The majestic Raj Bhavan in Kolkata is set to shed its formal persona and don the colours of a grand wedding venue, as the governor’s secretariat has announced plans to host a community marriage ceremony for 100 people on November 23. This marks the completion of Governor C V Ananda Bose’s third year in office and the commencement of his fourth.
The grand community wedding is specifically intended for needy families, offering them the opportunity to have their solemn ceremony conducted at the historic Raj Bhavan, with all ceremonial expenses being borne by the governor’s secretariat, said officials.
A token gift will also be presented to each bridal couple, who may be accompanied by their parents or any guardians and others. The numbers would not be more than 10 on each side.
Parents of prospective couples, excluding those covered under the Special Marriage Act, are invited to submit their applications in the prescribed format.
Applicants must provide detailed personal, address, and employment information for both the bride and bridegroom, along with valid age proof and Aadhaar documents, and the explicit consent of all parties involved. The application also requires the Aadhaar, employment, and annual income details of the parents or legal guardians.
The governor’s secretariat has confirmed that it will facilitate the registration of marriage for couples who have not yet started the process. A mandatory certificate from a village administrative officer, sarpanch, or a gazetted officer verifying the correctness of the application details must be attached to the submission.
Applications must reach Raj Bhavan by November 16. Duly filled-in applications should be clearly marked as for Community Marriage 2025, Raj Bhavan. They can be sent via post or hand-delivered to the deputy secretary, Governor’s Secretariat, Raj Bhavan, Kolkata 700062, or submitted via email to peaceroomrajbhavan@gmail.com, generalcellgs@gmail.com, or specialcellgs@gmail.com. The decision of the Raj Bhavan authorities regarding the acceptance of applications will be final, officials said.