Chaos at Kerala mass wedding event: 26 couples pull out after organisers fail to deliver

Alappuzha: A mass wedding organised by the Salsneha Bhavan Charitable Society in Cherthala turned into chaos on Sunday when 26 pairs of brides and grooms pulled out from the event. The dispute arose after the organisers failed to fulfill their promises, leading to arguments between the couples, their families, and the event organisers.

As a result, out of 35 planned weddings, only nine were conducted. The organisers had promised a gold ‘thali’ (wedding chain), Rs 2 lakh, and wedding clothes for each couple, with funds secured through sponsorships and donations. This was also made clear during the pre-wedding counseling. However, upon arrival, the couples were informed that only the ‘thali’ and clothes would be provided, causing frustration and protests. Cherthala police intervened twice, but the issue could not be resolved immediately.

22 couples from two communities in Idukki had come to get married. Along with the couples from Idukki, 75 people had arrived in two vehicles. Police eventually helped settle the matter by paying Rs 25,000 for the vehicle rental, which had not been covered by the organisers.

A case has been filed against the organizers based on the complaints of 22 couples and two newlyweds who withdrew from the wedding. The situation was brought under control by a police team led by Alappuzha DySP M R Madhu Babu and Cherthala SI K P Anilkumar.