CM praises Kalyani remarriages, inter-caste unions as steps towards social unity

Bhopal: In a celebration of social harmony and tradition, 3,219 couples were married on Thursday at a grand mass wedding ceremony in Sagar district's Garhakota. CM Mohan Yadav, addressing the gathering, said "Sanatan Dharma" embodies the pursuit of happiness, prosperity and collective well-being -- and that such events reflect these ideals in action.
He emphasised that mass marriage ceremonies serve as a "powerful symbol of social harmony, where the union is not just between a bride and groom, but also between two families and their traditions".
"Every parent hopes their daughter finds greater love and care in her new home than she had in her own. With this hope, parents entrust their daughters to their new families during marriage," he said.
He was addressing the 23rd grand mass marriage ceremony held in Garhakota.
The CM shared that the mass marriage ceremony in Garhakota also includes "Nikah (Muslim wedding)" ceremonies and remarriages, particularly of "Kalyanis (widowed or abandoned women)", which he described as a commendable and sacred initiative.
Yadav urged public representatives and social workers to actively support and promote the remarriage of Kalyanis. He said the state govt was encouraging social harmony through the promotion of Kalyani remarriages, marriages of persons with disabilities, and inter-caste marriages.
Acknowledging the region's proud legacy, he said Bundelkhand was the land of valiant heroes with a glorious history.
Rahli MLA and former minister Gopal Bhargava said "kanyadaan" was among the greatest acts of giving, believed to lead one to salvation. He said the mass marriage initiative at Garhakota, which began 23 years ago, will continue for as long as he is alive.