Prominent Scottish politician Martin Day has renewed his marriage vows with his wife Nidhin Chand in a traditional Hindu ceremony at the revered Guruvayur Temple in Kerala, fulfilling her long-cherished dream. Although the couple originally wed in the United Kingdom back in 2016, Nidhin, who remains deeply attached to her Indian cultural roots, had always desired to solemnize their union according to Vedic rituals in her home state. Exactly a decade after their British wedding, the couple traveled to India to exchange traditional floral garlands and reaffirm their lifelong commitment inside the sacred temple grounds, accompanied by Nidhin’s 12-year-old son.
A Traditional Hindu Ceremony at Guruvayur Temple
In Sanatana tradition, marriage is revered not merely as a social event, but as a sacred spiritual bond formed under the witness of the Almighty. Honoring these ancient customs, 55-year-old Scottish National Party leader Martin Day and Nidhin Chand completed all Vedic rites guided by temple priests at Kerala’s famous Guruvayur Temple. The couple exchanged garlands and sought blessings from family members gathered for the occasion. For Nidhin, whose devotion to her heritage remains steadfast, the ceremony represented the culmination of a decade-long wish. Her husband Martin Day embraced the Indian rituals wholeheartedly, demonstrating immense respect for his wife’s faith and cultural traditions.
Journey from Ernakulam to the UK and the Parliamentary Connection
Nidhin Chand hails from the Piravom region of Ernakulam district in Kerala. She moved to the United Kingdom in 2008 to pursue higher education, successfully earning a Master’s degree in IT Management. Her father, KN Chandran, is a retired veterinarian, and her mother, Rajamma, is a former local panchayat member. Prior to meeting Martin, Nidhin had been married previously and had a son, but that marriage eventually ended in divorce.
While pursuing her PhD studies in the UK, Nidhin faced a major obstacle when changes to immigration policies resulted in the cancellation of her student visa. Refusing to succumb to adversity, she actively voiced the concerns of Indian students facing visa disruptions directly within the UK Parliament. It was during this advocacy campaign that she met Martin Day. Touched by her resilience, Martin supported her cause, and the couple married in Britain in 2016. Martin warmly embraced both Nidhin and her young son, welcoming them into his family.
Martin Day’s Political Career in Scotland and Westminster
The 55-year-old Martin Day is an experienced leader within the Scottish National Party (SNP). He began his public service career working with the West Lothian Council before being elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) to the UK House of Commons in 2015. He represented his constituency in Westminster from 2015 until 2024. Continuing his political career in Scotland, he secured a seat as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) in the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, representing the Falkirk East and Linlithgow constituency.
Social Media Praises Cultural Roots and Intercultural Harmony
Photographs of the traditional ceremony at Guruvayur Temple quickly circulated across social media platforms, drawing widespread affection and congratulations from online communities. Netizens praised Nidhin Chand for preserving her connection to her homeland, faith, and traditions despite residing abroad for years. Simultaneously, commentators applauded Martin Day for respecting and participating in traditional Indian customs, celebrating the union as a beautiful blend of cultures.
