Two women who met more than 20 years ago have taken part in what is thought to be Britain’s first interfaith lesbian marriage.
Kalavati Mistry, of Leicester, married Jewish-born Miriam Jefferson, who is from Texas, in a traditional Indian ceremony in the city centre at the weekend, city media organisation Pukaar News has reported .
The ceremony was held at the Chuntey Ivy restaurant, in Rutland Street, in the city’s Cultural Quarter and was attended by women’s friends and family.
The couple, who met in the United States more than 20 years ago were married by a Hindu priest.
Kalavati, known by friends as Kalav, said: “I met Miriam when I was approximately 26 years old.
From a young age, the Hindu bride knew she was gay but was worried about telling her friends and family and honouring the traditions of her culture and religion.
She kept her sexuality a secret from her family and it was only recently that she took the plunge and came out to them.
She admits their reaction to her partner has been great.
Being bought up in a Hindu household, the 48-year-old knew she wanted to get married and have a traditional ceremony.
She said: “I really value the traditions of the culture and to me, I wanted to spend the life with someone in a union and in a bond and some of the rituals that you do in a wedding are very important to me.
The couple’s wedding was performed by a Hindu priest but Kalav explained it was a struggle to find someone able to oversee the ceremony.
Local Hindu female priest, Chanda Vyas carried out the ceremony and said she was delighted to be part of the event.
The couple also had a Jewish wedding earlier this year in San Antonio Texas, where Miriam is originally from.
Now the Hindu wedding is over, the couple said they felt they have a stronger bond.