Two Women Marry in Traditional Hindu Ceremony in West Bengal's Sundarbans Despite No Legal Recognition

Two women defied social norms by getting married in West Bengal's Sundarbans region. The wedding ceremony attracted hundreds of supportive villagers who celebrated their union.

In the heart of Sundarbans, where mangrove forests surround winding rivers and traditions are deeply rooted, two young women made a remarkable commitment to each other at a local temple.

Riya Sardar and Rakhi Naskar, professional dancers in their early twenties, exchanged marriage vows at the Paler Chak temple in Jalaberia, Kultali block on November 4. Their wedding drew hundreds of villagers who celebrated with traditional rituals, blowing conch shells and offering blessings to the couple.

Despite India having no legal recognition for same-sex marriages and the matter still under consideration by the Supreme Court, their union represented a quiet yet powerful statement of love in a socially conservative region where such public declarations remain uncommon.

The ceremony was vibrant and traditional, with Riya dressed as a bride and Rakhi wearing a groom's crown. They exchanged garlands in the traditional "mala badal" ritual and took sacred vows under the guidance of a priest who conducted all customary ceremonies.

Among the gathered villagers, reactions ranged from surprise to quiet acceptance as they witnessed this unconventional union.

"We have taken vows to become life partners," Riya, who comes from Rameshwarpur in Mandirbazar, told reporters afterward.

Rakhi, who is from the Bakultala police station area, questioned social norms by asking, "We are adults. We can decide our lives. Why should gender matter while choosing a life partner?"

Riya shared that she lost her parents at a young age and was raised by her aunt Kavita Koyal, who initially was surprised but ultimately respected her niece's decision. After completing high school, Riya began working as a dancer.

Rakhi, who studied until class nine and performs with a local dance troupe, said, "Despite pressure from my farming family, I decided to marry only the person I truly love."

Their relationship began on social media, where they exchanged contact information and began long conversations despite curious neighbors. Later, they joined the same dance group, where they explained their "friendship became something else, deepening into love."

The village community showed remarkable support for the couple. Milan Sardar, a local resident, said, "We all came together to help our two daughters start their new life."

"Everyone contributed. After the ceremonies, both sides enjoyed a feast of chicken and rice, just like any other wedding," he added.

For some villagers, witnessing a same-sex wedding in a Hindu temple was unexpected, while others simply viewed it as a celebration of courage and companionship.

"It was beautiful," remarked Ankur Basu, a social activist who was in the area for health and sanitation work. "This wasn't an act of protest. It was two people choosing each other," he noted.

Police officials stated they had no official report about the event. "Nobody approached us. If villagers attend a temple function peacefully, we have nothing to do," an official commented.

As celebrations concluded and villagers returned home, Riya and Rakhi remained close with intertwined fingers, embarking on a future defined by their own choices.