In an unusual turn of events, an engaged couple was spotted sitting idle at a mass wedding ceremony held under the Chief Minister Kanyadan Yojana in Nagda, Madhya Pradesh. The couple was reportedly caught skipping significant wedding rituals, such as taking traditional vows (pheras) and the application of sindoor (vermilion) by the groom. This incident took place on November 12 at the Narendra Modi Sports Complex, where 81 couples gathered to marry following both Hindu and Muslim traditions.
Couple Admits to Participating for Government Incentives
When questioned by officials, the couple admitted that they were already engaged and were set to marry in February 2025. They revealed that their local Khachrod Panchayat had encouraged them to attend the mass wedding ceremony to qualify for government benefits, including a cheque of INR 49,000 and various gifts provided under the scheme. According to reports, the couple agreed to participate with specific conditions in mind—they would exchange garlands but skip other rituals like sindoor application and the pheras.
Alerted Officials Intervene
Their avoidance of traditional rituals did not go unnoticed, as several guests and locals observed their lack of participation and alerted the officials present. Authorities are now considering whether to take further action regarding the incident, as reports have surfaced that additional couples may have also failed to comply with the ceremony’s guidelines.
The mass wedding, attended by couples from various districts in Madhya Pradesh, is intended to provide support to low-income families. However, the recent incident has raised questions about adherence to the program’s guidelines and the verification processes in place for participants.
