In an extraordinary celebration that blended tradition with equality, twenty-one couples tied the knot alongside Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's son during a historic mass wedding ceremony in Ujjain on Sunday. The event created waves of excitement across the city as families experienced what many described as a celebration "much larger than a regular wedding."
A Celebration of Equality and Grandeur
Far from being overshadowed by the presence of the chief minister's family, participants reported that the arrangements maintained perfect uniformity for all couples. The meticulous planning ensured that every family received identical treatment, from seating arrangements to green room facilities.
"We did not feel any difference in how anyone was treated," emphasized Ritu Thakur, a relative of groom Rajkumar Singh Rana. "Most weddings in our families have happened in mass marriages but this was different in all sense. We enjoyed all the rituals thoroughly."
The sentiment was echoed by Usha Yadav, another relative, who noted: "The schedule, the seating, the green rooms, everything was the same for all of us. It felt like we were part of the same celebration."
Relief from Financial and Logistical Burdens
For many families, the mass wedding provided significant financial relief while ensuring a grand celebration. Abhay Yadav, brother of bride Shivani, highlighted the practical benefits: "In normal weddings, we have to take care of so many things, from tents to food to rituals. Here, we just had to arrive on time. Everything else was already arranged. It allowed us to enjoy the moment without worrying about expenses."
Families traveling from various districts including Bhopal, Shajapur, Ratlam, Dewas and Khandwa expressed similar appreciation for the seamless arrangements. Sharmila Yadav, maternal aunt of bride Khushi Yadav, shared: "We were nervous initially about being part of such a big event, but the arrangements were smooth."
Memorable Moments and Inclusive Celebrations
The joint procession emerged as a highlight of the ceremony, with brides arriving in decorated baggis and grooms riding horses, including Dr Abhimanyu Yadav. Yogesh Rana, relative of a groom, described the magical moment: "It was a beautiful moment because all of us were part of the same procession. We felt like equals in a very large family."
Despite the presence of governors, Union ministers and other VVIPs, participants noted that the ceremony maintained its personal and authentic wedding atmosphere. One couple expressed: "We saw many big leaders on the stage and in the audience, but the ceremony did not feel political. It still felt like our wedding."
The Yadav community's generous gift package, which included a bike, two helmets, furniture and jewellery items for each bride, received widespread appreciation from the newlyweds. Omprakash Sahu from Bhopal, a family friend of groom Sagar Parmar, acknowledged: "This support makes a big difference for families like ours."
Instant Marriage Certificates Add Efficiency
In a progressive move that enhanced the ceremony's efficiency, marriage registration certificates were prepared simultaneously as the twenty-one couples performed the Saptapadi ceremony. This innovative approach was made possible under the orders of Registrar of Birth and Death Registration, Madhya Pradesh, applicable to mass wedding venues across the entire state.
The wedding ceremony took place at Sanwrakhedi village of Gram Panchayat Daudkhedi under Janpad Ujjain in the district panchayat area. According to CEO Shreyansh Kumuth, along with chief minister's son Dr Abhimanyu, twenty other couples received their marriage registration certificates from Anandilal, Secretary and Registration Officer of Gram Panchayat Daudkhedi, immediately after completing the wedding rituals.
For Ankita, a bridesmaid from Ujjain, the event represented something truly special: "This wedding will be remembered not only by those who attended, but by the whole city." The sentiment captured the essence of a day when ordinary couples shared an extraordinary platform, creating memories that would last lifetimes and setting a new standard for inclusive celebrations.
