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In a country where same-sex marriage is yet to receive legal recognition and remains under judicial consideration, the ceremony stood out as a quiet act of love rather than overt protest. The event unfolded in a conservative corner of the Sundarbans, where such open expressions of same-sex relationships are rare.<\/p>\n
On that afternoon, the temple courtyard came alive with colour and emotion. Riya, dressed as the bride, and Rakhi, donning a traditional groom\u2019s crown, performed the mala badal (exchange of garlands) and took their vows under the guidance of a local priest.<\/p>\n
\nAlso read |\u00a0<\/strong>He\u2019s gay. She\u2019s straight. The story of Samantha and Jacob’s \u2018lavender marriage\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n Villagers gathered to witness the moment \u2014 some surprised, many watching in silent approval.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have taken vows to become life partners,\u201d said Riya, who hails from Rameshwarpur in Mandirbazar.<\/p>\n Rakhi, from the Bakultala police station area, added, \u201cWe are adults. We can decide our lives. Why should gender matter while choosing a life partner?\u201d \nRiya, who lost her parents early in life and was brought up by her aunt, Kavita Koyal, said her guardian was initially taken aback but did not oppose her decision. Riya, a trained dancer, studied up to high school. Rakhi, who studied till Class IX and also performs in a local dance troupe, said, \u201cDespite pressure from my farming family, I decided to marry only the person I truly love.\u201d<\/p>\n
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