Kochi:
In a unique anniversary gift, a 56-year-old Syrian national got married to his wife as per Hindu customs in Kerala.
Dr Muffeek Bipin, who runs a dental hospital, exchanged wedding vows with his dentist wife, Aleena, at Mannathur in Koothatukulam on Independence Day, their 25th wedding anniversary.
Their six children- three sons and three daughters were among the wedding guests who witnessed the ceremony.
The groom and the couple's sons were clad in sherwani while the bride turned up in traditional gold bordered white Kerala saree.
At the 'muhurtam', the priest asked the groom to tie the 'thali' (mangalsutra) on the wife's neck as per Brahmin customs. All rituals were held as per Brahmin customs, Binu Kuriakose, manager at a Travel agency in Kochi who made all the arrangements, said.
Dr Muffeek had made online enquiries a few months ago on the proposed wedding, he said.
The couple had flown down from Saudi Arabia. Dr Muffeek had been nursing the dream of getting married to his wife in traditional Kerala style for years.
The groom had heard about the state from his patients. He got in touch with an event management company which helped him to make arrangements for the wedding.
At least 100 guests were present at the event which also included a 12 course wedding feast.
The couple said they were very happy to exchange wedding vows once again, that too in far off kerala. After visiting various parts of the state and Mysore, they are expected to leave for Saudi Arabia on August 30.