Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam   

Spanish couple marries in Hindu style

- Photo: C. V. Subrahmanyam

Tradition bound: Joan and Eva getting married at Jagadguru Peetham in Visakhapatnam on Sunday.

VISAKHAPATNAM: A couple from Spain tied the knot in a traditional Hindu way here on Sunday. Joan (30) and his bride, Eva (26), went round the ceremonial fire seven times and exchanged garlands amid chanting of hymns in the presence of International president of World Teacher Trust (Jagadguru Peetham) K. Parvati Kumar at the latter’s residence in Maharanipeta.

The couple hails from Barcelona and has been visiting India for the past five years.

The marriage had the full consent of their parents and in fact, the parents of Joan were also among the 90 foreigners, including 60 women from the West, at the wedding.

Eva and Joan are both psychologists and decided to marry in the traditional Hindu way as they believe that the bonds of marriage here are stronger.

“We are impressed with Hindu family traditions, particularly Rama’s ekapatnivratyam (monogamy), his pleasant countenance in the face of adversity, practice of virtues, respect for elders and teachers,” they said, adding that the writings of Master EK and teachings of Mr. Kumar inspired them to follow Hinduism.

The couple, like several others, was seen chanting Vedic hymns during the wedding ceremony.

They can, like their many other European members of the Peetham, recite from memory Srisuktham, Purushasuktham, Vishnusahasranama, Krishna and Lakshmi Ashtottharams and other hymns.

This is the 70th marriage performed by the Peetham which had conducted such rituals in the past in countries like Argentina, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Spain.

Among the foreigners present were lawyers, doctors, labour leaders and social workers.

A well-known musician, Andrian, from Germany, who has to his credit about 500 performances on the saxophone, was also present with his family members at the wedding.

His marriage was also performed by Mr. Parvati Kumar five years ago in Germany.

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