Christian priest steps in as Hindu bride's father in Kerala, performs kanyadaan

In a moment that beautifully transcended religious boundaries, a wedding in Kerala’s Kottayam has captured hearts across social media, offering a powerful reminder that humanity often rises above identity.

The viral video shows a Christian priest performing ‘kanyadaan’, a sacred Hindu wedding ritual, for a young bride he helped raise like his own daughter. The ceremony, filled with warmth and quiet emotion, has since been widely shared for its message of compassion and religious harmony.

The bride, Parvathy, grew up at the Bethlehem Ashram orphanage in Mundakkayam after losing her mother at just one year old. From that point on, Father Roy Mathew became a constant presence in her life. As a member of the Orphanage Control Board, he not only oversaw the institution but also stepped into a deeply personal role, becoming a father figure to Parvathy.

Years later, when she was ready to begin a new chapter, it was Father Roy who took the initiative to find a suitable match for her. The search led to Ananthu, a native of Kattappana, and the two were soon set to be married.

The wedding took place at the parish hall of St. Paul’s Church, but followed Hindu customs in full. One of the most significant moments came during the ‘kanyadaan’ ritual, where traditionally, a father places his daughter’s hand into that of the groom. In Parvathy’s case, it was Father Roy who performed the ritual, standing in for the parent she had lost years ago.

For him, it was more than just a ceremonial act. He later described the moment as one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life as a priest.

As the video continues to circulate, many have praised the gesture as a rare and genuine example of unity, where faith did not divide, but instead brought people together in the most personal way possible.