'Magical Beyond Words': Greek Woman Marries Indian Man At Maha Kumbh Mela

An Indian man, Siddharth, married his Greek girlfriend, Penelope, at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Republic Day, January 26. The couple tied the knot in a traditional Vedic ceremony, with the Kanyadan being performed by Swami Yatindranand Giri, the Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, along with Penelope’s mother and relatives.

Watch: Indian Man Marries Greek GF At Maha Kumbh Mela On Republic Day

Speaking to news agency Asian News International, Siddharth shared his happiness, saying, “We are very grateful just to get married to each other; she is really special. When we decided on it, we wanted to do it in the most authentic manner, which would be simple yet divine, and for that, we chose Prayagraj, Maha Kumbh, on this specific date (January 26).” 

He further added, “We know that at this point in time, this is probably the best place not just in the country or the world but the universe where all forms of divinity, pilgrimages, and everything are present here. You meet such great souls. We meet Maharaj ji (Swami Yatindranand Giri) and get his blessings and this is such a pleasure for the heart and the soul.”

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Siddharth also recalled proposing to Penelope and giving her the choice to marry either in India or Greece, with Penelope choosing India for their wedding.

Prayagraj: India's Siddharth marries Penelope from Greece with Vedic rituals during Maha Kumbh

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Penelope described her wedding ceremony at the Maha Kumbh Mela as “magical beyond words.” She explained, “I think what has happened today is something magical beyond words, and it is only when I see some of the pictures that I realize we were experiencing divine energy. I have never attended an Indian wedding, and today I was the bride, so everything was new to me but at the same time very familiar. What happened was a ceremony; I was married in a more spiritual way, according to Vedic scriptures, and it was amazing.”

Penelope, who converted from Buddhism to Hinduism, reflected on the deep spiritual connection she felt with the ceremony, saying, “Everything comes from Sanatan Dharma.” She expressed her excitement about participating in the holy dip at the Kumbh Mela on January 29, which is a significant spiritual ritual for pilgrims at the festival.