The grand annual event of ‘Mass Marriage’ at Punyadham Ashram, was held on November 30, 2025. It was indeed a heartwarming experience for all who had the opportunity to witness these 18 couples, including 9 visually impaired couples, hailing from different parts of Maharashtra, tie the knot at a special ceremony organized by Punyadham Ashram for the underprivileged section of our society, that too without any expense or dowry. This is the 10th year that this unique function has been organized, and to date over 165 couples coming from humble families have been wedded in a grand celebration.
The excitement, energy and anticipation of over 2500 people at the venue was infectious, with all the hustle-bustle of wedding arrangements, the sounds of shehnai, floral decorations, and festive atmosphere everywhere in Punyadham.
The brides looked radiant in Gold-Red sarees, beautifully adorned jewelry and the grooms smartly dressed in ‘Sherwanis, phetas & mojris’. The baraat procession of the grooms entered with all the baraatis dancing, while the brides’ families eagerly waited to welcome them. Finally, after the grooms joined their respective brides in the beautifully decorated mandap, the learned pandits started chanting the wedding rituals. The marriage ceremony was performed in traditional Maharashtrian antarpat, followed by the pheras and the kanyadaan ceremony, in presence of esteemed guests.
“Every year Punyadham Ashram organizes a mass marriage ceremony of girls whose families cannot afford the expenses of an elaborate wedding. The girls are supported to fulfil their dreams of having a beautiful wedding ceremony with their families & friends.This unique institution is trying to bring about a change in the mindset of the populace by discouraging the custom of dowry”, said Maa Krishna Kashyap, Chairperson, who has made ‘Service to God through Service to Humanity’ her mission in life!
The day became even more special with the gracious presence of eminent personalities who came to bless the couples. President CA Sadananda Shetty, Secretary Ghanshyam Zawar, Trustee Ganesh Kamthe, along with renowned philanthropist Smt. Mamata Sindhutai Sapkal, Vijay Soni, Vishwanath Todkar, and renowned personalities Mahadev Babar, Gafoor Pathan, Virsen Jagtap, Sangita Tai Thosar, Jalinder Kamthe, and Vasant More, were also present to bless the newlyweds.
After all the traditional rituals, it was time for the Chairperson Maa Krishna Kashyap, President Sadananda Shetty, the Trustees, and the special guests to bless the young couples with gifts and trousseau, consisting of household items, dinner sets, cooker, blankets, new sarees and salwar-kameez sets, to help the newlyweds start their married life. “Our best wishes are with these couples and hope they find true happiness and togetherness in life”, said Maa Kashyap.
It was a delightful sight to witness those couples who were married a few years ago, come together to celebrate this special occasion. The guests were then treated to a lavish Maharashtrian lunch, which was enjoyed thoroughly by all.
The whole credit for this immensely noble initiative, goes to Maa Krishna Kashyap, who meticulously planned this massive event which was perfectly executed. Without her dedicated support, gracious presence and inspiration, none of the activities of Punyadham Ashram are possible.
