Releaseof22detaineesfromthejaitpurawomanshome

From DFoundation

Release of 22 detainees from the Jaitpura Woman’s Home

On the 20th November 2009, 22 detainees from the Jaitpura Women’s Home were married and became a part of normal society. After months of hard work and organisation by D-Foundation Chairman Hari Om Rai and the D-Foundation Team, the dreams of these women were finally realised. After finding suitable husbands and doing the necessary background checks, the 22 marriages took place in the Jaitpura home itself. The event was attended by dignitaries and government officials from all over the Varanasi district and all the detainees took part in the celebrations.

The girls had been waiting for the marriage event eagerly since we announced our intentions to arrange the marriages. On the day of event, the enthusiasm was clear to be seen. Marriage is the only hope most of these girls have of getting released and the D-Foundation is overjoyed to have been able to help so many of these women. They now have the opportunity to lead a normal life and be part of a family.

On the day before the marriages, all the women applied the traditional Haldi (turmeric) and Mehandi (Henna) in preparation for the big day. When the big day arrived, the women looked beautiful in red and golden sarees which is the traditional dress on the day of marriage. The way to the Jaitpura home was beautifully decorated and as you entered through the gate, you saw the colorful marriage tent and rows of chairs for the guests.

In total about 150 people attended the event with great participation from government officials, dignitaries and other invitees, making the occasion memorable for life time for all the detainees. Among the participants were six couples, who were married in last year’s ceremonies. One of those was Laxmi who was married to Virendra of Ramnagar and she attended with her young daughter. She seemed very happy in her new life and she is getting on well with her loving husband.

The grooms arrived at 11am along with their “barat” (close relatives). Two police officials waited on horseback at the entrance of the home, welcoming the grooms and guests in glamorous fashion. The atmosphere of the home became jubilant when the event started with the traditional ritual of “Jaimal” (placing garlands of flowers over the heads of the brides and grooms). Following this, District Magistrate A.K. Upadhyaya, Divisional Commissioner Nepal Singh and other government authorities came to the “Mandap” (where the couples are brought before the priest) and performed the “Kanyadan” (marriage ritual). All the rituals of marriage were completed amidst chanting of a gentle Vedic mantra.

During the ceremony, the gift items were also laid out before the bride’s. Gifts such as household goods, saree dresses and ornaments were provided to all the brides.

And in the last of the marriage rituals, the grooms were registered (as per Hindu Marriage rules) and marriage certificates were provided to them. Everyone at the home was touched when one reporter asked Versha (bride) about her husband Sanjay Kumar, a physically handicapped private contractor. She stated: "I will try to become his left hand".

For months before the weddings took place, we at the D-Foundation were very busy planning the event. The marriages took a huge effort from all involved as musicians were needed to be arranged, decoration put up in the home, invitations sent out, gift items purchased and much more. We have done our best to make this day as successful, joyful and peaceful as possible. All our vocational staff and volunteers attended and enjoyed the great result of all this work.

Now the young women can start their new life with their grooms and families. We will monitor their progress and integration into their new communities and try to ensure everyone is happy. We thank all the new husbands for their courage and pray for them and their families.

Last but not least, we are grateful to everyone who supported us. To see the glowing faces and smile of all the girls, we realised how fortunate we are to be part of such an event.

Thank you

Back