Nepal

A dowry-free, inter-caste marriage ceremony has been organised in Dhanusha in Madhesh Province marking Indian spiritual leader Sant Rampalji Maharaj's 73rd birthday.

Nine couples belonging to different castes in Hindu caste hierarchy tied their nuptial knots at the colourful, religious ceremony attended by thousands of Nepali and Indian followers of Sant Rampalji. 

Also present were officials from the Madhesh Province.

The spiritual leader revers Kabir, an ancient Hindu spiritual guru, and resides in a shrine in Rohtak, Haryana, India. 

Of late, he has launched a campaign to end various forms of discrimination against girls and women, including the traditional practises of dowry, female feticide, and witchcraft charges. Such practices are common in India - and Nepal too.  

The ceremony was organised at Satlok Ashram, Danusha by Purna Brahm Kabi Upasak Samaj, Nepal, marking the Awataran Day or birthday of Sant Rampalji Maharaj, who is revered by his followers as Jagatguru Tattvadarshi, meaning a highly distinguished universal spiritual leader. 

Also, 75 units of blood were collected following a blood donation programme. 

The president of the organisation, Kumar Das, said such programs will go a long way in ridding the society of various discriminatory practices against girls, women and members of the marginalised communities. 

Encouraging people to walk on the path shown by Sant Rampalji, he said: “Our Sant Maharaj has endured many hardships trying to turn this world into a heaven by eliminating various forms of social evils such as drug abuse, meat consumption and corruption.”

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