KUSHALNAGAR (MADIKERI DIST):The land of coffee estates, orange orchards and vibrant Kodava culture on Friday witnessed one of the most lavish weddings in recent times.
Karthik Gowda, son of Union Law and Justice Minister D V Sadananda Gowda tied the nuptial knot with Rajashree, daughter of businessman K Nanaiah and Sudha. The marriage was solemnised at the Raitha Sahakara Bhavan here.
The guests, including VVIPs, commoners, relatives and friends of the Gowdas and Nanaiahs, political workers and leaders, and the who’s who of Kodagu, Mysuru and Dakshina Kannada districts thronged the venue right from morning.
Union minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi dropped in at the wedding hall early in the morning and wished the young couple and left for Mysuru. Governor Vajubhai Vala, who was among the first to arrive, also blessed the newly-weds. He was received by the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police at the Kushalnagar Inspection Bungalow which was spruced up for his visit and brief stay. He later returned to Bengaluru.
Though invites were sent to Union Home minister Rajnath Singh and BJP senior leader L K Advani, they did not make it. State Housing Minister M H Ambareesh and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy also did not attend the wedding.
Sadananda Gowda, his wife Datty and the groom were seen welcoming every guest in the morning till the wedding ceremony began around mid-morning.
Karthik was in the thick of a controversy after actor Mythria Gowda filed a case against him. The case was stayed by the High Court.
Opulence
Rs 1.30 crore spent on erecting the pandal
Rs 5-7 crore estimated to have been spent on the three-day ceremonies, according to a close relative of the bride
Nearly 10,000 people partake in lunch on wedding day
Over 30 vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including Kodagu specialities, served for lunch
SNIPPETS
Sumptuous Meals
Guests were served Buns, Upma, Kottekadubu with Onion Dosa and Kesari Bhat for breakfast. Lunch included a spread of over 30 vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
Tight Security
Parking and movement of vehicles were strictly monitored by private security as well as police personnel. Only the Governor’s convoy was taken to the nearest point of the mantap.
Selfie Time
Reformed don and social worker Muthappa Rai was one of the invitees. He mingled freely with guests and took selfies. He told the media that he Sadananda Gowda was his classmate in Puttur.
Media barred
The media was strictly monitored by private security personnel and videography was not allowed. Media representatives were seen waiting at the entrance to interview VVIPs and that was how far they could go. By the time they were invited for l unch, they had already left.