Shedding its image as an area of recurring communal and political clashes over the years, Nadapuram town near here today became the venue of a mass marriage for members from different religions, which was solemnised by community leaders.
Twenty eight couples from poor families exchanged wedding vows in accordance with customs and traditions followed by respective faiths at the venue, attended by hundreds of people.
Arrangements were made to seat 6,000 people and around 1,000 people dined at one go at the venue, named as 'Shanti Theeram' (shore of peace), Sameer Cheruvannur, office bearer of Collective Vadakara NRI Forum, Abu Dhabi, that sponsored the programme, said.
The event, the first of its kind taking place in the trouble-torn Nadapuram town, was intended to uphold the message of peace, love and co-existence, setting aside their differences on political and religious grounds, he said.
Organisers have contributed five sovereigns of gold ornaments and Rs5,000 in cash to each couple.
The ceremony began around 9am solemnising the Hindu wedding followed by Muslim Nikah and marriage of Christian couples.
Kerala industries minister Elamaram Kareem inaugurated a peace convention after the marriage ceremony. Forest minister Binoy Vishwom, IUML leader Panakad Syed Munawarali Shihab Thangal, Swami Nirupamanada Theerta, Fr Chandy Kurishummottil also atteded the function.
Comments
