Thiruvananthapuram:
It isn't quite how you expect to find your MP - on a swing with his new bride. But that's how Sunanda and Shashi Tharoor were spotted at a welfare home for the under-privileged in Tharoor's constituency of Thiruvananthapuram.
On 'Thiruvonam', the most auspicious day of the 10-day Onam festival, the Tharoors shared a vegetarian meal served in a plantain leaf at the home. They distributed gifts, and looked on enthusiastically as Onam folk songs were performed.
The couple was married this weekend. "I had a great time. After my wedding ceremony, the best moment that I have had is at this orphanage," said Sunanda, showing none of the nerves of a rookie political wife.
Sunanda's share in the Indian Premier League team for Kochi catapulted her then-companion and now-husband into a national controversy. Confronted with charges of misusing his public office to promote private interests, Tharoor was forced to resign. Sunanda surrendered the 70-crore sweat equity she had been promised in return for marketing the Kochi cricket team.
Recently, the couple has been photographed at places of worship of different faiths - including shrines in Maharashtra, and the Ajmer Dargah.
In the midst of the celebrations today, Shashi Tharoor said that his message is " 'Onashamsakal' which means wish you all a happy Onam. It's a time for wishing everybody prosperity, joy and peace and we wish that for everyone in Kerala, India and the world."
The cameras kept rolling.