- By Shailvee Tiwari
- Tue, 28 Jan 2025 12:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Mahakumbh Mela 2025: The Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj witnessed numerous remarkable moments, but one that stands out is the unique fusion of Indian and Greek cultural heritage. Siddharth, an Indian man, and Penelope, a bride from Greece, chose to exchange vows during the grand religious congregation in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, following traditional Vedic rituals.
In an Indian wedding, one of the most significant rituals is the Kanyadaan, the symbolic act of giving away the bride. The Kanyadaan of Penelope was performed by Swami Yatindranand Giri, the Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, alongside the bride’s mother and other family members, making the occasion truly special and culturally significant.
According to ANI, Siddharth shared his experience that they had chosen to conduct their marriage in the 'most authentic manner.' He also emphasised that Prayagraj, with its divine aura, is currently the "best place in the whole universe" to hold such a sacred ceremony.
Siddharth shared with news agency ANI, “We are truly grateful to be marrying each other—she is really special. When we made this decision, we wanted to do it in the most authentic manner, one that would be simple yet divine. And for that, we chose Prayagraj, the Maha Kumbh, and this specific date—January 26.”
“We know that at this point this is probably the best place not just in the country or the world but the universe, where all forms of divinity, pilgrimages, and everything are present here. You meet such great souls. We meet Maharaj ji (Swami Yatindranand Giri) and get his blessings, and this is such a pleasure for the heart and the soul," he further added.
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Prayagraj: India's Siddharth marries Penelope from Greece with Vedic rituals during Maha Kumbh
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) January 26, 2025
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/rWYruUA3Sk#MahaKumbh #Wedding #Greece #India pic.twitter.com/T0S3N8sG52
When Siddharth was asked about marrying in Prayagraj following Vedic rituals, he explained that 'Sanatan Dharma' is an "ancient window to the world," and that marriage, being such an important institution, should be conducted in a traditional Vedic manner.
Siddharth also shared that when he proposed to Penelope, he gave her the option of marrying either in India or Greece, and she chose India. She feels that their wedding experience was far more "divine" and "spiritual" than those of many others who treat weddings simply as an occasion to party and indulge in drinking.
Penelope described her wedding experience at the Mahakumbh Mela as “magical beyond words.” “I think what happened today is something truly magical, and it’s only when I look at some of the pictures that I realize we were experiencing divine energy. I’d never attended an Indian wedding before, and today I was the bride, so everything was new to me, but at the same time, it felt very familiar. What took place was a ceremony where I was married in a more spiritual way, according to Vedic scriptures, and it was absolutely amazing,” she told the news agency.
In addition to this, she further added, "For me, it is a way to have a meaningful, happy life, and be able to go beyond this circle of birth and rebirth. As a person, this is what triggered me, as I was looking for a solution for the sadness of what happened in life. It was like a puzzle, that was making some sense when you put it all together. I was into Buddhism for many years and after that, I realised that everything comes from Sanatan Dharma, so I go to the source instead of somebody else speaking."
Swami Yatindranand Giri, the Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Akhara, mentioned that the couple has been following 'Sanatan Dharma' for several years. Siddharth has been teaching yoga at various locations, spreading its teachings, while Penelope has embraced the traditions of Sanatan Dharma and is a devoted follower of Shiva, he told ANI.