Kerala temple and local people came together for Spanish couple's wedding

A few days ago, the Durga Ganapati Bhadrakali Temple in Kerala's Idukki witnessed a wedding that brought people of different religions and nationalities together. Oscar Manez, a Himalayan singing bowls teacher and Celia Lopez, a yoga teacher and singing bowl therapist, tied the knot in the Kumily temple following the traditional Kerala wedding rituals. The ceremony, held on February 20, was a long-cherished dream of the couple who consider Kerala their second home.

Oscar says, "Since 2010, I have been coming to Kerala every year and have been staying at my friend Shookur's 'Panthalams Homestay.' Ever since, they have treated us like their family members." Celia and Oscar have also been organising trips to Kerala every year, around November-December. Along with their love for the state, their bond also grew stronger. The couple, who are also interested in Hinduism and Vedic Astrology, chose the Durga Ganapati Temple as their wedding venue for a reason. "Durga and Ganapati are our 'ishta devatas' (beloved Gods)," Oscar explains. They also planned their wedding after considering auspicious astrological timings, and their wedding 'muhurta' (auspicious timing) was provided by a Nepali astrologer, Ujjwal Adhikari.

A wholehearted welcome
The Durga Ganapati temple authorities welcomed the couple to marry at the shrine without posing nationality, religion or caste as a hindrance. "The temple authorities and the devotees welcomed us wholeheartedly to perform our wedding ceremonies. It meant a lot to us," says Oscar. The temple officials announced the couple's wedding via their microphone announcement system, inviting devotees to witness the ceremony. The wedding, solemnised by the temple priest Kannan, had around 100 guests, including the couple's friends and temple representatives.

The arrangements were coordinated under the leadership of temple president Ravindran Nair. A Kerala sadya was also served at the temple auditorium, following the marriage ceremony.