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
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.”
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
Gay or Straight, Indians have some of the most beautiful weddings ever! Congrats to these two men. :)
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL,, I COULD FEEL THE L O V E !
Load More Replies...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.
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...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 🙏🏽 🕉
those two are gorgeous, that wedding looked amazing and i wish i would have been there!
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.
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!
It's love that really matters. I wish them everlasting love a happiness.
This is what love looks like. U could see the pride they have in each other. In today's world we don't see enough of true love but it is out there. Just like these too. I wish them the very best and keep each other smiling!!
They look like the same size so, win-win: they doubled their wardrobe!
I'm not into men but ... How are they so handsome?! Why couldn't I be born with a face like those?!
This was so cute, and being part of the lgbtq community myself I love this! Especially in parts of the world where it isn't especially accepted.
Such beautiful photographs, and a gorgeous couple. I only WISH my wedding photos could be this lovely!
most likely this wedding was only accepted in that temple because the families come from money. i'm sure people of a lower caste could never dream of coming out and having their love on display. money gets people very far.
I had the same thought ... isn't it sad beyond anything ...
Load More Replies...lovely photos! i hate to say it, but they are accepted more and able to do this probably because they are wealthy. a gay couple from a lower caste in their society couldnt get away with this at all.
Awe how lovely. As a Hindu too, we don't care about orientation - we just love a big, beautiful Hindu wedding!
People in India have the most colorful clothing and jewelry. Colors of happiness and joy.
These pics are stunningly beautiful. Best wishes to the newlyweds ❤️
There go 2 hot Indian man being gay 😜 good luck guys, you look so happy.
yes they look like they're in love, great pictures, lovely couple, blah blah blah---can we talk about those kurtas for a moment? GORGEOUS!!!!
Right??! I'm like crazy about this, I need those clothes... so delicate, so elegant, exceptional quality taffeta and silks, the embroidery is just stunning, wow ...
Load More Replies...Indian weddings are incredible and so beautifully done! Congrats to this lovely couple!
The title of this should read "The two most beautiful men in India, possibly the World, just married each other". Wow.
Love is hard enough to find for most of us, so when you find it, cherish it. They look so happy. 😘
GREAT PHOTOS!! Such a beautiful wedding! Thank you for sharing with us :)
flipping beautiful!!!! They take my breath away with their love and gorgeousness!
Omg. I absolutely adore this. I admire them for so many reasons. Their families seem so happy that they're married too, which makes me happy as well. The pictures are so cute, you can tell they love eachother with all their hearts. Truly amazing.
I thought the same thing. That second pic is a great shot.
Load More Replies...What a beautiful couple. This wedding would not have been held in India without considerate risk. But do not let that make you nod your head, get a bit shocked at the fact that homosexuality has been legal for all of twenty (20) years in Maryland, USA! "Notably, as of 2019, 28 countries recognize same-sex marriage. By contrast, 14 countries or jurisdictions impose the death penalty for homosexuality. These include Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, and parts of Nigeria, Somalia, Syria and Iraq." From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_by_country_or_territory
On 24 August 2017, India's Supreme Court gave the country's LGBT community the freedom to safely express their sexual orientation. Therefore, an individual's sexual orientation is protected under the country's Right to Privacy law. However, the Supreme Court did not directly overturn any laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. On 6 September 2018, consensual gay sex was legalised by India's Supreme Court. So yes whilst there is still a risk it isn’t as considerable as some may think.
Load More Replies...They are the handsomest couple and have beautiful pictures. Wish mine looked like that.
If this offends anyone, i can honestly say it had no such meaning or intent. I am just curious, and was told that eagerness to learn new things was never bad. In the photos, i noticed the red "dot" was only on one of the men. Is there any meaning behind this? Is it usually the woman that has it? If so, is the person with the marking the most feminine of them? Again, i am curious.. nothing more.
In pic no 9 both of them have tika (the red dot). I guess you are talking about pic no 3. Tika was probably just done at different times and pictures were captured in the middle. No such significance of being feminine. And no, in many Indian cultures, tika is done by both males and females. If you go to a temple you will usually come out with tika and red thread on your wrist.
Load More Replies...Wow they look so happy and beautiful. I hope they have a long, happy marriage.
And i also want a gay life partner i'm 30 year good looking guy. But sad because in India ...
I want a guy for relationship 32Ayushsingh my insta id. int. in 27 to 35 age
As long as it does not come with the taste of missionarism it is absolutely okay. The tendency to blame heteros and to influence the world is a nuisance and leads to much distortion but this here is okay. Seeing the Indian upper-class and knowing about the state of the country is a nuisance in itself - the upper-class will have to take responsibility if it wants a good future.
These 2 are beautiful. so made for eachother its crazy..... I could feel the love thru the photo's and that is so amazing. BRIGHT HAPPY HEALTHY FUTURE TO YOU BOTH.
Looks so lovely, so glad they could celebrate their love :) Congrats to the happy couple!
im not homophobia, but its a Hindhu Temple.. and since most of religion ban gay, so........ how and why they need to do it in a Hindhu Temple?..
They wanted to have a traditional wedding. That’s their choice.
Load More Replies...No they wouldn't, who lied to you? Ever been to India?
Load More Replies...I completed agree, because holding hands is the *exact same thing* as agreeing to spend the rest of your life together, sharing practically everything in life, living together and possibly having children, you're right, holding hands has the same fine print
Load More Replies...Gay or Straight, Indians have some of the most beautiful weddings ever! Congrats to these two men. :)
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL,, I COULD FEEL THE L O V E !
Load More Replies...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.
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...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 🙏🏽 🕉
those two are gorgeous, that wedding looked amazing and i wish i would have been there!
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.
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!
It's love that really matters. I wish them everlasting love a happiness.
This is what love looks like. U could see the pride they have in each other. In today's world we don't see enough of true love but it is out there. Just like these too. I wish them the very best and keep each other smiling!!
They look like the same size so, win-win: they doubled their wardrobe!
I'm not into men but ... How are they so handsome?! Why couldn't I be born with a face like those?!
This was so cute, and being part of the lgbtq community myself I love this! Especially in parts of the world where it isn't especially accepted.
Such beautiful photographs, and a gorgeous couple. I only WISH my wedding photos could be this lovely!
most likely this wedding was only accepted in that temple because the families come from money. i'm sure people of a lower caste could never dream of coming out and having their love on display. money gets people very far.
I had the same thought ... isn't it sad beyond anything ...
Load More Replies...lovely photos! i hate to say it, but they are accepted more and able to do this probably because they are wealthy. a gay couple from a lower caste in their society couldnt get away with this at all.
Awe how lovely. As a Hindu too, we don't care about orientation - we just love a big, beautiful Hindu wedding!
People in India have the most colorful clothing and jewelry. Colors of happiness and joy.
These pics are stunningly beautiful. Best wishes to the newlyweds ❤️
There go 2 hot Indian man being gay 😜 good luck guys, you look so happy.
yes they look like they're in love, great pictures, lovely couple, blah blah blah---can we talk about those kurtas for a moment? GORGEOUS!!!!
Right??! I'm like crazy about this, I need those clothes... so delicate, so elegant, exceptional quality taffeta and silks, the embroidery is just stunning, wow ...
Load More Replies...Indian weddings are incredible and so beautifully done! Congrats to this lovely couple!
The title of this should read "The two most beautiful men in India, possibly the World, just married each other". Wow.
Love is hard enough to find for most of us, so when you find it, cherish it. They look so happy. 😘
GREAT PHOTOS!! Such a beautiful wedding! Thank you for sharing with us :)
flipping beautiful!!!! They take my breath away with their love and gorgeousness!
Omg. I absolutely adore this. I admire them for so many reasons. Their families seem so happy that they're married too, which makes me happy as well. The pictures are so cute, you can tell they love eachother with all their hearts. Truly amazing.
I thought the same thing. That second pic is a great shot.
Load More Replies...What a beautiful couple. This wedding would not have been held in India without considerate risk. But do not let that make you nod your head, get a bit shocked at the fact that homosexuality has been legal for all of twenty (20) years in Maryland, USA! "Notably, as of 2019, 28 countries recognize same-sex marriage. By contrast, 14 countries or jurisdictions impose the death penalty for homosexuality. These include Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen, the United Arab Emirates, and parts of Nigeria, Somalia, Syria and Iraq." From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_rights_by_country_or_territory
On 24 August 2017, India's Supreme Court gave the country's LGBT community the freedom to safely express their sexual orientation. Therefore, an individual's sexual orientation is protected under the country's Right to Privacy law. However, the Supreme Court did not directly overturn any laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. On 6 September 2018, consensual gay sex was legalised by India's Supreme Court. So yes whilst there is still a risk it isn’t as considerable as some may think.
Load More Replies...They are the handsomest couple and have beautiful pictures. Wish mine looked like that.
If this offends anyone, i can honestly say it had no such meaning or intent. I am just curious, and was told that eagerness to learn new things was never bad. In the photos, i noticed the red "dot" was only on one of the men. Is there any meaning behind this? Is it usually the woman that has it? If so, is the person with the marking the most feminine of them? Again, i am curious.. nothing more.
In pic no 9 both of them have tika (the red dot). I guess you are talking about pic no 3. Tika was probably just done at different times and pictures were captured in the middle. No such significance of being feminine. And no, in many Indian cultures, tika is done by both males and females. If you go to a temple you will usually come out with tika and red thread on your wrist.
Load More Replies...Wow they look so happy and beautiful. I hope they have a long, happy marriage.
And i also want a gay life partner i'm 30 year good looking guy. But sad because in India ...
I want a guy for relationship 32Ayushsingh my insta id. int. in 27 to 35 age
As long as it does not come with the taste of missionarism it is absolutely okay. The tendency to blame heteros and to influence the world is a nuisance and leads to much distortion but this here is okay. Seeing the Indian upper-class and knowing about the state of the country is a nuisance in itself - the upper-class will have to take responsibility if it wants a good future.
These 2 are beautiful. so made for eachother its crazy..... I could feel the love thru the photo's and that is so amazing. BRIGHT HAPPY HEALTHY FUTURE TO YOU BOTH.
Looks so lovely, so glad they could celebrate their love :) Congrats to the happy couple!
im not homophobia, but its a Hindhu Temple.. and since most of religion ban gay, so........ how and why they need to do it in a Hindhu Temple?..
They wanted to have a traditional wedding. That’s their choice.
Load More Replies...No they wouldn't, who lied to you? Ever been to India?
Load More Replies...I completed agree, because holding hands is the *exact same thing* as agreeing to spend the rest of your life together, sharing practically everything in life, living together and possibly having children, you're right, holding hands has the same fine print
Load More Replies...
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