Two Women From Sundarbans Marry With Support From Villagers

In a heartwarming story from the Sundarbans region of West Bengal, a young same-sex couple tied the knot in a simple social ceremony on November 5, receiving overwhelming support from their neighbours even as their families turned them away.

The couple, Riya Sardar (19) and Rakhi Naskar (20), held their marriage at a local temple in Kultali village, where locals gathered in large numbers to bless their union. A video of the ceremony soon went viral, earning widespread praise online for the community’s acceptance and compassion.

Though modest, the wedding was filled with joy — songs, dancing, fireworks, and the traditional exchange of garlands. Sardar dressed as the groom in Bengali attire, while Naskar wore a red saree as the bride.

How did they meet?

Both professional dancers met through a mutual friend and gradually fell in love. Sardar, who lost her parents young, was raised by relatives who later disowned her after discovering her relationship.

“If two people love each other, why can’t they live together — whether they’re a man and woman, or two women?” she asked after the ceremony. “We met two years ago and got married privately seven months back. When people found out, they tried to separate us. But the villagers stood by us and helped us arrange another ceremony,” Naskar told The Hindu.

Now, two days after their public wedding, the couple has found a new family in their neighbours — even as they continue to fear backlash from their own.

What does the law say?

In October 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that there is no fundamental right to same-sex marriage and that the Special Marriage Act does not extend to same-sex couples. Despite that, moments like these reflect the growing acceptance and support for love that transcends gender boundaries.

Although same-sex marriages are not legally recognised in India, couples like Riya and Rakhi continue to celebrate their relationships openly. The villagers’ support stood out as a powerful act of empathy. “We’ve never seen something like this before, only in movies. They love each other, so we wanted to help them get married,” said a local resident.