Mysuru: Deputy Commissioner D. Randeep held a preliminary meeting on Shubharambha, a mass marriage programme to be organised in August, at his office here this morning.

Later, briefing press persons, DC Randeep said the District Administration has planned to organise the second edition of Shubharambha, a mass marriage programme to promote simple marriage concept, atop Chamundi Hill on Aug. 2 or Aug. 9, 2017. The first mass marriage programme was held at Sri Srikanteshwara Temple in Nanjangud on Nov. 8, 2015, he said.

Continuing, the DC said that 101 couples will tie the knot. However, depending upon the number of applications to be received till the end of this month, the District Administration will increase this number to about 120.

The groom must be minimum 21 years of age and the bride 18 years and the couple planning to get married should produce age proof, he said.

Pointing out that the District Administration, in an effort to bring reforms in the society, will encourage inter-caste marriages, the DC said the mass marriage programme is open to all religions and the rituals will be conducted as per the  respective faiths.

Those willing to get married in the mass marriage, can contact Chamundi Hill EO K.M. Prasad (94487-19627), Women and Child Welfare Department DD Radha (99022-70154), Muzrai Tahsildar Yathiraj Sampathkumar (0821-2422174) and Kannada and Culture Assistant Director H. Channappa (97416-22155).

The last date for registration is June 30.