SOCIETY

Childless couple marry off pet cow in Hindu ceremony in MP

     Guradia, (Madhya Pradesh): It was a marriage with a difference. Guradia village in Madhya Pradesh was the venue of a traditional Hindu wedding between a cow and a bull. Amidst much fanfare and gaiety, a childless couple married off their pet cow 'Sadhana' as per Hindu rituals. The marriage ceremony commenced with the decoration of the 'bride' and the 'groom' and taking out a 'baraat' or marriage procession accompanied by music. "I don't have kids of my own. I have brought up this cow as my own child, with lots of love and affection. One day I thought to marry it off just like I would have married my own daughter. So, I decided to hold this ceremony. This is entirely my own decision, nobody had inspired me to do this," said Anusuiya Vishwakarma, the owner of 'Sadhana'. Preparation for this unique marriage took two months and the Vishwakarma's spent almost 200,000 rupees on the event. About 1500 people attended the ceremony, which was conducted amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns. "They entire marriage was according to the traditional Hindu ceremony," said Shankar Lal Malviya, a member from the 'groom's' side. After their marriage, the newly weds were treated to a grand feast along with their guests as per custom. The Vishwakarma's also showered the groom's side with gifts. Marrying off pet animals to ward off evil or to please deities is common in the country. But it is for the first time perhaps that such a selfless act has been conducted.
-May 9, 2007    

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