
Retired police officer Jagarnath Oraon, the driving force behind this initiative, has been instrumental in facilitating marriages for the underprivileged since 2021. "I organize marriages for the poor and those who lost their parents or are children of single parents," said Oraon, who has successfully married over 600 couples free of cost to date. His dedication to this cause has provided a new beginning for many who otherwise might not have been able to afford a wedding.
Emotional Testimonials from the Couples
Several couples shared their heartfelt experiences, emphasizing the emotional and financial support they received. Raj Kumar Oraon of Kurumgarh village, Nishant Oraon of Kundo village, and Sandeep Oraon of Lohardaga expressed their gratitude, stating, "We don't have parents. Here, we got blessings from the villagers and organizers." Another youth, Suraj Mahli, added, "We are poor and unable to arrange our marriage. So I came here for marriage." These testimonials underscore the profound impact of the event on the lives of the participants.
Community Involvement and Cultural Richness
The villagers played a crucial role in hosting the event, contributing food and other essentials for the marriage feast, ensuring that both the brides' and grooms' parties were well taken care of. The ceremony was a vibrant display of cultural heritage, with the tribal tradition of Yera-Sundari performed by three village women: Shanti Oraon, Chandramani Oraon, and Jaima Oraon. Wedding rituals were meticulously observed, with tribal priests presiding over ceremonies for tribal couples and Brahmin priests overseeing those for the Sadan community, as explained by Hiteshwar Bhagat, a close aide of Jagarnath Oraon and a social activist.
Appreciation from Visitors and Supporters
Visitors from outside the village were deeply moved by the simplicity and beauty of the event. Kaushalya Agarwal and Anjali Agarwal of Beliaghata locality in Kolkata remarked, "We never watched such a beautiful marriage ceremony in a tribal village." Om Prakash Agarwal, a retired Tata company officer, praised the initiative, calling it "a noble act on the part of Jagarnath Oraon to come forward for the sake of the marriage of rural poor couples." Satish Suman Chachra, a businessman and social activist from Jamshedpur, also commended the ceremony, noting, "The simple marriage ceremony, following rituals and traditions of both tribals and non-tribals, is wonderful."
This mass marriage event not only provided a platform for couples to start their married life but also fostered community spirit and cultural exchange, making it a memorable occasion for all involved.
