SURAT: A city-based businessman today hosted a mass wedding ceremony for his 111 "daughters" who come from humble backgrounds and have lost their fathers. Businessman Mahesh Savani who has interest in diamond trade and real estate also arranged for "nikah" of three Muslim girls at the ceremony held at a farm in Mota Varachha area of the city.
"I am glad to be the foster father of these girls. My brother Rajubhai and I have decided to organise the wedding ceremony for these 111 girls who have lost their fathers. These girls include three Muslim girls, for whom nikah was organised," Savani told reporters on the occasion.
Savani said they have been hosting such marriages since 2007. "Till now, I played the role of a father and hosted marriages of 251 girls, including today's 111 girls," he added. He did not stop at organising the wedding but also gifted gold and silver ornaments, besides household articles worth Rs three-four lakh to each of the girls. "While doing 'Kanyadan' of these girls, we gave them gold and silver ornaments, utensils, electronics items, clothes and all the expenses related to marriage. As a foster father, I also bear the post marriage expenses, such as maternity," he said.