Two women marry in Sundarbans temple, challenging traditions with grace

In a village nestled within the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans, where the tides shape both land and life, two young women recently took a bold step that blended love, tradition and defiance. Professional dancers Riya Sardar and Rakhi Naskar, both in their early 20s, exchanged vows at the Paler Chak temple in Jalaberia, Kultali block, on 4 November. Their wedding drew hundreds of curious and supportive villagers, who marked the occasion with ululations, conch shells and blessings.

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.

On that afternoon, the temple courtyard came alive with colour and emotion. Riya, dressed as the bride, and Rakhi, donning a traditional groom’s crown, performed the mala badal (exchange of garlands) and took their vows under the guidance of a local priest.

Also read | He’s gay. She’s straight. The story of Samantha and Jacob's ‘lavender marriage’

Villagers gathered to witness the moment — some surprised, many watching in silent approval.

“We have taken vows to become life partners,” said Riya, who hails from Rameshwarpur in Mandirbazar.

Rakhi, from the Bakultala police station area, added, “We are adults. We can decide our lives. Why should gender matter while choosing a life partner?”

Riya, 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, “Despite pressure from my farming family, I decided to marry only the person I truly love.”

Also read |

 India’s travel gear market set for a boom as travel season kicks off; Superdry enters the fray

The two women first connected on social media, exchanging phone numbers and late-night conversations despite inquisitive neighbours. Their bond deepened after they joined the same dance group. “Our friendship became something else, deepening into love,” they said, sitting close together after the ceremony.

Villagers helped organise the wedding, ensuring it resembled any other local celebration.

“We all came together to help our two daughters start their new life,” said Milan Sardar, a resident of Jalaberia. “Everyone chipped in. After the rituals, both sides enjoyed a feast of chicken and rice, just like any other wedding.”

While some were taken aback by the idea of a same-sex couple marrying in a Hindu temple, others saw it as an expression of commitment and courage.

“It was beautiful,” said Ankur Basu, a social activist working in the area on sanitation and health initiatives. “This wasn’t an act of protest. It was two people choosing each other.”

Local police said they had not received any complaint or report regarding the ceremony. “Nobody approached us. If villagers attend a temple function peacefully, we have nothing to do,” said an official told PTI

As evening fell and the conch shells went quiet, Riya and Rakhi stood together, fingers entwined — two young women stepping into a future they had chosen for themselves, against the odds but with the blessings of their village behind them.