Bhubaneswar: Two men in Jajpur married each other in a symbolic gesture to ‘appease the rain gods. In a unique and colourful traditional ritual, residents of Gamhamia village under Korei block in Jajpur district performed an ‘Andira Bibaha’ — a symbolic marriage between two men — with the hope of bringing much-needed rainfall to the parched region.
Dressed in a traditional bridegroom’s attire, Jatin Khatua arrived in a well-decorated car on the evening of June 17, accompanied by a lively procession. DJ music blared as the enthusiastic wedding party danced through the village streets. The groom himself joined in the dancing.
The procession reached the Siddheswari temple, where the ‘bride’ — Kalandi Nayak, dressed in full bridal attire — was waiting. The marriage was solemnized with complete Hindu rituals amid chanting of mantras, with Laxman Khatua acting as the bridegroom’s father and Managobinda Nayak as the bride’s father.
Villagers described the ceremony as ‘Andira Bibaha’ a unique ritual that is traditionally held as an offering and prayer for timely and adequate rainfall.
After the ceremony, the ‘bride’ was bid farewell by villagers in traditional style, followed by a community feast near the temple.
The entire programme was coordinated under the guidance of local Sarpanch Bishnu Charan Rath. The villagers strongly believe that this unique ritual will bring good rains and save their crops.
