Goa witnessed its first-ever mass nikah ceremony as Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa, supported by philanthropist Maulana Ibrahim and his family, brought together 15 couples for a community wedding aimed at easing the financial burden of marriage
PANAJI
The hall is decorated with flowers and lights, creating a festive atmosphere filled with excitement and joy as couples prepare to begin married life. Brides dressed in elegant red lehengas and grooms in traditional sherwanis wait eagerly for the sacred ceremony, looking forward to a new chapter in their lives. Family members, friends and well-wishers have gathered in large numbers to bless the couples and celebrate the occasion. Smiles, prayers and heartfelt wishes fill the venue as the ceremony draws near.
As duas echo through the hall and the final preparations are completed, Goa witnessed its first-ever mass marriage ceremony, marking a significant and memorable moment for the State.
A CELEBRATION BEGINS
For the couples gathered at Daivadnya Hall, the ceremony is much more than a shared event. It marks the beginning of a new journey filled with hopes, responsibilities and dreams for the future. Behind every bride and groom is a family that has waited for this moment, often facing the financial pressures that weddings can bring. Through this initiative by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa, many of those burdens have been eased, allowing families to focus on the true meaning of marriage rather than the cost of celebrating it.
As the Maulana recites the marriage sermons, the brides and grooms respond with “Qubool hai”, sealing their commitment to one another. The ceremony serves as a reminder that marriage is not defined by extravagance, but by commitment, companionship and the support of a community that comes together to witness and bless the union.
VISION TAKES SHAPE
The event is supported by local philanthropist Maulana Ibrahim and his family, who have chosen to share their blessings with the community. The idea behind the initiative was simple, explains Maulana Ibrahim.
“I have been blessed with enough, and through this event I hope to share those blessings with people who may be less fortunate,” he says.
He recalls organising a similar ceremony in Kundapur seven or eight years ago. The event brought together 40 Hindu couples, two Muslim couples and two Christian couples, and was attended by around 15,000 guests.
“That is when I thought of organising something similar in Goa,” he says.
Along with financial and material assistance for the couples, several well-wishers have also extended their support.
MORE THAN A WEDDING
For many couples, this is not just a wedding but an opportunity to begin a new life together. Rising costs, social expectations and financial pressures often delay marriages or place families under strain as they try to meet societal standards. A mass nikah removes those pressures and brings the focus back to what marriage is meant to be — a solemn and spiritual commitment witnessed by the community.
“Often, across cultures and religions, marriage has become more of an event than a commitment. When families cannot afford such grandeur, either marriages are delayed or people take loans and spend years repaying them,” says Tabassum Haliyal, Family Coordinator of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa.
STORIES BEHIND THE VOWS
Each couple has a story. There may be a young man who postponed marriage to support his family and is now finally able to start a new chapter. There may be a bride whose parents quietly worried about wedding expenses and are now able to celebrate her special day without that burden.
“The entire experience has been beautiful. Everyone has helped make this event and our marriage a success. I feel truly blessed to be here,” says Meher Shaikh, one of the 15 brides taking part in the mass nikah ceremony.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
For the organisers, however, the event is not only about the couples gathered today but also about building a more inclusive tradition for the future. While this edition has primarily served the Islamic community, both Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Goa and Maulana Ibrahim hope to eventually expand it into an interfaith celebration that welcomes couples from all communities.
“Our Goa has always been a place where people of different faiths live together in harmony and goodwill. Events like this help strengthen that spirit. I also hope they help remove misconceptions communities may have about one another and encourage greater understanding. My wish is to see such ceremonies become an annual tradition on June 10, which is also the birthday of my grandchildren,” says Maulana Ibrahim.
A LASTING LEGACY
As the newlyweds leave the hall with blessings and good wishes, the significance of the day extends beyond the 15 couples who exchanged vows.
At a time when weddings are often measured by their scale and expense, this ceremony offers a different message — one where faith, community and compassion take centre stage.
For the couples, it marks the beginning of a shared journey. For their families, it brings relief and happiness. And for the organisers, it is the first step towards creating a lasting tradition that brings people together in celebration, support and hope for a brighter future.
