In the sunlit courtyard of Nanaksar Gurdwara in Greater Kailash-II, the air was fragrant with marigolds and echoed with soft chants. Families and well-wishers gathered, their eyes glistening with anticipation, as ten couples, many from marginalised backgrounds, exchanged vows under a single mandap. For some, a wedding had long seemed out of reach. On this day, it became a celebration of love and hope.
This was the third edition of Wishes and Blessings’ mass wedding initiative, organised in partnership with The Vows, a bespoke matchmaking agency. In earlier editions, 17 couples, including nine visually impaired pairs, had tied the knot with dignity. The initiative reinforces that marriage need not be a privilege reserved for those who can afford lavish ceremonies.
A celebration rooted in dignity
Dr Geetanjali Chopra, Founder and President of Wishes and Blessings, described the day as “beyond words.”
“Marriage is one of life’s most beautiful experiences,” she said. “Yet for many, it remains out of reach. Through this initiative, we ensure that love, dignity and equality are not privileges, but rights. Seeing ten couples begin their journey together fills us with immense joy.”
She said the path to the mandap begins months earlier. Over five to six months, the NGO identifies couples and verifies their details through Aadhaar checks, police confirmations and surprise home visits to ensure authenticity and readiness. “Our goal is to give them everything we ourselves expect at a wedding, clothes, shoes, gifts, household essentials and above all, love and blessings,” Dr Chopra said.
Community support at every step
The event was made possible through the continued partnership with The Vows and through the generosity of donors. Supporters contributed household essentials to help couples begin their married lives with comfort. Newlyweds received beds, dinner sets, clothing and refrigerators. Food was served to everyone present, which extended the celebration beyond the couples to the larger community.
For many, the day was transformative.
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Ramesh Kumar, whose family could not afford a traditional ceremony, said, “We are overjoyed. Everything was perfect, the decorations, the rituals, the blessings from family and strangers alike. We never imagined we could have a wedding like this.”
Neelum and Rohit Rana, who travelled from Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh, said they had “never thought we could have a wedding like this.” They added that it was not only the ceremony but also the “love and blessings from everyone here” that made them feel supported and hopeful.
Vishal and Kashsish shared a similar sentiment. “We had no resources for a wedding, and today feels like a dream. The gifts, the food, the celebration, it is more than we could have imagined. We will always remember this day.”
Sita Devi, a bride from Delhi, said, “After my father passed away, I thought my marriage would be just a court procedure. But today, I got to wear a bridal dress, sit under a mandap and feel truly celebrated. I feel loved and supported.”
A newlywed groom, Anil Sharma, said, “I can’t thank Wishes and Blessings enough. The gifts, the arrangements, everything, it is a new beginning for us. It gives hope that life can be kind, even when you have little.”
Divya Khanna, Co-founder of The Vows, said that their involvement went beyond matchmaking. “At The Vows, we help people find life partners. But being part of this initiative allowed us to contribute to something larger, love without boundaries. Seeing the couples’ happiness was profoundly fulfilling.”
More than a ceremony
Beyond the rituals, the initiative carries a deeper message that marriage should not be dictated by wealth or circumstance. In a society where ceremonial costs often burden families, such events offer dignity, support and hope.
Dr Chopra said she continues to maintain contact with past couples to ensure stability beyond the ceremony. “Some couples from our 2017 wedding now have children. Seeing them happy is proof that our work matters,” she said.
Founded in 2014, Wishes and Blessings connects donors with beneficiaries across eight states. Its programmes include Open Pathshala, the Daily Meals Programme, the Street to School Programme, the Sponsor a Child Programme, SAHAS (Skill Development), WB Rasoi (Community Kitchen) and a network of old-age homes. The organisation has served over one crore meals, educated more than 2,300 children and supported millions of lives.
As the couples posed for photographs, laughter echoing through the gurdwara courtyard, it became evident that this was more than a wedding. It was a testament to the power of compassion and community. Life’s new beginnings, unburdened by means yet abundant in blessings, were taking root for ten couples who might otherwise have been overlooked.
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