Dharmasthala : As many as 180 couples tied the nuptial knot at the 42nd annual mass marriage function held at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala on May 2 Thursday, under the leadership of Dr D Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala.
Earlier in the day, the brides and grooms arrived at the wedding venue-Amrithavarshini Hall in a grand procession from the temple. Dr D Veerendra Heggade distributed mangalasutra, dhoti and shawls t o the bride and grooms. The wedding was held at the muhurtam fixed at 6.48 pm amid the chanting of holy verses.
A host of dignitaries including Kannada actor Devaraj, his wife Chandrakala, H Billappa, advocate from Bangalore, Tripura Governor Dr DY Patil, former minister Shobha Karandlaje, scholar Satnam Neeraj Jain,inod Hamirwasia, President of Birla Cements, Jayaraman, Managing Director of Birla Company, Meenakshi Jayaraman were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Heggade emphasized the need to make marriages a simple affair instead of extravagant spending.
A total of Rs 9400 was spent on each couple towards Mangalasutra, saree, dhoti and shawl and food.