Breaking barriers: Interfaith wedding in Italy combined Muslim nikkah, Hindu pheras

Love is blind, many claim, with a negative connotation attached to the oft-repeated saying. However, when the power of adoration transcends religious and cultural barriers, the world is inhabited by stories such as that of Pragya Pandey and Adil Hasan.

As per Vogue, the couple, who crossed paths in New York, planned a proposal for each other, with Pandey beating Hasan to the coveted query. “I took Adil for a walk to dinner and stopped by the neighbourhood bookstore down the block from our home. The store was kept open late just for us and there was also a violinist. I shared a short poem that I had written for Adil, asking him to marry me. It was private, special and such a New York moment,” the bride told the publication.

Discussing the destination for their wedding, the couple shared, “We scouted for locations across Europe, from the Greek islands to the South of France, but we kept coming back to Florence." The location, where the duo "had both lived and studied briefly" at "different periods of their college years", possessed an undeniable magic.

Shedding light on where the wedding would be held, the article stated, "Villa Pitiana, an estate set amidst rolling hills in the Tuscan countryside made for just the right venue with its rustic charm and sprawling grounds. Originally a monastery dating back to the 13th century, its grandeur and understated beauty ticked all the boxes for the celebrations they had envisioned."

The elephant in the room, of course, was the fact that Hasan and Pandey belonged to two vastly different religions. Navigating the complexities of the same, the couple revealed, “We shared a vision for our wedding where our families felt equally included and both sets of traditions were respected, all the while celebrating the love we have for each other, and them." They added, “When two different cultures or religions converge, there is a fear of the unknown. However, it was during the wedding weekend and especially during the ceremonies, that these barriers were broken. It was a realisation that although different, our traditions are remarkably similar."

Embracing both Hindu and Muslim rituals, Pandey and Hasan honoured their families and heritage by hosting back-to-back wedding ceremonies—pheras and a nikkah—underscored by personal vows that underscored the deep connection they shared. The weekend commenced with vibrant pre-wedding celebrations, including a mehendi ceremony and mahnja welcome party, followed by a qawwali evening, setting the stage for a joyous affair filled with music, laughter, and camaraderie.

The ambience seamlessly blended old-world elegance with Indian glam, as the estate's gardens were adorned with floral arches, Persian rugs, and dimly lit candles, evoking a sense of timeless romance. "Pandey chose to wear a custom pink sharara set with a net dupatta by Meeta Verma, while Hasan wore a peach kurta with an embroidered bundi by Anita Dongre," the article illustrated.

For the sangeet celebration, reminiscent of old Hollywood charm intertwined with Indian opulence, Pandey dazzled in a sequinned lehenga by Meeta Verma, complemented by antique jewellery passed down through generations. Hasan exuded sophistication in a wine-coloured bandhgala and Jodhpuri pants by designer Rajesh Pratap Singh, epitomizing the perfect union of tradition and contemporary style.

As the sun broke through the clouds on the wedding day, Pandey and Hasan exchanged vows - "first with the pheras and then the nikkah - " against the breathtaking backdrop of Villa Pitiana, surrounded by loved ones who had travelled from near and far to witness their union.

Pandey radiated elegance in a hand-embroidered lehenga by Rahul Mishra, adorned with heirloom jewellery, while Hasan exuded regal charm in a custom sherwani by Raghavendra Rathore, adorned with intricate detailing and family heirlooms. The festivities culminated in a lavish reception, where Pandey dazzled once again in a peach-hued ensemble by Hasan's mother, showcasing yet another exquisite heirloom piece. Hasan was the picture of sophistication in a tuxedo by Kashiyama.

In the midst of a world often divided by differences, Pandey and Hasan's wedding stands as a poignant reminder of the power of love to overcome obstacles of all kinds, bringing together cultures, traditions, and hearts in a celebration of unity and harmony. As they traverse this new chapter of their lives together, their journey serves as an inspiration for couples around the world, proving that love knows no bounds.

Have something to add? Share it in the comments