Indianweddings, especially Hindu ones, are known for being extravagant andlavish, but also notoriously traditional. Aditya Madiraju and AmitShah took this stereotype and spun it on its head in the best waypossible.
Theyhad a traditional Hindu ceremony in a temple, but there was one thingnot so traditional about this event: it was a gay marriage. In India,same sex marriage has not yet been legalized.
Withmuch of the Indian community having close-minded opinions about gayrelationships, the fearlessness with which this very in love coupleimmortalized their wedding was gorgeous and statement making all atthe same time.
Thisduo came out to their parents after dating for just over a year, andfortunately received lots of support from both of their families.
The pictures went viral not just from the controversial nature of the post, but from the vibrant and stunning images captured by photographer Charmi Pena.
Thehappy grooms are both practicing Hindus in their 30s, and holdreligion close to their heart – they didn’tsee why their same-sex relationship would ever conflict with that.
Thesetwo are already an extremely good-looking couple, but woretraditional kurtas with striking prints designed by Anita Dongre thattransformed them into models. Against the backdrop of the immaculatetemple, these two looked like something out of a fairytale.
Thetenderness in these images is undeniable, and so is the openness withwhich they share it with the world. We hope this inspires youngpeople in the closet all over to have the courage to come out and betheir true, fantastic selves.
Beingcarefree about something like this can feed scary in a world wherebigoted attitudes seem to be acceptable. But this joyous couple justgives us another reason to celebrate, ignore the haters, and do whatmakes us happy.
Theydidn’t know that their union would havesuch an effect on people all over the world, saying “wedidn’t realize the impact asimple wedding at a temple would have on people around the worldlooking for hope.”
Theydeserved their dream wedding just as much as anyone else, and we’reecstatic that they were able to make it come true at such abreathtaking temple. We hope it inspires others in their position toact with similar courage so that they can feel as fulfilled and warmas Amit and Aditya.
