Same-sex marriages are illegal in India, but two men tied the knot in a traditional ceremony in Indore. The ceremony was not an act of defiance, or an attempt to prove their love. Instead, it was a ritual aimed at wooing the rain god, in the hope that he would shower his blessings on drought-hit Madhya Pradesh.
Sakaram Ahirwar and Rakesh Adjan – who already have children with their respective wives – exchanged wedding vows in a traditional Hindu ceremony. The men, who are labourers, also organised a feast for their guests, which included their wives and children.
While the northeast received heavy rainfall, Madhya Pradesh – particularly Indore – has received 20 percent less rainfall this year. Due to scanty rainfall, the rivers are drying up leading to severe water scarcity in the state.
Just as the marriage was being solemnised, it began to rain, leaving the guests stunned.
Same sex marriage is illegal in India, as Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalises homosexuality. While several LGBTQ activists have been demanding that gay marriages be legalised in India, their efforts have been in vain.
(With inputs from AP)
Video Editor: Vivek Gupta
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