At Dharmasthala’s 54th mass marriage, 106 couples enter wedlock
Dharmasthala, April 29, 2026: In a colourful and spiritually charged ceremony steeped in tradition, 106 couples tied the knot at the 54th annual free mass marriage programme organised at Dharmasthala on Wednesday evening.
Held at the Amruthavarshini Sabha Bhavan during the auspicious godhuli lagna at 6.40 pm, the ceremony witnessed Vedic chants, traditional music, exchange of garlands and the solemn tying of the mangalasutra, marking the beginning of married life for the couples.
The celebrations began earlier in the day with Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade and family members distributing dhotis and shawls to the grooms, and sarees, nose rings and blouse pieces to the brides.
At 5 pm, the brides and grooms were taken in a grand procession from the temple premises to the Amruthavarshini Sabha Bhavan, drawing the attention of devotees and visitors.
Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, along with Smt. Hemavathi V. Heggade, Ms. Shraddha Amit, Smt. Sharmila and other dignitaries, distributed mangalasutras to the brides. In a significant milestone, Dr. Heggade blessed the 13,100th couple by personally handing over the mangalasutra.
Accompanied by melodious traditional songs, the couples were welcomed with aarati and auspicious items. After taking marital vows, the newly-wed couples were presented gifts by Dharmasthala and blessed for a happy married life.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade advised the newly-weds to build their lives on mutual trust, love and understanding. He expressed happiness that the Dharmasthala model of free mass marriages is now being replicated by governments and several religious institutions.
Announcing a policy change, he said Dharmasthala would no longer provide mangalasutras for mass marriages held elsewhere, as it creates a misconception among the public that such programmes are organised by Dharmasthala.
The couples later offered prayers at the temple and were served a wedding feast at Annapoorna Bhojanalaya before departing for their hometowns.
MLA Shri Harish Poonja said the purposeful life and service of the Heggade couple continue to inspire society. MLC Shri K. Pratap Simha Nayak was present.
MESCOM Chairman Shri K. Harish Kumar said marriage marks a turning point in life and described the mass marriage initiative as one of Dharmasthala’s most sacred and socially meaningful service programmes.
Smt. Hemavathi V. Heggade, Shri D. Harshendra Kumar and Smt. Sharmila were on the dais.
CEO of Kshema Vana, Bengaluru, Ms. Shraddha Amit welcomed the gathering. A. V. Shetty proposed the vote of thanks. The programme was compered by Sampath Kumar Rai and Srinivasa Rao.
