Pune: In a refreshing change from the usual grand wedding processions, the village of Avasari Khurd in Ambegaon Taluka celebrated a wedding with a ‘Kirtan’ to promote social awareness. This move has garnered widespread praise.

Somnath Moraji Rajguru’s son Shambhu from Avasari Khurd (Taluka Ambegaon) and Nanasaheb Tupsundar’s daughter Radha from Chincholi Gurav (Taluka Sangamner) were married on Sunday, July 21, in Nandur-Shingote (Taluka Sinnar).

The wedding guests arrived at Avasari Khurd, and friends and family expected a grand wedding procession at night. However, instead of a traditional procession, the Rajguru family organized a ‘Kirtan’ by Madhukar Maharaj Gaikwad. Sambha Shinde, Laxman Londhe, and Arjun Panchras, among others, accompanied him in the performance.

Madhukar Maharaj Gaikwad, Gawadewadi (Taluka Ambegaon) said, “During weddings, it is customary to distribute turbans and sarees, engage in heavy celebrations, and consume alcohol. These practices lead to addiction among the younger generation. Therefore, we should organize ‘Kirtan’s or lectures instead of traditional wedding processions in the future.”

Pune has always set precedents, especially in the social reforms field. During COVID19 lockdown, a newlywed couple from Shirur had made a meaningful gesture by distributing sanitizers, masks, and pens instead of the traditional shawls, caps, and coconuts.

Dr. Priyanka Pachange and Dr. Sanket Ghavte from Yavat had initiated this thoughtful idea, which was well-received by their family. The couple had also advised unwell relatives to avoid traveling. Strict health protocols were observed throughout the wedding, with many family members undergoing health tests as a precaution to ensure they were fit to attend.