Belthangady: As many as 127 couples entered into wedlock in a mass marriage ceremony held at Shri Kshetra Dharmasthala during the 45th year of celebrations on Friday. The event also witnessed 19 inter-caste marriages among the 127.

Karnataka State Muzrai Minister Manohar Tahshildar graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the government was encouraging mass marriages.

It is said that if a SC girl married a boy of another caste, she will be given Rs 3 lakh while if a SC boy married a girl from another caste, he will be given Rs 2 lakh.

Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade presided over the function and said that this year the programme was unique as marriage of all castes were held together.