When a banyan tree married the peepal tree in Uttarakhand Village

Amid the rhythmic beating of drums and singing, many villagers in Uttarakhand married off two trees in a specially organized wedding ceremony on Sunday.

Melaghat Khatima (Uttarakhand), May 13 : Amid the rhythmic beating of drums and singing, many villagers in Uttarakhand married off two trees in a specially organized wedding ceremony on Sunday.

As a banyan tree's branches got entwined with that of a peepal tree, many superstitious villagers read a love story in it and declared them as a "couple".

Villagers say, the trees' wedding was organised following an age-old ritual and it would ward off any likely ills.

"The tradition of marrying a peepal tree with the banyan tree is very old. I have heard of it but I am watching it for the first time. We are happy that it was organised. It will bring peace and good luck," said Shakuntala, a villager.

The wedding was performed at 3.55 a.m. on Sunday amidst a lot of fanfare with a priest reading Vedic verses and carrying out the rituals.

The peepal tree, was made as the groom, and the banyan tree, the bride, and both were draped in a white cloth during the marriage ceremony.

A feast was also arranged for the villagers who participated in the ceremony.

"Dozens of people have come here from far of places to be a part of this. It felt really good," said Nilima, another villager.

ANI