Sabitri Brata is one of the important festivals in Odisha in which the Odia married women observe penance and take a vow for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands.
However, in a break from tradition here at the coastal Kendrapada
town, a girl observed Sabitri Brata for her life partner who belongs
to the same sex.
Monalish Nayak (29) observed the Sabitri Brata on Monday for her
30-year- old partner Sabitri Parida. The two girls are in a live-in
relationship and have been living at Santasahi area in a rented house
for last three years. Monalisha observed fast and prayed before the
almighty to bless her life partner a long life and make their bond
enduring.
“It’s a rare experience as I have been observing Sabitri Brata for the
betterment and long life of my life partner. I prayed Maa Sabitri to
bestow Her blessing for long and healthy life on my life partner, who
too is a female,” said Monalisha.
Sabitri earlier on the day had brought all puja materials, fruits,
vermilion, saree and thread for the puja. Monalisha fell at her feet
and took her blessing as is done by wives before their husbands after
the end of the puja.
“It was a remarkable experience for both of us. I put vermilion on the
forehead of Monalisha and kissed on her forehead to show my love and
emotion to her,” said Sabitri.
According to Sabitri, they were good friends and later they developed
love intimacy. Their family members were searching bridegrooms for
them. But Monalisha wanted to live with her.
As their families protested their decision, they fled from the house
and stayed about a week at Cuttack. They later entered into wedlock by
court marriage.
Meanwhile, Monalisha has been working in a private firm whereas
Sabitri has opened a stationery shop at Manakarpur area.