Marriage amid war, Ukranian woman ties knot in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, March 1:  Thousands of miles away from her war-torn country, a Ukrainian woman tied the knot with a Hyderabadi here.

At a time when conflict has engulfed Ukraine, a woman from that country found her love in Hyderabad. The couple who entered the wedlock before coming to India last week exchanged vows as per Hindu customs at a ceremony here on Monday.

Their love story appeared straight from a Bollywood flicker. It was love at first sight when Lyubov met Prateek in Ukraine a few months ago. They decided to spend the rest of their lives together.

However, the Russian invasion spoiled their plans. They married in Ukraine on February 23, a day before Russia attacked its neighbour.

The couple, who managed to reach Hyderabad, hosted a reception attended by some close relatives and friends of Prateek.

Chilkur Balaji temple chief priest Rangarajan officiated the wedding and blessed the couple. He said the marriage was a very private affair due to the situation in Ukraine. He did not reveal details of the bride and groom at their request.

Meanwhile, priests at Chilkur Balaji temple on the outskirts of Hyderabad are performing special puja for an early end to war in Ukraine. Rangarajan said they were praying for an early end to the war and for restoration of peace as the conflict has brought misery to millions of people.