West Bengal Love Story: A Unique Wedding Ceremony Held in West Bengal; Sent a Strong Message by Breaking Societal Norms

It is said that love is a pure emotion. Those who understood this emotion are still famous worldwide based on various aspects in history. Love can be felt for anyone. Love has no caste, religion, or color. It is naturally felt for a person through their companionship. However, even today, love is not accepted so easily around us. Many couples have had to part ways considering society, family, relatives, and friends.

However, an extraordinary example of love has been witnessed in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal. Defying societal norms, opposition, and traditions, two young women exchanged garlands in a temple and vowed to support each other for life. This is the daring love story of Riya Sardar and Rakhi Naskar, two young women who made their decision despite societal opposition for the sake of love.

Riya Sardar is from Mandarbazar in Sundarbans, and Rakhi Naskar is a resident of Bakultala village. Both are professional dancers, and they met at an event about two years ago. This acquaintance gradually turned into friendship and then into love. This romantic relationship did not receive the same response from both families. Rakhi's family supported her decision, but Riya's family initially opposed it. Nevertheless, the two decided to get married on their own.

With the help of neighbors and some friends, a small ceremony was organized at the local temple. There, the two exchanged garlands. The wedding ceremony held at the Shiva temple was attended by local people. Following traditional methods, they performed worship and aarti, and exchanged garlands. Local residents also welcomed this decision, saying 'Love does not bow down,' and congratulated the couple. This marriage has sent a strong message by breaking certain societal norms.