India pacer Akash Deep is set to begin a new chapter in his life as he prepares to marry Akshita Raj on June 24, with celebrations already underway across Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
The India and Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler will tie the knot with Akshita, a resident of Manikpur village in Dehri-on-Sone, in a grand ceremony in Varanasi. From a lavish ₹10 lakh pandal to Bollywood-themed decorations and cultural performances, the wedding has quickly become one of the most talked-about sporting celebrations in Bihar this year.
Why Akash Deep Chose Varanasi For His Wedding
While many cricketers opt for destination weddings, Akash Deep's choice of Varanasi carries personal significance.
A devoted follower of Lord Shiva, the 28-year-old is known to visit the Kashi Vishwanath Temple whenever his
cricket schedule permits. Family members had earlier revealed that the pacer wanted his wedding to take place in the holy city, making Varanasi the natural venue for the ceremony.
The wedding will take place on June 24 after a series of traditional celebrations spread across several days.
Full Wedding Schedule: Tilak, Mehendi And Haldi
The festivities officially began with the Tilak ceremony on June 21, while the Mehendi ceremony is scheduled for June 22 and Haldi celebrations will take place on June 23.
Most of the pre-wedding rituals are being held at Akash Deep's ancestral village, Baddi, where preparations have transformed the area into a festive hub.
Residents have described an atmosphere similar to a village fair, with relatives arriving from across the country and decorations covering large parts of the village.
₹10 lakh Pandal And Bollywood-Themed Decorations
Among the biggest talking points of the celebrations has been the scale of the arrangements.
According to local reports, a massive pandal worth nearly ₹10 lakh was erected for the Tilak ceremony, which reportedly witnessed the attendance of more than 20,000 people.
Akash Deep's residence has also been decorated with a Bollywood-inspired theme, while elaborate lighting and custom installations have been put in place to mark the occasion.
A specially designed stage was built for cultural performances, with Bhojpuri stars Gunjan Singh and Kajal Raghwani performing during the Tilak celebrations.
Videos from the event showed Akash Deep joining the festivities and dancing alongside family members and guests.
Delhi Makeup Artists, VIP Guests And High-Profile Attendance
The wedding celebrations have attracted attention beyond cricket circles.
Makeup artists were reportedly flown in from Delhi for the bride and groom, while arrangements have been made for several high-profile guests expected to attend the wedding in Varanasi.
Akash Deep recently met Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh and personally invited her to the ceremony by presenting a wedding card.
Political leaders, sports personalities and local dignitaries have already attended pre-wedding events, with Rohtas MP Manoj Kumar and MLA Murari Prasad Gautam among those present at the Tilak ceremony.
A Celebration Made Even Sweeter By His DSP Appointment
The wedding comes just days after another major milestone in Akash Deep's life.
The Bihar government recently appointed the cricketer as a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), adding to the celebrations within the family.
Speaking during the wedding functions, family members described the appointment as a proud moment not only for the household but also for the entire village.
"My brother-in-law is a player of the Indian cricket team and has now also become a DSP. This has increased the respect of the entire family," a family member said during the festivities.
From Tragedy To Triumph
The grandeur of the wedding stands in contrast to the hardships Akash Deep overcame on his journey to the Indian team.
He lost his father at the age of 16 and suffered another devastating blow when his elder brother passed away just months later.
Determined to pursue cricket, Akash left Bihar and moved to Bengal, where he stayed with relatives in Asansol and began rebuilding his career.
The move became necessary partly because of administrative issues affecting cricket in Bihar at the time. From club cricket in Bengal to the Ranji Trophy and eventually the Indian team, Akash's rise has been built on resilience and sacrifice.
A Dream Year Continues
The wedding caps a remarkable period in the pacer's life.
Over the last year, Akash Deep has established himself in Indian cricket, earned national recognition, received a DSP appointment from the Bihar government and continued to win admiration for his emotional tribute to his cancer-stricken sister after his memorable all-round performance against England.
Now, with thousands of well-wishers celebrating alongside him and preparations reaching their final stages, Akash Deep is ready for another milestone - this time away from the cricket field.
On June 24 in Varanasi, the fast bowler's journey will move from cricketing headlines to wedding bells as he marries Akshita Raj in front of family, friends and a village that has watched one of its own become a national star.
