This Indian Woman’s Marriage in Britain Is Breaking the Internet for the Right Reasons

Love transcends all boundaries and the story of two women who found love despite cultural and religious differences only adds substance to the phrase.

Kalavati Mistry and Miriam Jefferson have become the first interfaith couple in Britain to enter wedlock. Clad in traditional Indian attire of sarees, both the women exchanged garlands and mangal sutras in Leicester, Britain last Saturday.

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Belonging to the Hindu and Jewish faith respectively, Kalavati and Miriam met each other 20 years ago during a training course in the United States when love struck!

However, it wasn’t a cakewalk for the couple. Coming from a strict religious background, it was an enormous challenge for Kalavati to come out to her parents. Despite being aware of her sexuality from a young age, it wasn’t until a few years ago that she could open up to them.

Eventually, the family did come in terms with their daughter’s sexuality and have open-heartedly welcomed Miriam into their lives, reports The Daily Mail.

Kalavati said, “To me, I wanted to spend my life with someone, in a union. Some of the rituals that you do in a wedding are very important. I wanted me and Miriam to join in that union”.

Supported by family and friends, the wedding took place at Chutney Ivy restaurant in Leicester but not without the struggles of finding a priest. Though many were warm and welcoming, Kalavati mentioned that all of them opted out of conducting the ceremony citing that their federation wouldn’t allow it.

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Finally, it was Chanda Vyas, a Hindu female priest, who agreed to be part of the ceremony and solemnised the vows. Respecting each other’s faith, the couple had a Jewish wedding too earlier this year, which was conducted in San Antonio, Texas.

As the world is becoming more inclusive and showing acceptance towards the LGBTQ community, Miriam acknowledged that times were changing for the better.

“Some people have beliefs or fears that make it hard to embrace gay marriage. I feel like that’s going to change. As people get more comfortable, as people find out that people they already know and love are gay, they want what’s best for them,” she added.

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