New beginnings

A Celebration of Dignity, Belonging, and New Beginnings

Community Wedding Ceremony | 15 December 2025

True social change begins when we choose inclusion over indifference. Many individuals who are orphaned or socially excluded are denied not just opportunities, but also the simple human right to companionship and family life. Keeping this belief at the heart of its work, Snehalaya organized a community wedding ceremony for orphaned and destitute couples, creating a moment of hope, dignity, and togetherness.

The ceremony was held under Snehalaya’s Snehadhar Project as part of HIV/AIDS Week, reminding us that compassion, care, and acceptance must always walk hand in hand with awareness and healthcare.

When Society Comes Together

The event brought together social workers, healthcare professionals, administrators, donors, and members of the Snehalaya family—everyone present not just as guests, but as family for the newly married couples. Speakers emphasized the importance of standing by those whom society has often left behind and encouraged the couples to take care of their health, nutrition, and regular medical treatment as they begin this new chapter of life.

From Hope to Home

Earlier, on 2 December 2023, Snehalaya had organized an online, state-level matrimonial meet with the theme “New Hope, New Life, New Dreams.” The response was overwhelming, with over 150 individuals registering in search of companionship and shared futures.

From this process, seven individuals found their life partners, and five couples came together in marriage during this community ceremony. These couples came from different parts of Maharashtra, including Pune, Satara, Parbhani, and Ahmednagar, reflecting the wide reach and inclusive spirit of the initiative.

A Wedding Supported by the Community

What made the ceremony truly special was the collective support extended by socially conscious citizens and donors. Many individuals and organizations contributed household items, clothing, and essentials, helping the couples begin their married lives with stability and dignity.

The kanyadaan and blessings offered by well-wishers symbolized society stepping in as family—standing beside the couples with love, respect, and acceptance. Every smile, every wish, and every gesture reflected a shared belief: no one should walk alone into a new life.

More Than a Marriage

This community wedding was not just a celebration of unions—it was a powerful reminder that love, belonging, and dignity should never be limited by circumstance. It also marked one of many initiatives carried out during World HIV/AIDS Fortnight, highlighting Snehalaya’s continued commitment to health, awareness, and social inclusion.

Through such efforts, Snehalaya continues to build spaces where forgotten lives find recognition, where hope replaces isolation, and where new beginnings are truly possible.