Baripada: The Mayurbhanj Mahotsav, which is famous for showcasing the tribal history, heritage, tradition, culture, art and music, witnessed a unique event on Monday.
Many plays and dramas are performed on the stage showcasing the tribal tradition during the Mahotsav. On Monday, a real wedding programme on the stage became a cynosure of all eyes on the fifth evening of the 10-day festival.
According to reports, one Rajen Murmu of Mundakata village under Kuliana block in Mayurbhanj and his girlfriend Golapi of Suliapada were in love for long. However, poverty posed a hindrance to their marriage. The organizers of the Mahotsav were planning to perform a play on tribal marriage on the stage.
Meanwhile, they learnt about the wedding plans of the lovebirds. The function organizers invited Rajen and Golapi and solemnised their marriage on the stage in the form of a play.
As per tradition, the stage was set as the bride’s house where the bride and groom were waiting. The groom reached the stage while sitting on the shoulder of his brother amid traditional music, dance and songs. The relatives of the bride welcomed them on the stage.
Then, the brothers of the bride took her to the stage on a bamboo basket where the groom applied vermilion on her forehead which is the symbol of tying the nuptial knot.
Hundreds of the audience present there blessed the newlywed while enjoying the real wedding ceremony on the stage.
The newlywed bride and groom described the event a memorable one.
“It seems to be a dream come true. We have been in a relationship for a long. Our love turned into marriage in the presence of hundreds of people. I am really happy,” an elated Golapi said.
Rajen also expressed similar pleasure over the unique wedding programme. “Our marriage was solemnized today with the tribal traditions on the stage of Mayurbhanj Mahotsav. It will be a memorable one,” he added.
“With an aim of introducing everyone to the tribal tradition, we perform different programmes based on tribal culture. This year, we showed a traditional tribal marriage which was a real one. The marriage was conducted in the presence of hundreds of spectators and guests. They all showered blessings on the bride and groom. It was a unique one,” said Tapas Kumar Padhi, Culture and Program secretary of Mayurbhanj Mahotsav.
The mega event was followed by a community feast.
