Fri Nov 07 16:39:49 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:
Summary:
A young same-sex couple, Riya Sardar (19) and Rakhi Naskar (20), in the Sundarbans region of West Bengal, India, held a social marriage ceremony on November 5, 2025. Despite familial disapproval, their neighbors overwhelmingly supported them, throwing a celebration at a local temple with traditional elements like dancing, firecrackers, and a garland exchange. The story highlights the community’s acceptance in the absence of legal same-sex marriage in India. The ceremony went viral.
News Article:
Sundarbans Village United in Support of Same-Sex Marriage, Defying Family Objections
Kolkata, West Bengal – November 7, 2025 – In a heartwarming display of community acceptance, residents of Kultali, a rural village in the Sundarbans delta of West Bengal, rallied behind a young same-sex couple, Riya Sardar (19) and Rakhi Naskar (20), as they celebrated their marriage on Wednesday, November 5th.
The couple, who met two years ago and formally married seven months prior, faced opposition from their families after their relationship became known. However, their neighbors stepped in to provide support, organizing a social ceremony at a local temple filled with traditional Bengali celebrations. Sardar dressed as a groom and Naskar as a bride.
“We met two years ago. We got married to each other 7 months ago. Recently, when everyone came to learn about this, they wanted to separate us. However, locals showed us support and helped us perform another social ceremony,” Naskar said.
“Be it a man or woman, if two people love each other, why can’t they get married and stay together? Two women can also stay together for a lifetime. Why is it a problem,” asked Ms. Sardar after their marriage ceremony was over and the couple participated in the celebrations.
“We have not seen such a thing before. We only saw it in movies. They love each other, so we came forward to get them married,” said a local resident.
While same-sex marriage remains illegal in India, the outpouring of support from the village underscores a growing sentiment of inclusivity and acceptance within certain communities. A video of the ceremony has gone viral on social media, sparking discussions about LGBTQ+ rights and the role of communities in supporting diverse relationships.
The couple, while grateful for the newfound family they have found in their neighbors, remain wary of potential backlash from their biological families.
First Piper 