Mass wedding: Taking vows in silence

Punjab governor pledges to host mass weddings for deaf persons in Lahore.

SARGODHA:

A unique wedding function was organised in Sargodha on Wednesday, as ten deaf and dumb couples tied the knot in a mass ceremony. Punjab Governor Sardar Latif Khosa attended the function and distributed presents among the couples.

The governor said the next mass ceremony would be held at the Governor’s House and that he would help finance the dowry for the brides.

“Every girl dreams of listening to the dhol and the music on her wedding but I can’t. Despite that I am happier today than I have ever been because of all the people who have helped make this day possible for me,” said one of the brides, Ayesha Khan.  Khan said that the mass wedding had solved her family’s financial problems.

“I am so grateful to all the philanthropists who helped us arrange this function because now my parents don’t have to bear the burden all on their own,” she said.

The couples said that they were happy to have been able to meet and interact with people suffering the same disability and that the wedding ceremony had brought them together. “We feel like we are part of the same family because we all understand each other better. It is a privilege to share our wedding day,” said Atif, a groom at the ceremony.

The brides and grooms performed bhangra at the function. Though the couples were unable to hear the music they placed their hands on the dhol and danced to the rhythm.

The ceremony was organised by ‘Deaf Welfare Society’ and society member Khalida Shah said “I feel honoured to be able to help these people. We were involved in their marriage from the start and that feels good.

The society introduced the couples and has helped with their rehabilitation over the years.” “It is an honour to be part of their wedding too,” she added.

A bride’s mother, Shaista said “All the arrangements including the dowry, food for the wedding guests and booking the marriage hall were done by the society. I am so relieved that the functioned went so well.”

“Next time the function will be held in Lahore at the Governor House and I will host it. I would be honoured to arrange such an event and I hope that we can have more of such functions,” Governor Khosa said.

The special couples were also provided dowries and other gifts by Baitul Maal. “We chose the gifts based on the brides preferences. The society provided them with several presents that helped with their disabilities,” said Baitul Maal spokesperson Momina Shahbaz.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 14^th, 2011.