The wedding took place at the home of friends, Trivikram and Sumukhi of the Krishna community in Works Road just south of Katikati on Friday, January 27. Around 100 guests attended the colourful ceremony and a large canvas pavilion covered the fire pit, and altar.

Rama, a fine arts graduate of Whitecliff College in Auckland, wore red, the traditional bride's colour, and her sari was elaborately embroidered with gold. Rahul, who works for an IT company in Auckland, wore a cream dhoti (traditional devotional robe).

The two-hour long ceremony was conducted by Prana das, head teacher of the Hare Krishna school in Auckland. The ceremony was focused around the fire pit which Rahul and Rama circled seven times, after part of Rama’s sari was tied to Rahul’s chada (scarf). The knot was tied by Bhakti Marga, the brides mother, signifying her approval of the union. Rahul painted his bride's forehead with a fine red line, and as the ceremony drew to a close, the couple made a sacrifice of puffed rice, tipped into the fire.