Hyderabad, October 29: The Kalyanamastu programme organised by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams on Wednesday was full of colour and the joi de vivre of couples eager to enter a life of togetherness.
Among the 230-odd couples who tied the knot, one pair stood out because of their diverse backgrounds. Harriett Lowe, a UKbased police officer blushed with happiness as she took part in the ceremony with gusto.
She was marrying a Telugu boy Kranthi Chaitanya, a software professional. During the talambralu where the bride and groom pour rice mixed with turmeric on each other, Harriett did her best to stay ahead of her groom. The two fell in love in the United Kingdom and had decided to get married in the Kalyanamastu programme here.
The bride’s parents were also present at the event and were quite taken in by the mass marriage ceremony. “It is an amazing experience. I never expected it to be this way. It is a very happy occasion not only for us but also for many people out here. I am very happy with my daughter’s decision,” said Tim Lowe, father of the bride.
Harriett’s mother Karen was seen discussing sarees with the other women present.
Each of the couples who registered and were married under the Kalyanamastu programme were presented with 2 gram of gold, silver toe rings and clothes.
Mohit Sinha, who works in an IT firm in the city married Sunita. Mohit is originally from Assam. When he first heard of the Kalyanamastu, he decided to get married under the programme. “I am very fortunate to have gotten married on this auspicious day with the Lord’s blessings. I am happy and excited and there are so many people blessing us,” Mohit said.
Mohit felt that such programmes should also be extended to other States in the country.
Then there was a handicapped couple, Raghavendra and Latha. Raghavendra works as a script writer in films. “These programmes are helpful for the poor as the couples don’t have to spend anything. I am grateful to the TTD for this event,” he said.
—Agencies