Balasore: A leprosy Ashram (home for leprosy patients) was filled with the sound of conch and Hulahuli, (the auspicious special sound made by Odia women during traditional rituals) when an elderly love-birds in their 60s tied the nuptial knot in presence of other inmates and Ashram staff in Balasore town on Friday.
Dasa Marandi of Sartha village under Balasore Sadar block and Padmabati Das of Oupada in the district fell in love during their stint in the leprosy home. Even after recovering from the disease, both expressed reluctance to return home.
Love blossomed in their hearts from a friendship when they shared their woes of life during their stay in the Ashram. As their relationship gradually went forward, Dasa Marandi first proposed to Padmabati to marry him.
However, the elderly woman had initially denied the proposal. But, later she agreed to become his better half after other inmates persuaded her to go ahead with the proposal.
Finally, the members of the Ashram happily fixed a date and organised a traditional and special ceremony for the purpose.
Today, both solemnized their wedding with Hindu rituals at a Jagannath temple on the Ashram premises. The newly-wed garlanded each other in front of Lord Jagannath amid the hymns of priests.
The joyous moment was witnessed by other inmates and staff of the Ashram. The low-key, but special wedding ceremony was completed with the cooperation of all inmates.
A little girl was invited to open the ‘Hata Ganthi’ (nuptial knot) amid sounds of conch and Hulahuli.
A community feast was also arranged to mark the unique wedding event.
