Ashar Choudhury, a senior executive at a multinational firm in the US, and Avani Bhargava, an MBA graduate working for a private company, were married four months ago in the United States
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Hindutva groups forced the cancellation of a wedding reception of an interfaith couple, who tied the knot in the US about four months back, in Aligarh claiming the event could disrupt communal harmony.
The couple, who hail from different religious backgrounds, had planned a grand celebration on December 21 to honour their union and celebrate with family and friends in India.
According to media reports, Ashar Choudhury, 30, a senior executive at a multinational firm in the US, and Avani Bhargava, 29, an MBA graduate working for a private company, were married four months ago in the United States.
Their wedding was registered under the Special Marriage Act at the Indian Consulate in San Francisco.
Right-wing groups opposed the scheduled reception after an invitation card in that regard was circulated on social media. The card simply said: “We joyfully request your presence to bless the newlyweds Avani and Ashar.”
Enraged members of the Hindutva groups strongly opposed the reception on the assumption that it could lead to communal tension in the region.
The cancellation of the reception came after members of Bajrang Dal, Karni Sena, and Brahman Maha Sabha submitted a memorandum to district officials, warning of consequences if the reception was allowed to proceed, according to a report in The Times of India.
Thakur Gyanendra Singh Chauhan, the state president of the All-India Karni Sena, claimed the event was a case of “love jihad.”
“We will not step back, even if it means entering the hotel or challenging the administration,” the newspaper quoted him as saying
Under pressure, both families announced the event’s cancellation on social media, citing “unforeseen circumstances.”
The wedding was seen as a testament to unity and harmony, symbolising the strength of love beyond cultural and religious divides.
Family members expressed their disappointment but extended their support to the couple’s decision. “It’s unfortunate, but we respect their choice. Their happiness and safety are our top priorities,” said a close relative.
The cancellation highlights the challenges that interfaith couples often face, even in contemporary society. Despite progress in promoting inclusivity and acceptance, such incidents underline the persistent societal pressures and complexities surrounding interfaith unions.
