Matrimonial

Mandhata Matrimonial Get-together

The purpose of this event is to bring members of Koli Patel community who are looking for partners to join in matrimony together and give them an opportunity to meet each other. The event has been held since 1994 and attracted members of Koli community from UK, USA, Canada, India, New Zealand and Zimbabwe.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Vinay Patel as below;
Email - vinay.patel@ntlworld.com
Tel: +44 (0) 116 266 8444
Tel: +44 (0) 7711 433 466

Guidance Notes

Preliminary Stage

The Mandhata Matrimonial Event is publicised via the website, magazine, events, networks, etc.  Potential participants are encouraged to register early.  This can be done by completing a registration form, which is available from the Mandhata website.    http://www.mandhata.org/matrimonial/matri.htm

On the Day

Stage 1: 
Upon arrival, a badge is issued to each participant which has the following information

Name
Age
ID Number
Group Number
Town/City in UK
Status – Divorced/Widow/Widower

A handout is given which includes certain data of all the registered participants, e.g. their ID number, age, town in England, village in India, status, occupation and qualifications.  No names and addresses are disclosed in this handout.

A card is also provided (to be used at stage 4), in which participants can register their interest in other participants. This is a simple card used by the participants to identify their potential interest in someone, for example, if participant number 105 likes participant number 210 he/she can write their number on this card.

Participants, who have not previously registered prior to the day of the event, are also given the opportunity to do so on arrival.  This involves filling in the registration form, provision of a badge together with the handout and the card.

Stage 2:
Participants are requested to gather in the main hall (where refreshments are provided) and are given the opportunity to see and possibly meet people on arrival.  At this stage, parents/guardian are also allowed in.

Stage 3: (approx 10.30am)
A welcome speech and full details of the day’s event is then delivered by one of the Co-ordinator. As soon this is over, parents/guardian are requested to leave the room and are invited to sit in a private room.

Stage 4:
Participants are then directed to join their groups as indicated on their badges and are asked to be seated.  At this point, the Speed Dating starts – Males and Females are sat facing each other.  The participants are given 2 minutes to talk to each other.  This is timed and highly efficient.  Every participant will get an opportunity to talk to each of the member of the opposite sex. 

Throughout this process participants can make a note of the participants they like by writing the respective ID numbers on their cards (issued at stage 1).

In addition, volunteers are also present during this process to help with the smooth running during the changeover times and to provide further information on participants or assist in further introductions as necessary.  Supply of water and sweets is available during that time.

Late comers will, after registration, be guided to their groups by volunteers and will join in as appropriate.

Stage 5: (Approx 12.30pm)
Bearing in mind the time factor, although stage 4 has not finished, a lunch break is then initiated for both parents and participants, enabling individuals to further mingle at their own discretion.  A lunch is provided, the cost of which is included in the registration fee.

Stage 6: (Approx 1.30pm)
Stage 4 speed dating continues until all the groups have completed the sessions.  This can be between 2.30 -3.00pm

Stage 7: (Approx 3.00 – 400pm)
Participants are given opportunity to mingle with each other and exchange contact details if necessary.  Volunteers are also present to encourage and help provide further information on participants or assist in further introductions.

Stage 8: (Approx 4.00pm)
Parents/Guardians are re-joined together

Stage 9:
All cards are then collected by the organisers. 

Post Action
The cards are collected and taken away by the Co-ordinator of the event. During the course of the following week these will be checked for any possible match. If two people have ticked each other then the Co-ordinator would exchange email addresses with the individuals concerned.  No other information is divulged. This process is carried out with complete confidentiality.  It is then up to the participants to contact each other at their own discretion.

Mandhata Matrimonial History