That marriage bonds a couple for a lifetime is said often but what is rare is when by sheer dint of it, different communities come together.

This rare occasion took place at an ashram in Rajasthan, when 159 couples from Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities tied the knot under one roof.

Baba Balaknath Ashram in Parsarampura village helped 11 Muslim, three Christian and 145 Hindu couples come together on Wednesday in probably the first event of its kind in the state.

Balak Nath, priest of Balaknath Ashrma, said they issued an advertisement in a newspaper, inviting interested couples, cutting across religious and caste barriers.

The reponse was overwhelming but most couples chosen were from the marginalised sections of society, he added.

The wedding venue was the ashram, situated along the Mansi river.

The scene was one of religious harmony as Hindu priests, Muslim Qazis, and Christian priests chanted their respective holy verses.

A 20,000-strong crowd had assembled to watch the unusual sight.

Bhim Singh, a resident of the village, said, "This kind of event is being held for the first time here, although the ashram has been in existence for the last 10 years. Such affairs definitely highlight India's religious tolerance."

The ashram also arranged a sumptuous dinner for all.

Baba Balaknath Ashram has a number of followers across the country and is primarily a health centre.