The wedding took place on Friday after the groom Navnath Dige and the bride Poonam Shinde hit upon this idea about two months back
It is a story of a different marriage – Eka Dhavatya Lagnachi Goshta (the story of a running wedding). The bride and the groom were running from one village to another. They ran for 25 km and the barati accompanied. All of them dressed up in running gear, and the bride and the groom wore turbans and also the chest band of the accompanying runners which said 'varhadi', that is baratis.
The wedding took place on Friday after the groom Navnath Dige and the bride Poonam Shinde hit upon this idea about two months back. Speaking to DNA, Navnath a seasoned marathon runner, who has so far completed seven runs of 21 km and one full Mumbai marathon, said: "This unique wedding was a message to create awareness about health and fitness".
Navnath runs a business of sales and services for printers, and Poonam takes tuitions. They both hail from Jawali tehsil in Satara district. Both families agreed to their idea of not wasting money on a lavish wedding and getting married at the registrar's office.
"One day I told Poonam that I had this idea of running to get married. I was aware that every girl has her idea about marriage, and also that Poonam is not a runner. I explained it to her that running is my passion and this way we could create awareness in a big way. She agreed and practised daily for about a month-and-a-half. The next step was to convince the families, and they too were supportive," Navnath said.
The Marathon Association, Satara, which organises the Satara Hill Marathon, for which Navnath works as an official, came forward to host the wedding as an event. They spread word on social media and the idea received very good response. "Satara is now known as the city of runners and Navnath's and Poonam's wedding in such a unique manner promotes running and good health. The response was great," said Dr Sandip Kate of the association.
The barat started from a common point in Medha village and the 25-km route was charted. A vehicle carried the band, and the bride and groom, wearing red turbans, ran in the centre, flocked by the barati runners. At many villages on way, the two were welcomed with flowers and aarti. Students joined them for small distances. Both families, too, participated.
They all ran 25 km and it took three-and-a-half hours. "I am happy that Poonam supported my idea and participated. Awareness has to begin with the self and this is what we did. We are now starting our life together on a new energetic role," Navnath said.
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