Dhanbad social organisations, in a bid to help people of the economically disadvantaged sections, have come forward to help them in organising weddings during a mass marriage function.

The Sri Sri Bhagavati Jagran Committee, the management section of the district’s biggest temple, Shakti Mandir, has decided to organise the function on February 21 for people who could not marry during the lockdown.

Addressing a press conference at the temple office, committee president S.P. Sondhi said they had organised a mass marriage for 11 pairs 10 years ago, and are taking the initiative again in view of the economic slowdown due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

“The committee will make all efforts to continue the tradition in the coming years in order to extend helping hands to the people of the economically weaker sections of the society,” he said.

Surendra Arora, the joint secretary of the committee said that the registration for the event has started on Tuesday and will continue till January 31.

“Applicants will have to submit the copies of their Aadhar Card, Voter Card and the certificate issued by local mukhiya/ward councilor certifying details of their parents along with the application,” he added.

“The scrutiny of the application forms will be carried out on February 5 and selection list would be announced on February 6,” Arora said, adding that the selected pairs would receive wedding outfits on February 15. The Mehendi ceremony will be held on February 20, he said.

Secretary of the temple committee Arun Bhandari said that on February 21, the marriage procession will be taken out at 10 am on an e-rickshaw.

“It will return to the temple after passing through Pani Tanki and Telephone Exchange Road. The marriages will be then solemnised in the temple Samdhi Milan and Jaymala rituals at around 2 pm,” he said.

Bhandari also informed that the ceremony will end at 4 pm and the temple authorities will give the couples all necessary items to start a new life, such as utensils, furniture and clothes.

Another group of volunteers, under the banner of Sarv Dharm Samuhik Vivah Samiti, had on December 27 also made a similar announcement of conducting mass marriage on January 17.