Uttar Pradesh, Indonesia Sentinel — In a bold act of defiance against societal norms, two women in India have made headlines by marrying each other in a traditional ceremony. The union, which took place at the Choti Kashi temple in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, highlights their escape from abusive marriages to pursue a life of love and peace together.
Kavita and Gunja, who also goes by Bablu, said they were driven to this decision after enduring years of domestic violence from their alcoholic husbands. The two women first connected on Instagram, where they discovered shared experiences of suffering and neglect. Their bond grew stronger as they realized they both longed for a life free from abuse.
“We were tormented by our husbands’ drinking habits and abusive behavior. It drove us to choose a life of love and peace,” Gunja said in an interview, as reported by NDTV on January 26, 2025.
The couple’s wedding ceremony was conducted with traditional rituals. Gunja assumed the role of the “groom,” applying sindoor (vermilion powder) to Kavita’s forehead—a sacred Hindu ritual symbolizing marital commitment. They exchanged garlands and performed the saat phere (seven sacred rounds around a fire) to solidify their vows.
According to Uma Shankar Pandey, the priest at the temple, the women carried out the ceremony independently. “They bought garlands and sindoor, performed the rituals, and quietly left,” he said.
Now planning to settle in Gorakhpur, the couple intends to start their life together as a family. They have decided to rent a home and find work to support themselves. “We’ve decided to live as husband and wife and work to support ourselves,” Gunja added.
This unconventional union has stirred public discussion in India, a country where same-sex relationships were only decriminalized in 2018. Despite legal progress, societal acceptance remains limited, particularly in rural areas. The story has shone a light on the intersection of domestic abuse, gender roles, and LGBTQ+ rights in a traditionally conservative society.
Their decision to marry comes as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by women in abusive marriages in India. According to recent studies, domestic violence remains widespread, with many women enduring mistreatment due to societal pressure and limited options for escape.
For Kavita and Gunja, their marriage is not just a personal choice but a powerful statement against the injustices they endured. It challenges long-held traditions and sparks conversations about the right to love and safety, regardless of societal expectations.
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While their union may not receive legal recognition under India’s current marriage laws, their story has already made waves in both local and international media, inspiring debates about the evolving role of marriage and relationships in Indian society.
As India continues its journey toward greater equality and acceptance, stories like Kavita and Gunja’s serve as a testament to the courage required to break free from oppression and pursue happiness on one’s own terms. For now, the couple is focused on building a life of peace and mutual respect—something they say was denied to them in their previous marriages.
(Becky)
