21 Sikh couples unite at a glittering ceremony

Ameerpet: With the blessings of the almighty, it was dream come true for 21 Sikh couples who got married in a befitting manner without spending a penny in the presence of over 25,000 Sikhs who came from various parts of the state to bless the newly-wed couples, thanks to Gurudwara Saheb of Ameerpet.

The parents of the couples were the happiest lot who never dreamt of their sons and daughters getting married in such a grand and befitting manner without incurring any expenditure from their pockets.

Prabhandak Committee of Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet and Sadh Sangat of Ameerpet jointly, under the leadership of S Bhagender Singh, Secretary S Surinder Singh and member S Narender Singh, made the arrangements for "Samuhik Vivaha Samaroh" (Mass Marriages) on Sunday.

As many as 21 couples got married at Sri Guru Gobind SInghji Sports Ground, Ameerpet, under one umbrella of Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet with the cooperation of Prabhandak committees of Sikh Gurudwaras in Telangana, along with Telangana Sikh Society. Religious Heads from Sachkhand, Sri Hazur Sahib Nanded, who were specially invited for the occasion, blessed the couples.

Most of the brides and bridegrooms are hailed from Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Miryalaguda and Medak in Telangana and from other states like Maharashtra and Karnataka.

The Samuhik Vivaha Samagam started at 9.30 am with a colourful 'Baraat' of bridegrooms on horses from Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet to Sri Guru Gobind SInghji Sports Ground, Ameerpet. `Anand Karaj (Lawan Phere)' i.e. soleminsing of legal marriage was performed at 11.15 am.

This unique service was provided by the Prabhandak committee and Gurudwara Saheb Ameerpet, keeping in view the families who cannot afford to perform such luxurious marriages that require heavy expenditure which cannot be borne by poor Sikh families.

The Prabhandak committee made all arrangements, including providing free accommodation facilities, Guru-ka-Langar (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea and snacks etc) for three days.

The most heartening part was that all the Sikh Gurudwaras of Telangana extended whole-hearted support for the successful conduct of these marriages. Various Gurudwara committees, Telangana Sikh Society and individuals presented almost all the required domestic articles as gifts to the newly-married couples.

People expressed happiness and complimented the Prabhandak committee of GSA for the yeoman service that they provided in solemnising the marriage of Sikhs who cannot afford luxurious marriages.

The committee members said that only Gurmukh and Amritdhari Sikhs were allowed to participate in the marriages.