Two Women Married in a Sundarbans Temple. The Village Blessed Them, Not Judged

In a small Sundarbans village where traditions run deep, two young women broke convention this week by marrying each other at a local temple, and found their community quietly standing beside them.Professional

dancers Riya Sardar and Rakhi Naskar, both in their early twenties, exchanged garlands and vows at the Paler Chak temple in Jalaberia, Kultali block, on November 4. Their wedding, though lacking legal recognition, drew hundreds of villagers who clapped, ululated, and showered blessings on the couple.In a region known for its conservative social fabric, the ceremony was both simple and symbolic — a quiet act of love overlaid with courage. Riya, dressed as the bride, and Rakhi, wearing a groom’s crown, performed the rituals under the guidance of a local priest.“We have taken vows to become life partners,” Riya said, as quoted by PTI. “We are adults. We can decide our lives. Why should gender matter while choosing a life partner?” added Rakhi, who hails from Bakultala.Riya, from Rameshwarpur in Mandirbazar, lost her parents early and was raised by her aunt, Kavita Koyal, who initially hesitated but did not oppose her choice. Both women work as performers in local dance troupes and met through social media before joining the same group. “Our friendship turned into something deeper,” they said.Despite early whispers, the community embraced the event. “We all came together to help our two daughters start their new life,” said Milan Sardar, a villager who helped arrange the wedding feast of chicken and rice.For some, the sight of a same-sex marriage in a Hindu temple was unexpected. For others, it was simply a moment of affection and bravery. “It wasn’t an act of protest,” said social activist Ankur Basu. “It was two people choosing each other," he added, as quoted by PTI. Police officials said they received no complaint about the ceremony. “If villagers attend a temple function peacefully, we have nothing to do,” an officer said.As dusk fell over the mangrove-lined village, Riya and Rakhi stood hand in hand — their quiet promise echoing louder than any ritual chant.