Dakshina Kannada for the first time witnessed a Unique marriage ceremony. Damodar Hegde and Madhura Shenoy are both vegans. To show their commitment to veganism, they adopted the vegan method to the core at their wedding.
Madhura Shenoy Hegde, a Mangaluru resident, has been living a vegan lifestyle for the past two years. For the past six months, Damodar Hegde of Kollam, Kerala, has followed a vegan diet. When they got engaged, they agreed to stick to a vegan diet and during their wedding ceremony.
On February 21, the wedding took place near Aversa, Ankola, in the Uttara Kannada district. On February 22, a reception was held here. All of the meals, including breakfast, were prepared without the use of milk or milk products. Kamat caterers prepared vegan meals, and Hangyo ice cream company made ice cream from tender coconuts. Even for the ‘Kanyadana’ ritual, tender coconut water was used instead of milk.
The couple belongs to the GSB community, which requires the use of corals for Mangalasutra. Red beads were used as a replacement for corals, which was provided by Abharan Jewelry, Managaluru on the special request. The groom tied golden Mangalasuthra with an extension of sacred turmeric thread at the end around the bride’s neck instead of hooks. Madhura instead of silk wore saris made of cotton, and banana fiber until upto the wedding reception. Even the cosmetics used for the marriage were vegan.
Flowers, Coconut feathers, and color curtains were used for decoration in the marriage.
The people were appreciative of the wedding ceremony, which was arranged in a simple manner. It should be noted that people who live a vegan lifestyle abstain from using something that is associated with animal cruelty, atrocity, or abuse. Vegans avoid dairy products, honey, silk, animal pelts, fur, and wool, etc.
Both the couples are nature lovers. Madhura from her childhood has developed a special love for nature. Damodar volunteered in cleaning the Thannerubavi beach, He founded the beach rejuvenation army.
In interaction with News Karnataka, Madhura said, She believes in the “live and let live” principle. According to her mother earth is not just the property of Human beings. Every creature has the right to live. Being an animal lover, she decided not to use any animal products, as she believed animals are not products to satisfy human desires.
“Veganism is a way of living that seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation of and cruelty to animals for food clothing and any other purpose and promotes animal-free alternatives for the benefits of animals, humans, and nature.” she expressed.
“After being vegan my health improved a lot. The vegan diet cures many illnesses as well it improves the immune system. Though a vegan diet is a bit costly, health is the ultimate wealth. And today many alternative supplements for animal products are available in the market” she added.
This marriage emphasized environmental conservation, organic farming, and animal love, which would undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to future generations.
