KATHMANDU, August 24, 2006  –  Two gay men are challenging the culture, tradition, family values and constitution of Nepal for the sake of their love.

Anil Mahaju and Diya Kashyap – their names have been changed to protect their identity – are set to “tie their knot” on Saturday (August 26) in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Anil and Diya have been in a relationship for about a year and have now decided to live for each other.

They will wed in a semi-traditional way, appearing as husband and wife, and will exchange rings and garlands but without priests chanting the “Wedding Mantras”.

“We wish them a happy marriage and everlasting love,” commented a spokesperson for the Blue Diamond Society, Nepal’s NGO for the LGBT community.

“We would like to call on your support and blessing for this courageous couple for their happy wedding,” he added.