Mass Wedding Ceremony at Tara Tarini Temple Marks Launch of Odisha's Kanya Bibaha Yojana
In a significant social event that combined tradition with government initiative, 201 couples entered matrimony during a mass marriage ceremony held at the revered Tara Tarini temple in Ganjam district on Tuesday. The hilltop shrine, recognized as one of India's prominent Shakti Peethas, served as the sacred venue where Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi formally inaugurated the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana by performing the symbolic 'kanyadaan' ritual.
Traditional Ceremonies with Government Support
The marriages were solemnized according to traditional Hindu rites, with priests chanting Vedic hymns for each couple as parents and relatives witnessed the ceremonies from the specially arranged 'mandap'. The event represented a unique convergence of religious tradition and state welfare policy, creating a memorable occasion for all participants.
Under the newly launched state-sponsored scheme, the Odisha government provides comprehensive financial assistance of Rs 60,000 per marriage. This substantial support package includes a Rs 35,000 fixed deposit in the bride's name, ensuring long-term financial security, along with a Rs 10,000 gift kit containing essential household items. Additionally, Rs 15,000 is allocated specifically toward wedding arrangements, significantly reducing the economic burden on families from economically weaker sections.
Chief Minister's Personal Involvement and Vision
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister and Women and Child Development Minister Pravati Parida, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Fisheries Minister Gokulananda Mallick and other dignitaries, personally handed over marriage registration certificates and gift kits to the newly-wed couples.
"Today, I am here not as the chief minister but as a parent and a brother to bless the couples and wish them a happy married life," Majhi emphasized during his address. He elaborated that the initiative was specifically designed to accomplish multiple social objectives: reducing the financial burden of marriage on economically disadvantaged families while simultaneously ensuring self-respect and dignity for women.
Broader Social Objectives Beyond Financial Assistance
The chief minister highlighted that the scheme extends far beyond mere financial assistance. It aims to address deep-rooted social issues by working to eradicate social evils such as dowry practices and child marriage, while actively encouraging widow remarriage and promoting mandatory registration of all marriages. This comprehensive approach reflects the government's commitment to creating sustainable social change.
Majhi firmly stated that women's protection and empowerment constitute core priorities of his administration, not merely political slogans. "Our daughters are excelling in every field. The rise of a woman from Odisha to the office of the President is a source of pride for the entire state," he declared, referring to President Droupadi Murmu's remarkable achievement.
Financial Commitment and Acknowledgments
The chief minister revealed that the state government has earmarked Rs 69 crore for the Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana in the current budget, demonstrating substantial financial commitment to this social welfare program. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for allocating significant funds for women and child welfare in the Union Budget 2026-27, acknowledging the collaborative effort between state and central governments in addressing social welfare needs.
The mass wedding ceremony at Tara Tarini temple thus served as both a celebration of new beginnings for 201 couples and the formal launch of a comprehensive social welfare initiative that promises to transform marriage practices and women's empowerment across Odisha.
