Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
91.9K
Gay Indian Couple Holds A Traditional Wedding Ceremony In A Hindu Temple, And Their Photos Go Viral
Love knows no boundaries. That’s what Amit Shah and Aditya Madiraju proved when they got married during a traditional, religious Hindu ceremony, in a temple in New Jersey.
The Indian couple’s impressive and stylish yet traditional wedding was immortalized by professional photographer Charmi Peña. Her wedding photos from the event were such a success, and they immediately went viral. Which is why the entire internet is busy talking about Amit and Aditya’s union.
More info: Instagram | Charmi Peña
RELATED:
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Photographer Charmi talked to Bored Panda about the fantastic Indian wedding, as well as a bit about herself: “I knew I was documenting something big for the Indian community. And my gut feeling has been borne out in the tons of messages from LGBTQ people who have said that the images give them hope.”
“I’m excited, of course, but mostly happy that people are seeing them,” Charmi elaborated about how she felt about her photos going viral. “Representation matters, and knowing how seeing themselves reflected is helping people, is so fulfilling for me.”
“I have a bit of a bad memory. But when I see photos, I remember everything: the smells, the sounds, the emotions. Photography lets me give that to others,” Charmi revealed to Bored Panda about her love of photography. She also said that she didn’t always know she’d wind up as a photographer. She’s Indian, just like Amit and Aditya: “I thought I was going to be a doctor!”
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Dance choreographer Amit, who is 32, and his husband Aditya, who is 31 and works in risk management, are both practicing Hindus. Indian traditions are very important to them. That’s why after dating for a few years, the cute couple filled out the paperwork for a civil union in New York City at the start of 2019, and then also decided to have a traditional ceremony in New Jersey on July 19. The pair wore striking kurtas by designer Anita Dongre during the actual wedding ceremony.
“We didn’t realize the impact a simple wedding at a temple would have on people around the world looking for hope,” Amit and Aditya wrote on Instagram. Aditya told Irish News that “Having a traditional wedding is something that wasn’t out of the ordinary for either of us as we come from pretty traditional and conservative backgrounds.”
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Meanwhile, Amit explained to Vogue India that the couple first met “three years ago in a small Lower East Side bar for a friends birthday. Since that night, we have been together.”
“Although we have completely different personalities, thanks to our similar interests we hit it off instantly,” Amit told the media. He also revealed that the pair ‘came out’ as a gay couple to their parents after dating for a year, and were rewarded with lots of support.
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
In India, gay marriage hasn’t been recognized legally yet, with opinions on the issue varying from disapproving to favorable, depending on the area, community and temple in question.
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
Image credits: Charmi Pena Photography
What do you think ?
read041 6 years ago
Gay or Straight, Indians have some of the most beautiful weddings ever! Congrats to these two men. :)
Beverly Sokolski 6 years ago
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL,, I COULD FEEL THE L O V E !
Load More Replies...
kathryn stretton 6 years ago
I am hetero woman, been living in Turkey10 years. I have been told that there is no such thing as a gay Muslim, male or female. Ok. I know quite a few, not lots, but quite a few. It is very, very difficult for them to live in a relaxed and natural manner. Bus drivers, shopkeepers, cafe owners..the list goes on. All agree that 'gayness' is a European disease, and is a problem. We need posts like this to help perpetuate sexual freedom. It will take time. Generations. But, we will get there, eventually I suppose.
Rhonda Herring 6 years ago
I have friends who are gay or lesbian and I think most would agree that our parents are the ones show the "wrong". I believe when sixty years old are gone people will see love is love no matter the lifestyle they will be better received. At least I hope so
Load More Replies...
SummerDupahriya 6 years ago
As a human being, as a Hindu, as an Indian I feel so happy. May Shiv ji bless the lovely couple and help the homophobic get out of it. Om Namah Shivaaye 🙏🏽 🕉
Danielle Renee 6 years ago
those two are gorgeous, that wedding looked amazing and i wish i would have been there!
Unicornstar 6 years ago
I AM HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH. You deserve every happiness and all the wonderful things life has to offer. Good luck to the pair of you. And CONGRATULATIONS.
Abhinav Singh Panwar 6 years ago
Same sex marriages are not per se illegal in India, like you cannot be arrested for it but the law is not clear, same sex marriages are not recognised by the law but are not illegal either. Last year the supreme court of India decriminalised gay sex but did not say anything about marriages. Anyway, beautiful pictures and beautiful couple. I hope they are given the same recognition and rights as heterosexual marriages back home. Best wishes!
read041 6 years ago
Gay or Straight, Indians have some of the most beautiful weddings ever! Congrats to these two men. :)
Beverly Sokolski 6 years ago
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL,, I COULD FEEL THE L O V E !
Load More Replies... kathryn stretton 6 years ago
I am hetero woman, been living in Turkey10 years. I have been told that there is no such thing as a gay Muslim, male or female. Ok. I know quite a few, not lots, but quite a few. It is very, very difficult for them to live in a relaxed and natural manner. Bus drivers, shopkeepers, cafe owners..the list goes on. All agree that 'gayness' is a European disease, and is a problem. We need posts like this to help perpetuate sexual freedom. It will take time. Generations. But, we will get there, eventually I suppose.
Rhonda Herring 6 years ago
I have friends who are gay or lesbian and I think most would agree that our parents are the ones show the "wrong". I believe when sixty years old are gone people will see love is love no matter the lifestyle they will be better received. At least I hope so
Load More Replies... SummerDupahriya 6 years ago
As a human being, as a Hindu, as an Indian I feel so happy. May Shiv ji bless the lovely couple and help the homophobic get out of it. Om Namah Shivaaye 🙏🏽 🕉
Danielle Renee 6 years ago
those two are gorgeous, that wedding looked amazing and i wish i would have been there!
Unicornstar 6 years ago
I AM HAPPY FOR YOU BOTH. You deserve every happiness and all the wonderful things life has to offer. Good luck to the pair of you. And CONGRATULATIONS.
Abhinav Singh Panwar 6 years ago
Same sex marriages are not per se illegal in India, like you cannot be arrested for it but the law is not clear, same sex marriages are not recognised by the law but are not illegal either. Last year the supreme court of India decriminalised gay sex but did not say anything about marriages. Anyway, beautiful pictures and beautiful couple. I hope they are given the same recognition and rights as heterosexual marriages back home. Best wishes!
You May Like 64 Of The Most Famous Photographers In History Most Famous Female Photographers Of The World 68 Creative Photoshoot Ideas To Boost Your Inspiration
Viltė Domkutė
Justina Čiapaitė
Justina Čiapaitė
Related on Bored Panda
487
128