How this vegan Hindu wedding in Singapore reflects a change in thinking about animal welfare

From being a plant-based diet to transcending into a cruelty-free way of life, veganism is crossing all borders, perceived ones as well as geographical. While the West is already witnessing the onset of a vegan revolution, the animal product-free lifestyle has knocked on the doors of Asia as well. And this – one of the first of its kind – vegan Hindu wedding in Singapore is a testimony to that.

Singapore couple Mangalarubini and her fiancé Kabillan opted for a vegan wedding despite people not being too enamoured with their choice. Mangalarubini said, “People laughed and mocked us by thinking we were being ridiculous to even care for all these. Most of them didn’t think it was a big deal, and cows being tortured for milk is just ‘the nature of things’. But I am glad my husband was supportive of this, and it was just a matter of replacing an item with something else more suitable.”

How did they turn the wedding vegan?

Mangalarubini said the idea of a vegan wedding started when she read an online blog about a vegan housewarming prayer. She had opted for a similar cruelty-free housewarming prayer when she learned that it was possible for Hindu prayers to occur without the presence of any animal products. The priest had concerns about deviating from traditions that went back thousands of years, but he understood the couple’s wishes for not wanting to include products that were a product of cruel practices.

Vegan rituals

Mangalarubini said, “At first, the temple priest was stunned, but he was accommodating and suggested we use soy-milk, and Dalda (a plant-based concoction) to keep the ‘Agni’ (holy fire) burning. We’re glad that the priest wasn’t as taken aback as many people were when we told them we were avoiding animal products in our wedding. Most were not aware that Hindu prayers can even take place without ghee and/or milk.”

Vegan clothes and make-up

When the news of her vegan Hindu wedding spread, Mangalarubini was concerned to learn from several sources that it is considered mandatory for a bride to adorn a pure silk sari. It is believed silk wards off any “evil eyes” set on the bride. She said, “[The statement] did not convince me one bit. I had a belief too, and I wanted to stand up for it. I researched this, and I learned I wasn’t the only bride who wore a non-silk sari for her wedding. I was inspired to bring this change in Singapore.”