Brides wait for the wedding ceremony at Noon ka Chauraha in Patna on Sunday. Picture by Sachin

Samastipur, Nov. 20: To put a check on social evils like dowry, Al Hind Education Trust of Samastipur today organised a community marriage to shoulder the responsibilities of parents hailing from the economically weaker section of the society.

The trust organised the marriages at the open Idgah (Muslim prayer hall) at Gandak colony. Sixteen couples took the solemn vow at the nikah organised at the venue.

All the couples had come from different districts, including Darbhanga, Samastipur, Begusarai and Khagaria. The marriages were solemnised according to Muslim customs.

The executive member of the trust and the state secretary of the RJD, Faizur Rahman Faiz, said: “We had arranged a ceremony in which 21 couples were expected to take the vows. However, marriages of 16 couples were solemnised today. The trust made an effort to provide essential things that a couple needs after marriage.”

Faiz added: “Basic things like utensils, clothes, a cycle for the groom, a sewing machine for the bride, bed, blanket were provided to all couples. We had arranged everything irrespective of their family status, caste and creed. After the mass marriage, we had also arranged for a meal for every couple and their guests.”

According to Faiz, even today, a girl child is considered burden for many families in Bihar. Faiz said: “The trust considered a girl child to be the responsibility of the society and not a burden for the family. We organised the community marriage because we wanted to send a message that dowry system should end.”

Sources said district magistrate Kundan Kumar had sent a proposal to the organising committee saying the administration could make available the minority hostel if the trust wanted it for mass weddings.