Cricket lovers marry with bats and balls in hand!

UDAIPUR - The mass marriage had all the trappings of match-making with a difference. For, the 15 couples did not bat their eyelids when they went round the holy fire, holding the willows and balls - and to prove their love for the game, they played a match after the nuptials.

The variation of the wedding ritual was played out by comely brides and robust grooms from the Tailik Sahu community here Friday. Blessing them were their favourite cricket stars, adorning the posters and banners at the ceremonial ground.

“We all are crazy cricket fans, so we planned the mass wedding ceremony on the World Cup theme. The ground was decorated with posters and banners of Indian cricket stars instead of usual decorative items,” Ramkishan, a groom’s relative, told IANS.

“The family members and relatives protested a bit earlier, but when they realised our love for cricket, they gave us the go-ahead,” said Uganti, the close friend of a bride.

In her view, India has a great chance to win the ongoing World Cup-2010 as the team is in good shape.

“But prayers and luck play a great role, so we have tried to contribute to our country’s win by praying for it on the most auspicious day in one’s life,” she said.

Mass marriages, in which many couples get married at one place on the same time, are common in particular communities in Rajasthan.

The Cricket World Cup-2011 Feb 19-April 2 is being hosted jointly by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.