The tsunami did more than wash away everything in parts of coastal Tamil Nadu and the Andaman and Nicobar islands. It changed the lives of many, forever.

Thousand lost their families, houses and source of livelihood. The devastation was enormous. Putting back the pieces is still a slow process.

The coastal town of Nagapattinam, which saw more than 6000 deaths, was worst affected.

Many were rendered homeless; the fishing town lost all its equipment and was left at the mercy of god and government.

Life for the victims is slowly getting back to normal though, what with hundreds of weddings taking place since December.

Gowindra, a 19-year old, has her hands decorated with a paste called alta before her wedding.

Photograph: Ami Vitale/Getty Images

Also See: Tsunami: Picking up the threads