Everybody say Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Delhi More than 400 dogs were married in an eccentric scheme to improve India’s attitude towards canines. In Delhi scores of dog owners met in the Ansal Plaza shopping complex to join their pets in holy matrimony. Similar events were held in 13 other locations throughout the country.

A lavish ceremony, conducted with a Christian theme so as not to offend the predominantly Hindu gathering, was laid on as the dogs were paired off by breed and “married”. Some dressed for the occasion with flowers and veils.
A series of Best in Show competitions were organised to keep the pets entertained. Theo and Nano, two enormous St Bernard dogs owned by Rakesh Verma, 32, and Gurave Kumar, 26, were voted best couple of the event. Rakesh said: “I obviously think that my Theo deserves the best bride and in Nano I think he has found her.” When asked whether Theo would consummate the marriage later that evening, Gurave warned his new son-in-law off. “Don’t even think about it,” he cautioned the dribbling dog.

Abhijit Das, 34, who organised the event, said: “What we are doing here is to change Indian attitudes towards taking their pets out to the shops with them.

“Indians do not have a great tolerance for dogs and we want that to change.”