Actor Dia Mirza, who recently tied the knot with Mumbai-based businessman Vaibhav Rekhi, is giving us major goals. The UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador made sure her wedding ceremony was an eco-friendly one. Going by her latest Instagram post, the wedding was a “completely sustainable ceremony without plastics or any waste.”
In a first, the person performing their wedding rituals was a woman. Sheela Atti, the female priest was assisted by Dia’s childhood friend Ananya.
Also Read: Dia Mirza shares first glimpse of her wedding with Vaibhav Rekhi
Taking another strong stand, Dia and her husband Vaibhav said no to the patriarchal tradition of Kanyadaan and Bidaai.
The ritual of Kanyadaan signifies ‘the daughter being given away by her father’ and gives the impression of the daughter being owned by her father. On the other hand, Bidaai signifies the moving of the daughter from her father’s home to her husband’s.
Also Read: Newly-married Dia Mirza, Vaibhav Rekhi make first public appearance as a couple
She wrote in her caption, “The garden where I have spent every morning for the past 19 years was an absolutely magical setting and the most intimate and perfect space for our simple and soulful ceremony! We are so proud to have been able to organise a completely sustainable ceremony without plastics or any waste. The materials used for the minimal decor we went for were completely biodegradable and natural.”
Also Read: ‘Here comes the ravishing bride’: Dia Mirza flaunts her mehendi with a lovable message
“The highest point for us was the Vedic ceremony conducted by a woman priest! I had never seen a woman performing a wedding ceremony until I attended my childhood friend Ananya’s wedding a few years ago. Ananya’s wedding gift to Vaibhav and me was to bring Sheela Atta who is her aunt and also a priestess, to perform the ceremony for us. She also painstakingly went through several hours of training to imbibe the essence of the scriptures so that she could assist Sheela Atta and translate the shlokas! It was such a privilege and a joy to be married this way! We do hope with all our heart that many more couples make this choice,” shared the actor.
Dia added, “As Charles Bukowski said, “there is no lie in their fire.” So what can be more uplifting and empowering than to see the sacred fire within a woman’s heart and soul taking centre stage at a wedding? I am still overwhelmed by the magic of this one moment. Also, we said NO to ‘Kanyadaan’ and ‘Bidaai’ change begins with choice doesn’t it?”
This is certainly a pleasant change and a step forward for women’s rights and recognition.
