Dhirendra Shastri calls for ‘Mala and Bhala’ to protect dharma:Bageshwar Dham to host mass wedding Feb 15; couples to receive ₹30,000 FD

During the ongoing 301 Kanya Vivah Mahotsav at Bageshwar Dham on Thursday, Pandit Dhirendra Shastri said that merely chanting “Sita Ram” would not be enough to protect religion.
Shastri stated that, along with a Mala, people must also keep a Bhala, and step out of monasteries to safeguard dharma. The remarks were made during a programme where 1.25 lakh recitations of the Hanuman Chalisa are being performed. Expansion plans in India and abroad Shastri announced that after establishing a presence in 12 countries, Bageshwar Dham will now set up a Sundarkand Mandal in the United States, and plans are underway to expand to eight European countries this year. He said that after forming these mandals, training in both religious scriptures and self-defence would be provided. “Daughters will be taught judo and karate,” he added. ‘Will shave beard after daughters are married’ Referring to the mass marriage event, Shastri said he would shave his beard only after the girls’ weddings are completed. He mentioned that he is currently observing a religious chant and eating fruits once a day, along with medicine. He described arranging marriages for daughters as a “highly virtuous act” and said that his committee and disciples have taken responsibility for the event. Participation from across the country Around 300 members of Shri Hanumat Kripa Seva Samiti from Mau, Uttar Pradesh, have arrived to take part in the recitations. According to organisers, 7,100 members will collectively recite the Hanuman Chalisa 21 times. The event is also being attended by Mohammad Faiz Khan, convenor of the National Muslim Forum. Wedding ceremonies on 15 February Pre-wedding rituals such as mehendi and haldi will begin on Friday, followed by a sangeet ceremony. On 15 February, the couples will take their wedding vows, followed by the traditional baraat and farewell ceremony. Earlier in the day, a Sundarkand recitation was held from 8 am to 11 am, followed by the mass Hanuman Chalisa recitation at noon. An evening Bhagwat Katha and a night havan are also scheduled. Organisers expect nearly five lakh people to join the havan online. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav is expected to attend the ceremony and bless the couples. Financial support for newlyweds This year, instead of gifting bikes and flour mills as done previously, each newlywed couple will receive a fixed deposit of ₹30,000 each. Organisers said the earlier gifts increased household expenses. In addition, brides will receive a gold nose pin and earrings, a mangalsutra, bridal items, and household goods worth approximately ₹2.5 lakh. The event is being managed by chief organiser Dhirendra Gaur, with preparations underway to ensure smooth conduct of the large-scale ceremony.