Aghari:

We first met in January of 2019 at Gita Valley Farm in Pennsylvania. Dina-Palika was attending a retreat as a yoga teacher, and I was working on the farm full-time managing the dairy. I noticed her immediately.

Dina-Palika:

At the time, I was focused on the experience of the farm and deepening my spiritual life. We crossed paths, but our story had not yet begun.

Aghari:

In March, she returned to the farm with her older brother. I gave them a tour, and that was our first meaningful conversation. We spoke about Krishna, Srila Prabhupada’s mission, and the spiritual significance of Gita Valley. That encounter stayed with me.

Dina-Palika:

After spending three years in New Zealand distributing spiritual books and studying devotional cooking, I moved to the farm full-time in 2024. Serving in the same community gave us the opportunity to truly get to know one another.

Aghari:

Through long conversations, shared service, and time spent delivering CSA shares together, I began to see the depth of her character and devotion. Our relationship developed intentionally, rooted in faith and honest communication.

Dina-Palika:

Our shared Krishna consciousness is the foundation of our relationship. It shaped our values, our commitment, and our vision for marriage.

Aghari:

According to my Tswana tradition, I approached her father to formally ask for her hand in marriage. Shortly after, during a community celebration at Gita Valley, I publicly proposed in front of our community and family members joining us via livestream.

Dina-Palika:

It was a joyful and meaningful moment for both of us.

Together:

Three cultures. Two hearts. One faith. A shared commitment to grow, serve, and build a life centered on devotion to the Supreme Lord. And now, we look forward to beginning that life together.