Nagaraj, a Lingayat is a lab technician, while Spoorthi, a Dalit is a nurse at Basaveshwara hospital. A bit of drama unfolded before the marriage at a media office. Though the two were in love, the issue was put on fast-track only on Thursday night, with the two deciding to stay in a journalist's house.
After some discussion on the superstition surrounding the eclipse, the two decided to get married by exchanging garlands during the celestial event.
Moral support
Considering that the two belonged to different castes, and the families, particularly Spoorthi’s, were against their marriage, policemen and office bearers of various organisations, including Dalit leader M Jayanna and Basavamurthy Madara Chennaiah of Madar Gurupeeth were present to give moral support to the couple.
According to those present at the wedding, some relatives of the bride attempted to prevent the couple exchanging garlands with Nagaraj at 1.15 pm, at the height of the eclipse. The groom's parents were not present, fearing trouble, the sources added.
Finally blessings
However, some relatives of the groom, including the mother and brother, later came to bless the couple. The first thing the couple did after getting married was to watch the celestial event through Nebula glasses.
Media persons, who were present in good number, were busy, shooting pictures of the event. After the "marriage", sweets and snacks were served to those present. “There is nothing like inauspicious time. We should not believe in superstition,” Nagaraj said.