AHMEDABAD: A wedding without a priest, a mandap or the customary 'Ganesh sthapan.' An invitation card with no mention of any god or goddess, but with an image of "Bharat Mata." And in place of the traditional garba, tunes of Bapu's bhajans filling the air.At Ahmedabad's Kochrab Ashram, it really was a wedding with a difference on Friday. Where the themes of patriotism and Indian-ness replaced grandeur and lavish flamboyance, synonymous with Indian weddings. Guests too were asked to refrain from bringing gifts. Instead, there was an appeal to take a pledge of patriotism.Vibhuti, the bride, said she was happy with the way she was getting married and wanted to set an example for others to follow.Her father Ashok Kumar Bhartiya had adopted her form an orphanage in Vadaj. Although from the Jain communtiy, the family changed their surname to Bhartiya a long time ago.."One should keep the religious beliefs to themselves only. We must remember we are Indians. That is why we have arranged the marriage in this new pattern," Ashok Kumar said.In keeping with the spirit of patriotism, the family arranged a visit to Gujarat Vidyapith, Sabarmati Ashram, Kochrab Asram, Navjivan press and Sardar Smarak for some of the guests and invitees.Source: Jayjit Trivedi/Navgujarat Samay