Both women, professional dancers by trade, met about two years ago. Their initial bond, which began with phone calls and friendly chats, gradually blossomed into a deep romantic commitment.

Breaking Barriers and Finding Support

The journey to the altar was not without its challenges, particularly for Riya. Having lost her parents early in life, she was raised by her aunt and uncle. When she confided in her family about her relationship with Rakhi, the news was met with disapproval and rejection. Faced with this opposition, Riya made the difficult decision to leave her childhood home and move in with Rakhi’s family.

In contrast to Riya’s experience, Rakhi’s family offered immediate and unwavering support. They stood firmly by the couple, a crucial factor in allowing the marriage to take place. With the consent and encouragement of Rakhi’s family and local residents, the wedding preparations began.

A Village Celebration

The marriage ceremony was held at a local temple, attended by well-wishers and neighbours who embraced the union. The sight of the two young women exchanging garlands marked the start of their new life together, celebrated in the heart of a traditionally conservative rural area.

The decision by Riya and Rakhi to publicly celebrate their love is a significant act of defiance against the deeply ingrained social fear and hesitation often surrounding non-traditional relationships. Their story teaches a crucial lesson to the younger generation: love is not confined by gender or social boundaries.

In a corner of the Sundarbans, far from the bustling metropolitan cities, this inspiring couple has set an example of living life authentically and bravely. Their wedding is being hailed as a beacon of hope and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community, proving that even in the most secluded parts of India, the universal language of love ultimately wins.

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The 30-year-old lady Dom Tumpa Das also did not believe after getting the proposal. “When I got the proposal, I thought they are saying to be present in the pandal but I will not inaugurate. Then, the puja committee made it clear, I will inaugurate the Durga Puja. I can’t believe,” said Das.

Tumpa’s life with full of challenge

Tumpa’s father Bapi Das was also a Dom at Purandarpur samshan ghat of Baruipur area. Suddenly he died in October, 2014. “I was then only twenty years old and eldest among my sister and brother. My mother was also ill then as she was also went through an operation. So, I have to take responsibility of my family,” said Tumpa.

She then added, “I then took decision to do father’s work. Panchayat leaders also helped me to take this responsibility. Then from 2015, I started work as Dom in the purandarpur samshan ghat. Upto 2018, I worked in normal chully and in 2019, electric chully was installed in this samshan ghat.”

When she started the work faced many hindrances. She said, “I am dom and then I am a woman. People used to not sit beside us as we are untouchable. Many people humiliated me as I am a lady. But gradually I abled to overcome all such problems.”

As only lady dom in the state, she got many recognition already. Tumpa said, “But this is biggest recognition for me. I got many felicitation, prizes and many things but I never thought any puja committee can call me to inaugurate a Durga puja. I and my family are grateful to this puja committee.”

Why puja committee chose Tumpa?

Just around 10 kilometers outskirt of Kolkata and 100 metres away from ancestral house of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Salil Chowdhury, Kodalia Netaji Sangha Sarbojonin Durgatsav committee decided that, this year their puja will be inaugurated by someone who is not a prominent figure of the society but their fight also can’t be ignored. “We first decided our puja will be inaugurated by those who are making our pandals and themes. But later we decided to approach Tumpa Das, who is also our district’s pride,” said one of the main organiser of this puja Arkadev Chatterjee.

He then added, “Durga basically a symbol of power who defeat all the wrong of our society. Tumpa Das also doing that work with courage. We generally avoid to go morgues or crematorium. But even after Tumpa is a woman, she is not only every day going to crematorium but also helps to burn the bodies. Without great courage, it was not possible. So, we want to praise her work through this small recognition.”

Arkadev said, “In our area, ancestral home of Salil Chowdhury, Netaji Subhas Chandra Basu is situated. They always tried to change the society and bring equality. We are just trying that.”

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