Ritu Weds Chandni

Around two years back, the Supreme Court of India decriminalised homosexuality in the country. However, despite this progressive judgement, India does not recognise same-sex marriages. None of the marital laws too expressly recognise same-sex marriages. With this background in mind, I was not at all surprised to see that the first Indian lesbian wedding storybook, though written by an Indian, needed a New York-based pubisher. I hope this situation changes and the book finds a market, as well as creates a new market in India. As the author himself says in one interview, "Children aren't born homophobic."

'Ritu Weds Chandni' is the story of a young Ayesha who is excited to be going to her cousin Ritu's wedding. She recollects her cousin show more brother's wedding and imagines the same fervour and festivities this time around too. However, the situation at the wedding venue is quite different, simply because Ritu is marrying another girl.

The book is aimed at the 8 age group. And the story clearly provides a look at the wedding from the eyes of an eight year old, from her excitement over the flashy clothes and sweets to her wonderment at the discomfort of the adults to her brave opposition of the protesters.

The story skips mentioning the location of the place, but if same-sex marriages were to ever be legalised in India, I presume this could occur anywhere in the country.

The illustrations are really beautiful and will appeal to the little readers.

What was illogical to me was how the protesting riders carried long water hoses with them and started splashing the baraatis with water. Hopefully, no eight year old asks that question to his/her parents.

I loved the line in the end note where the author says, "Let us not pass on the fear of 'log kya kahenge' to future generations." Agree with that sentiment!

I received an advance review copy of the book from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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CW: homophobia (challenged)

I technically don’t read children’s books at all because I don’t have kids and I’m not that interested either. But as soon as I saw the premise of this one, I knew I couldn’t let it go. And it was so beautiful.

As the author mentions in his note, India just decriminalized same sex relationships last year, and there is no legal recourse for such couples to marry yet. And while there is activism and more awareness building day by day, there is still a large part of the country that is either homophobic or indifferent, nevertheless not supportive at all. So to see a desi lesbian wedding depicted in a children’s book is such a delight and a beacon of hope for the future, and I hope we see more such show more representation in various forms of media in India.

The beauty of this book is that it’s told through the POV of a young girl who is very very excited to be a part of her cousin’s wedding and she doesn’t find it odd at all that her sister is marrying another woman. She is actually flabbergasted about why some of her extended family is missing from the ceremony or why there are protestors on the streets. This just goes to show that children are not born with prejudices or bigoted ideas, and we can easily give them a progressive and accepting upbringing. I also loved how the little girl is innocently fearless and is determined to dance at the wedding baraat, despite anyone trying to dissuade them. It’s so joyful to watch her be so pure and happy.

I also loved how bright and vibrant the illustrations were. The little mehendi details, the tilak ceremony, the gorgeous red lehengas of the brides and everyone’s wonderful clothes and jewelry, and both the brides having their own baraat and coming on a ghodi to the ceremony - it had all the best parts of an Indian wedding, and I love the author’s message that we can have a beautiful ceremony with all the traditional trappings, even when it’s two women getting married.

To conclude, this is a very important, hopeful, and pretty children’s book and I think everyone should pick it up; also read it with your children and maybe you can have some very necessary discussions with them about different kinds of relationships so that they can have a prejudice free childhood as opposed to the one some of us must have had. show less

Ritu Weds Chandni is a beautiful, children's picture book that is a must read!

Not only is this book absolutely stunning, beautiful and magnificent, it's a wonderful read too. I was blown away by the cover and illustrations, and was then just mesmerized by the important story that was told.

Little Ayesha is excited because it's a big day! Ritu is getting married! Music, food, dancing, and colourful outfits galore. How can a little girl not be excited? It's time for a celebration! Ritu is going to lead the wedding, which is a cause for concern for her parents. Why? Because Ritu is marrying her girlfriend (and not a man, gasp!). Some members of Ayesha's family do not understand the same-sex marriage, which is confusing and sad for Ayesha. show more

The reaction to their wedding hurt my heart, but sadly it is realistic. People can suck sometimes.

This book is important to read! Not only does it discuss same-sex marriage in a kid friendly way but it also can introduce (or welcome you back!) to the Indian culture. I had to look up a lot of the words and I learned a lot from this book, which makes me happy that I had the opportunity to read it. I always love learning about other cultures and educating myself.

This book is marvellous! It's a must read!

Five out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Yali Books for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. show less

LGBTQIA, India, Hinduism, wedding, intolerance, family, family-dynamics*****

What a wonderful book! The story is meaningful anywhere, but the beauty of the illustrations is a joy to behold! Cousin Ritu weds her girlfriend amid opposition by intolerant people and those people are totally routed by young Ayesha who knows that the brides deserve to have the wonderful ceremony they want.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Yali Books and the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) via NetGalley. Thank you!

Ayesha is excited to attend her cousin Ritu's wedding. She can't wait to dance at the baraat ceremony! But not everyone is happy that Ritu is marrying her girlfriend Chandni. Some have even vowed to stop the celebrations. Will Ayesha be able to save her cousin's big day?