Story By: Ana Marjanovic, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News
Proud Muslim parents have walked their adopted Hindu daughter up the aisle in a traditional temple ceremony in India.
Muslim couple Abdulla and Khadeeja adopted their Hindu daughter when she was 10 years old after her father, who worked for the couple, died suddenly.
They proudly watched their daughter Rajeshwari tie the knot with Vishnu Prasad at Bhagavathi temple located in the town of Kodungallur in the southern Indian state of Kerala.
The nuptials took place in the presence of guests from both Hindu and Muslim communities.
Local media said the 22-year-old bride, Hindu by birth, was adopted by Abdulla and Khadeeja when her father died. He worked at the farm the couple owns, and it meant she was left an orphan after Rajeshwari’s mother passed away when she was a young child.
Abdulla, 67, told local media: “She came to our home at around the age of 10. We did not have a daughter so she grew up as the sister of our three boys.”
Abdulla, who has spent much of his life working and living in Dubai, returned to India 10 months ago to find a husband for Rajeshwari and they accepted a proposal from lab technician Vishnu Prasad, according to local media.
The groom’s family requested that the wedding take place in a Hindu temple and the bride’s Muslim parents agreed.
Abdulla said they chose the temple because “there is no bar on any religion and hence we could also attend the ceremony”.
According to local media, a mosque in the same area hosted a Hindu wedding in January this year.
News of the marriage was widely shared on social networks and netizens were quick to praise both families.
‘PandeyPrajkta’ said: “How great! Humanity exists.”
‘GulRoseViews’ commented: “This is the beauty of our India.”
‘Harmeekbhamra’ wrote: “This made my day.”
‘Santlee25’ remarked: “Epic example of ‘Secular India’.”
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