60 years – and a new ring for every one
THEY first exchanged wedding vows at a temple, where Bharaman Govender slipped a new ring on his love Velliamma’s finger.
It’s a tradition the Westcliff, Chatsworth couple have stuck to every year.
And on Friday, when they celebrate their milestone 60th anniversary, it will be no different.
“We will begin the day at the Sidar Road Temple in Clairwood, where we will walk around the temple and the guru will bless us. I will also give my wife a ring,” said Bharaman, 83.
The couple met in 1955, two years before they tied the knot.
“I grew up in Flower Road in Clairwood, and would often go to Mount Edgecombe to my aunt’s house for a holiday. It was there that I spotted Velliamma next door.
“I asked my aunt about her, and the next day when I saw her outside, I told her she looked beautiful and I wanted her to be my wife.”
Impressed, Velliamma, now 75, told Bharaman to ask her father.
“Within two weeks my parents were back at Velliamma’s home. (Her parents) began asking me questions about my job and my interests, and we all got along,” continued Bharaman.
During their two-year courtship, the couple spent every other weekend together, often going to the bioscope.
On January 27, 1957 they were married before 1 000 guests.
The had four children – Sandra, Rita, Raja and Seelan – and have eight grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Bharaman worked as a warehouse and dispatch manager and Velliamma as a vernacular teacher.
The couple celebrated their golden anniversary at the old Sol Namara Hotel in Chatsworth.
But for their diamond anniversary there will be no grand celebration as both of their sons-in-law recently passed away.
Asked for his advice on how to keep a wife happy, Bharaman offered: “Love her until the end and try to understand her. I was brought up this way.”
Velliamma said they also prayed together and were on the same page regarding everything they did.