Kalyanamastu is the mass marriage program conducted by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) in the Indian State of Andhra Pradesh. The marriage ceremony is mainly intended for those people who are unable to get married due to financial difficulties. Apart from conducting the Hindu marriage ceremony, the Tirupati Temple will provide Mangalasutram in gold, new clothes, Mettelu (toe rings) and kanukalu.
The first mass marriage by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) was held on February 22, 2007. On that day, 4994 couples began their married life. The second mass marriage will be held on August 26, 2007 across the state of Andhra Pradesh. The auspicious Sravana Nakshatra Muhurtham between 11.10 a.m. and 11.20 a.m on August 26 is the chosen time for the mass marriage.
Hindu men above 21 and women above 18 are eligible to take part in Kalyanamasthu. The applicants have to file an affidavit stating that their parents have given consent to the wedding and that they are of eligible age.
The applications for Kalyanamastu are available at all TTD Kalyanamandapams, TTD information center and offices of the Revenue/Mandal Development Officers and Sarpanchs in Andhra Pradesh. These offices will receive applications from June 15, 2007 to August 10, 2007.
There is no doubt that this a great initiate from the part of the richest Hindu temple in India. It would be even better, if TTD temple could form a cooperative society and give jobs to these couples, which will give them economic freedom, and perhaps their greatest need.