Tulsi Gabbard ties knot in Vedic ceremony in Hawaii

Washington, Apr 10: Tulsi Gabbard, the first-ever Hindu American in the US Congress, tied the knot with cinematographer Abraham Williams in a Vedic ceremony in her home state of Hawaii.

The marriage between 33-year-old Gabbard and 26-year-old Williams at the historic Kahaluu Fishpond yesterday concluded with a traditional yoga 'kirtan' and was attended by a large number of US lawmakers besides Gabbard's friends and family.

The marriage ceremony that was conducted in a Vedic fashion ended with song and dance, local media reported. In previous media interviews, Gabbard said she will retain her last name.

Hawaii will always be the couple's primary home, local media reported. The second term Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, Gabbard, had announced her engagement in January.

"Both Abraham and I are generally kind of private people. He has nothing to do with politics. He's a humble, great guy who doesn't want to be in the limelight, so this is something new to the both of us," Gabbard told the Honolulu Star Advertiser in an interview published in February.

Williams proposed Gabbard with a 1.17-carat round, brilliant-cut champagne diamond engagement ring in 18-karat rose gold designed, when the Congresswoman was visiting Hawaii during Thanksgiving.

"Will you marry me?" he asked. She said her answer was a resounding yes, according to the daily. This is Gabbard's second marriage and the first one for Williams.

Soon after her engagement, Gabbard was in India for several weeks meeting top Indian leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

PTI