Lokmangal Interfaith Community Mass Wedding Celebrates 20 Years; 3,205 couples Married in Solapur So Far,46 Consecutive Mass Wedding Ceremonies in 20 Years

Subhash Deshmukh, the Driving Force Behind the Initiative

52 couples Tied the Knot This Year; ‘District Tourism Theme’ Became the Highlight of the Ceremony

Maharashtra / Solapur: The Lokmangal Foundation’s Interfaith Community Mass Wedding Ceremony has completed 20 successful years. Started in 2006, this initiative has so far conducted 46 grand mass weddings, solemnising the marriages of a total of 3,205 couples. This is the largest and most consistently organised community wedding initiative in Maharashtra, extending support to economically weaker and interfaith families.

The guiding force behind this social movement is former Cooperation Minister and MLA Shri Subhash Deshmukh, who, for the past two decades, has worked to curb unnecessary wedding expenses, promote communal harmony, and provide financial support to underprivileged families.

Among the 3,205 couples married over the last 20 years, 2,492 are Hindu, 681 Buddhist, 21 Muslim, 4 Christian, and 7 Jain couples making this ceremony a true symbol of social harmony and unity.

This year’s interfaith mass wedding ceremony was held at the Shivaji Adhyapak Vidyalaya (D.Ed.) ground on Vijaypur Road. The beautifully decorated venue, systematic arrangements, and the traditional beats of dhol-tasha created a festive atmosphere. A total of 52 couples tied the knot and began their new lives together.

The kanyadaan ritual this year too was performed at the hands of MLA Subhash Deshmukh and Smt. Smita Deshmukh. Of the total marriages, 49 were Hindu and 3 were Buddhist. The ceremony witnessed a large turnout of relatives, citizens, and dignitaries.

MLA Deshmukh said, “Our mission is to provide financial and emotional support to brides and grooms from all communities, curb extravagant wedding expenses, and ensure community weddings are held in every village across South Solapur.”

A special counselling session was conducted in the morning for all couples, covering topics like marital understanding, financial planning, and health guidance. Sarees were gifted to the brides, while supari and essential household items were distributed to the grooms.

A blood donation camp was also organised at the venue. Guests were served chapati, vegetable curry, and boondi laddoo. The open chariot procession of all the couples turned out to be a major attraction, accompanied by traditional shehnai music.

This year’s ceremony featured a special ‘District Tourism Theme’, with thematic panels and stalls highlighting Solapur district’s historical sites, cultural heritage, traditions, and tourist attractions. A statue of Shri Swami Samarth of Akkalkot became a key attraction, with the reassuring message: “Do not fear, I am with you” inspiring confidence among attendees.

Several religious, social, and political dignitaries graced the occasion and blessed the newlyweds. Sant Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar, MLA Vijaykumar Deshmukh, esteemed heads of various mathas, Rohini Tadwalkar, Ram Jadhav and others were present. Lokmangal Foundation Chairman Rohan Deshmukh felicitated all dignitaries.

Governor of Rajasthan Shri Haribhau Bagde also graced the ceremony, blessing the newly married couples and emphasising the importance of mutual understanding and harmony in married life. MLA Subhash Deshmukh welcomed and felicitated the Governor.

With 46 ceremonies, 3,205 marriages, interfaith unity, and strong social commitment, this initiative has today become a hallmark of Solapur. The vision, effort, and consistency behind this programme reflect the distinguished leadership of Subhash Deshmukh.