Global Rice News

**Pakistan Celebrates Mass Hindu Weddings: A Defiance of Poverty**

In an inspiring act of solidarity against financial hardship, 122 Hindu couples, all hailing from impoverished backgrounds, recently participated in a joint wedding ceremony in Karachi, Pakistan. The event, which took place on January 7, was a vibrant celebration that shone a light on the strength and resilience of the nation amidst an ongoing financial crisis.

In a heartfelt interview with AFP, Kalpana Devi, a 25-year-old bride dressed in traditional red attire, explained the motivations behind her participation: “I am getting married here because my parents are poor. They cannot afford the wedding expenses.” Rather than letting her financial circumstances dampen her spirits, Kalpana expressed a wish for everyone to experience such an inclusive celebration of love.

Weddings in Pakistan are known to be extravagant affairs, often burdened by the expectation that the bride’s male relatives must provide a dowry to the groom’s family. This financial pressure often becomes a barrier to marriage, especially for women. “This is a good opportunity for me as my financial state is very weak. I was not able to raise funds for the wedding,” expressed Sateesh Parmar, the brother of bride Neha Parmar, highlighting the significance of the mass wedding ceremony in providing a solution for those struggling financially.

Organized by the Pakistan Hindu Council, the ceremony shed light on the presence of eight million Hindus among the 240 million people living in Pakistan, according to last year’s census. By coming together to celebrate love and defying economic adversity, the couples showcased the strength and resilience of the Hindu community in Pakistan.

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**Source:** [Geo TV](https://www.geo.tv)