Rajasthan committee allows only clean-shaven grooms in mass marriage ceremonies

In a peculiar decision, a local committee organizing mass marriage ceremonies in Rajasthan has decided to allow only clean-shaven grooms, while those with long beards will be turned away. The decision was taken unanimously in a meeting called by the Shri Kshatriya Kumawat Samuhik Vivah Samiti, which will be conducting a mass marriage ceremony on March 30.

Committee officials have directed grooms to come clean-shaven to promote Indian culture and discourage western influences. The officials expressed concerns that long beards could hide a groom's identity and that they looked indecent. All committee members gave their consent to the order and accepted that only clean-shaven grooms would be permitted to exchange vows in the marriage ceremony while others would be turned away.

Nine pairs have reportedly registered for marriage following the new rule. It remains to be seen how the decision will be received by the community and whether it will be followed in the future. The move has sparked controversy and criticism on social media, with many questioning the committee's decision and its rationale behind it.