PATNA: Now into its ninth edition, the voluntary mass marriage of 51 couples performed every year here under the aegis of Ma Vaishno Devi Sewa Samiti (MVDSS) has already received corporate attention and interest, with indications that the gifts given to the couples could be scaled up in the future.While governor Satya Pal Malik graced the occasion on Sunday, industrialist Sulochana Mansi from Delhi participated in the mass marriage on the S K Memorial Hall premises.“It gives us a great pride. The corporate interest shows that the mass marriage has now got on the national map,” MVDSS founder member Mukesh Hisaria said.The MVDSS-organized mass marriage got national attention a couple of years ago when the Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) anchor and mega star Amitabh Bachchan invited its founder members to the show for the exceptional work they had been doing. It was followed by the honour accorded to them by Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan for organizing mass blood donation camp, which is among the other social works done under MVDSS.On Sunday, 51 pairs of brides and bridegrooms exchanged garlands (varmala) in the backdrop of bright silver foils and colour created on the stage. The hall was packed to the full by the MVDSS invitees and the relatives of the couples. “Overall, around 10,000 people are treated to ‘prasad’ or the feast,” MVDSS functionary Amit Jalan said.Then followed the marriage rituals in Arya Samaj style in 51 separate ‘mandaps’ with one priest allotted for each couple. The simple 51 ‘mandaps’ were erected in two rows outside the hall. “The chanting of ‘mantras’ and the performance of the rituals take around one hour,” priest Satish Pandey said before the rituals started.Jalan said after their marriage, each couple is given ‘grihasti’ items worth Rs1 lakh raised and collected from the trade organizations and individual donations. The items include cycle, sewing machine, ration items, utensils, mattress, bedsheets, sari and clothes.Bihar Electric Traders’ Association president Sandip Sarraf said his organization had donated 51 pedestal fans and 51 pairs of LED bulbs, one for each couple.The desiring couples and their families approach the MVDSS on their own. “The general reason is the high cost of marriage. Our organization is against dowry and extravagance,” Hisaria said.On the occasion, Bollywood writer Ranjit Bahadur, air pilot Nivedita Masin, child artist Akash Mishra and Shweta Singh — all from Bihar — were honoured. “Entertainment programmes are also held and the function is finally over by 3am,” an organizer, Sajjan Choudhary, said.

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