Foreigners haunted by fears of divorce keep coming to India and get hitched in a desi style rooted in Sanatan Dharma, which they believe can keep marital bonds intact, writes Siddthartha Alberrt Majumder
Dario aka Vishnu Anand and Martina aka Ma Mangalananda who donned sherwani and sari, put tilak on their foreheads and looked every bit of desi, not exactly firangs except for their complexions and language.
On Sunday, they looked jubilant at Parmanand Yoga Anandmay Peeth in Ujjain. Soon they were joined by Ian (Acharya Ramdas Anand) Gabriela (Ma Samananda), and Maurizio (Prakashananda) and Nelmas (Ma Nityananda) whose wedding rituals took place as per Hindu rituals after the darshan of Lord Mahakal at Mahakaleshwar temple in the holy city.
On the occasion, everyone wore traditional Indian clothes and the atmosphere reverberated with chanting of Vedic hymns. Soon garlands were exchanged and then couples took seven rounds.
These couples from Italy, America and Peru took seven rounds and vowed to keep marital bonds intact for their lives. The grooms accompanied by brides rode on horses and then the ‘baraat’ was taken out. Haldi and sangeet took place in Indore.
These couples came to Parmanand Institute of Yoga Science and Research in Indore for yoga training. They not only learnt yoga but also showed deep interest in Indian culture and traditions. Wedding rituals started a day before with the Haldi and Mehndi ceremony in Indore. In the evening, they took part in Mahila Sangeet. This ceremony saw a beautiful confluence of Indian and foreign cultures.
Love for Sanatan tradition
Umanand Maharaj of Parmanand Yoga Institute said “They came to learn yoga here and gradually fell in love with Indian culture. They started taking an interest in Sanatan Dharma and also adopted Hindu names. After marriage, they performed puja with Vedic mantras and resolved to deep dive into spirituality and embrace Hindu ethos.”
According to Maharaj, the reason for their choosing Vedic marriage is that they said it decreases the chance of divorce among foreigners.
Newly married couples will return to their respective countries on January 3. Maharaj further said they will spread the message of peace and harmony through Indian culture and yoga.