Udupi Witnesses the First Buddhist Marriage
Udupi: The Udupi district Sunday, May 21 witnessed the first Buddhist style marriage held at the Ambedkar Bhavan, Adi Udupi.
Office bearers of the Dalita Kala Mandali Ravindra Bantakal and Kushala Kunjarugiri fulfilled their dream of having a wedding in the Buddhist tradition.
On Sunday, the couple tied the knot in the presence of their friends and relatives at the Ambedkar Bhavan in the Buddhist Style of marriage beginning with the exchange of garlands. Dakshina Kannada Baudha Mahasabha organised the entire marriage function.
Ravindra Bantakal is working in the KSRTC Kundapur depot while Kushala is working as a daily wage wager in a cashew nut factory. Both were in love from the last two years and decided to get married with the permission of the family members. Both being active members of the Dalit movement, and inspired by the Dr Ambedkar, decided to enter into wedlock in Buddhists tradition.
Ravindra converted to Buddhism in 2012 and Kushala on Sunday. Dammachari S R Laxman conducted the Buddhist marriage rituals. Mantras were chanted in Pali language. Buddist Monk Gouthami Mathaji graced the occasion.
According to Buddhist marriage, rituals start with the recitation of the Tisarana, Pancasila and Vandana in Pali language. After the recitation, the bride and the groom light the candles and incense sticks and offer flowers to Lord Buddha’s image. At the end, only the parents or the assembly would recite the Mangala Sutra to offer their blessings for the couple.