Mehndi
A Mehendi ceremony is an Indian wedding ritual that typically happens one or two days before the wedding. In a typical Mehendi ceremony, all of the women in the bride and groom's families, along with close friends, gather together while the bride has elaborate henna designs applied to her hands and feet.
ENGAGEMENT
The engagement ceremony, also known as Variksha or Sagai, occurs before the wedding. In earlier times, this happened during the week of the wedding but now that time can vary from months before the wedding or years before the wedding day. The time varies based on the bride and groom.
The engagement ceremony is a simple and short ceremony that allows the two families to exchange gifts, the bride-to-be and groom-to-be exchange rings, and perform a small ritual for blessings. In acceptance of the gifts, the two families are agreeing to the match showing happiness and approval. Some couples choose to have a public ceremony in a hall or temple, some choose to have a small ceremony at home, and some choose not to do it at all.
modern trend
Photographs from the
Engagement can be used for
- save the dates
welcome table decor
- bridal/wedding shower decor
- large canvas prints
weddings tip
Save this event's guestlist
as a foundation for your
wedding guest list
It's never too early to gather the correct names & addresses
"Babysitter Aunty" is not formal
DETAILS OF THE ENGAGEMENT
Where: Typically at the bride's home
When: 2 - 3 days before the wedding ceremony
The ceremony typically is very short in comparison to all the other wedding activities. A priest also referred to as pandit, performs a religious ceremony called a puja, with respect to all the household gods and goddesses in the family. Ganesh, the remover of obstacles is paid special attention, to ensure all obstacles are removed from that time to the completion of the wedding.
Gifts are exchanged from the bride's family to the groom. His acceptance of the gifts is his acceptance of the proposal. The blessing of the engagement ring(s) is the final part of this event.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Arranged marriages were the most common types of marriages in India. In earlier times, an agreement between the parents of the bride and groom was considered an engagement. In some cases, sweets and gifts were offered to the prospected Groom and his family, and if they were accepted, it meant they accepted the proposal.
It was common that engagement ceremonies were only a few weeks before the wedding ceremony, where only close relatives were invited.