Key Matrimonial Events Across States

Punjab

Roka Ceremony
- Ritual: The families meet and exchange gifts to formalize the engagement.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of wedding preparations and official commitment.
Chunni Ceremony
- Ritual: The groom’s family gifts a red chunni and jewelry to the bride.
- Significance: Symbolizes the groom's family's acceptance of the bride.
Jaggo
- Ritual: A pre-wedding night of dancing and singing with decorated pots.
- Significance: Celebrates the wedding and invokes community blessings.
Sangeet
- Ritual: Families perform songs and dances to celebrate.
- Significance: Enhances joy and camaraderie between both families.
Mehendi
- Ritual: Henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet.
- Significance: Symbolizes good luck and auspiciousness.
Chooda Ceremony
- Ritual: The bride’s maternal uncle gifts red and ivory bangles.
- Significance: Represents the bride’s marital status and is worn post-wedding.
Kaleere Ceremony
- Ritual: Golden kaleere are tied to the bride’s bangles and shaken over unmarried girls.
- Significance: Predicts which girl will marry next.
Anand Karaj
- Ritual: The couple circles the Guru Granth Sahib four times.
- Significance: Signifies spiritual commitment and Sikh marital tenets.

Uttar Pradesh

Mangni
- Ritual: Engagement ceremony where the couple exchanges rings.
- Significance: Formalizes the union and sets the stage for wedding preparations.
Haldi
- Ritual: Turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances the couple's appearance.
Tilak Ceremony
- Ritual: The bride’s family applies a tilak on the groom’s forehead.
- Significance: Strengthens family ties and announces the upcoming wedding.
Jaimala
- Ritual: Bride and groom exchange flower garlands.
- Significance: Symbolizes mutual acceptance and respect.
Pheras
- Ritual: The couple walks around a sacred fire seven times.
- Significance: Represents seven vows of marriage.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s father gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Symbolizes the father’s blessing and the bride’s new phase of life.
Var Raksha
- Ritual: The groom’s family presents gifts to the bride’s family.
- Significance: Acknowledges and strengthens familial bonds.
Mati Kodva
- Ritual: The bride’s maternal uncle places a mixture of sweets and rice on the groom’s head.
- Significance: Symbolizes the bride’s family’s acceptance of the groom.

Maharashtra

Sakhar Puda
- Ritual: The couple exchanges sugar packets during engagement.
- Significance: Represents the sweetness of their future life together.
Kelvan
- Ritual: A pooja at both homes to seek divine blessings.
- Significance: Ensures a happy and prosperous marriage.
Simant Puja
- Ritual: Performed at the groom’s home as the bride’s family arrives.
- Significance: Welcomes the bride into the groom’s family.
Sankalp
- Ritual: The bride and groom exchange garlands and take vows.
- Significance: Symbolizes their commitment to each other.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a marital vow.
Laxmi Narayan Puja
- Ritual: The groom performs a pooja to welcome the bride.
- Significance: Invokes blessings for prosperity and happiness.

Gujarat

Garbha/Sangeet Sandhya
- Ritual: A night of Garba dance and music to celebrate the wedding.
- Significance: Fosters unity and joy between the families.
Mehendi
- Ritual: Henna application on the bride’s hands and feet.
- Significance: Symbolizes auspiciousness and happiness.
Griha Shanti Puja
- Ritual: Ceremony conducted to seek peace from family deities.
- Significance: Ensures a harmonious married life.
Mangal Phera
- Ritual: The couple circles the sacred fire four times.
- Significance: Represents the key aspects of life: Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.
Saubhagyavati Bhava
- Ritual: Married women bless the bride.
- Significance: Wishes for a long, happy, and prosperous married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride throws rice over her shoulder as she leaves her parental home.
- Significance: Symbolizes blessings for her new journey.

Tamil Nadu

Panda Kaal Muhurtham
- Ritual: A pre-wedding prayer ceremony for a smooth wedding.
- Significance: Seeks divine blessings for the couple and families.
Vratham
- Ritual: The couple observes fasting and rituals for purification.
- Significance: Prepares the couple spiritually for marriage.
Pallikai Thellichal
- Ritual: Earthen pots with grains are submerged in water.
- Significance: Symbolizes fertility and prosperity.
Kashi Yatra
- Ritual: The groom pretends to leave for Kashi but is stopped by the bride’s father.
- Significance: Represents the groom’s choice of family life over asceticism.
Mangalya Dharanam
- Ritual: The groom ties the mangalsutra around the bride’s neck.
- Significance: Symbolizes the union of the couple.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a marital vow.
Nalangu
- Ritual: Post-wedding games played between the bride and groom.
- Significance: Fosters intimacy and joy after the wedding.

Kerala

Nischayam
- Ritual: Formal engagement where the wedding date is fixed.
- Significance: Marks the official beginning of wedding preparations.
Mehendi
- Ritual: Henna application on the bride’s hands and feet.
- Significance: Adds to the festive spirit and symbolizes joy.
Kalyanam
- Ritual: The wedding ceremony where the groom ties the thali around the bride’s neck.
- Significance: Formalizes the union and the bride’s new status.
Sadhya
- Ritual: Traditional feast served on banana leaves.
- Significance: Represents hospitality and abundance.
Kudiveypu
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home with a lit lamp.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of her new life.

Andhra Pradesh

Pelli Choopulu
- Ritual: Formal meeting of families to finalize the wedding.
- Significance: Begins wedding preparations and formalizes the match.
Pendlikoothuru
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies the couple before the wedding.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s father gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Represents the father’s blessing and the bride’s transition.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for a prosperous marriage.
Jeelakarra-Bellam
- Ritual: The bride and groom place cumin seed and jaggery paste on each other’s heads.
- Significance: Symbolizes unity and sweetness in the marriage.
Arundhati Nakshatram
- Ritual: The couple is shown the Arundhati star.
- Significance: Encourages emulation of a virtuous celestial couple.

Tamil Nadu

Kashi Yatra
- Ritual: The groom pretends to leave for Kashi but is stopped by the bride’s father.
- Significance: Represents the groom’s choice of family life over asceticism.
Nischayam
- Ritual: The formal engagement ceremony where the wedding date is fixed.
- Significance: Officially starts the wedding preparations.
Mehendi
- Ritual: Henna application on the bride’s hands and feet.
- Significance: Adds to the festive atmosphere and symbolizes joy.
Thali Kattu
- Ritual: The groom ties a mangalsutra (sacred thread) around the bride’s neck.
- Significance: Represents the formal union of the couple.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Nalangu
- Ritual: Post-wedding games played between the bride and groom.
- Significance: Fosters intimacy and joy after the wedding.

Bihar

Kurmai
- Ritual: Engagement ceremony where the groom’s family visits the bride’s home with gifts.
- Significance: Marks the official beginning of the wedding process.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple.
Baraat
- Ritual: Groom’s procession to the bride’s house with music and dancing.
- Significance: Celebrates the groom’s arrival and the union of both families.
Jaimala
- Ritual: Bride and groom exchange floral garlands.
- Significance: Represents mutual acceptance and respect.
Saat Pheras
- Ritual: The couple circles the sacred fire seven times.
- Significance: Represents the seven vows of marriage.
Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family as she leaves for her new home.
- Significance: Marks the bride’s transition to her new life with the groom.

Andhra Pradesh

Nischitartham
- Ritual: Engagement ceremony where the couple exchanges rings.
- Significance: Marks the formal commitment between the bride and groom.
Pellikuthuru
- Ritual: Application of turmeric and sandalwood paste on the bride.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the bride before the wedding.
Kanyadanam
- Ritual: The bride’s father gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Symbolizes the transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Varamala
- Ritual: Bride and groom exchange flower garlands.
- Significance: Represents mutual acceptance and respect.
Agni Pooja
- Ritual: The couple performs rituals around the sacred fire.
- Significance: The fire is a witness to the vows taken by the couple.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Represents the seven vows of marriage.
Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride leaves her parental home, throwing rice over her shoulder.
- Significance: Symbolizes blessings for her new journey.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home with a traditional ceremony.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role and status in the groom’s family.
Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam
- Ritual: A pooja performed by the newlyweds to seek divine blessings.
- Significance: Ensures prosperity and happiness in the married life.

Telangana

Nakshatram
- Ritual: The couple’s horoscope compatibility is checked.
- Significance: Ensures the auspicious timing and compatibility of the marriage.
Pelli Pandiri
- Ritual: Pre-wedding rituals involving the application of turmeric paste.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the bride.
Oonjal
- Ritual: The bride and groom are placed on a decorated swing.
- Significance: Symbolizes joy and happiness.
Varamala
- Ritual: The bride and groom exchange flower garlands.
- Significance: Represents mutual acceptance and respect.
Agni Pooja
- Ritual: Rituals performed around the sacred fire.
- Significance: The fire witnesses the marriage vows.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Represents the seven vows of marriage.
Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event to introduce the couple to the groom’s extended family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.
Satyanarayana Pooja
- Ritual: Performed by the newlyweds for divine blessings.
- Significance: Ensures a prosperous and happy married life.

West Bengal

Aashirwad
- Ritual: Formal engagement ceremony with blessings from elders.
- Significance: Marks the official commitment to the marriage.
Tattva
- Ritual: Pre-wedding rituals including turmeric application.
- Significance: Purifies and prepares the bride and groom.
Gaye Holud
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste on the bride and groom.
- Significance: Enhances beauty and purity before the wedding.
Biye Baran
- Ritual: The bride’s family welcomes the groom with rituals and gifts.
- Significance: Symbolizes acceptance and hospitality.
Varmala
- Ritual: Exchange of flower garlands between the bride and groom.
- Significance: Represents mutual acceptance.
Saat Paake Bandha
- Ritual: The couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Represents the seven vows of marriage.
Bidaai
- Ritual: The bride leaves her parental home.
- Significance: Marks her new journey with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates their union.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home with traditional rituals.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.
Post-Wedding Pooja
- Ritual: Performed to seek blessings for the couple’s new life.
- Significance: Ensures prosperity and happiness.

Himachal Pradesh

Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Symbolizes the transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Haldi
- Ritual: Turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance.
Chooda Ceremony
- Ritual: The bride’s maternal uncle gifts a set of bangles.
- Significance: Represents the bride’s marital status.
Varmala
- Ritual: Bride and groom exchange garlands.
- Significance: Represents mutual acceptance.
Saat Phere
- Ritual: The couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Represents seven vows of marriage.
Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Symbolizes the beginning of her new life.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event to introduce the couple to the groom’s extended family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates their union.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Marks her new role in the groom’s family.
Post-Wedding Pooja
- Ritual: Performed to seek blessings for a happy married life.
- Significance: Ensures prosperity and joy.
Ghat Pooja
- Ritual: A ritual performed at the family’s home temple.
- Significance: Invokes blessings for a harmonious married life.

Arunachal Pradesh

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement where gifts and sweets are exchanged.
- Significance: Marks the commitment to the marriage.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste on the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies them.
Bakar
- Ritual: Traditional dance and music performed before the wedding.
- Significance: Celebrates the upcoming union.
Mangal Pooja
- Ritual: Religious rituals performed around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Symbolizes the spiritual aspect of marriage.
Phoolon Ki Chadar
- Ritual: The bride and groom are covered with a floral canopy.
- Significance: Represents divine blessings.
Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks the start of her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates their union.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.
Post-Wedding Pooja
- Ritual: Performed to seek blessings for the couple’s new life.
- Significance: Ensures happiness and prosperity.
Aashirwad
- Ritual: Elders bless the newlyweds.
- Significance: Invokes blessings for a successful married life.

Mizoram

Engagement Ceremony
- Ritual: The couple exchanges gifts and rings.
- Significance: Marks the formal commitment to marriage.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste on the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance.
Traditional Dance
- Ritual: Dance performances by family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates the joy of the upcoming wedding.
Vow Exchange
- Ritual: The couple exchanges vows in front of family and friends.
- Significance: Represents their commitment to each other.
Mangal Pooja
- Ritual: Rituals performed around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Symbolizes the sanctity of the marriage.
Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event to introduce the couple to the groom’s extended family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates their union.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.
Post-Wedding Pooja
- Ritual: Performed to seek blessings for the couple’s future.
- Significance: Ensures a prosperous married life.
Blessing Ceremony
- Ritual: Elders bless the newlyweds.
- Significance: Invokes blessings for a successful marriage.

Sikkim

Engagement Ceremony
- Ritual: The families exchange gifts and sweets.
- Significance: Marks the formal commitment to marriage.
Pre-Wedding Pooja
- Ritual: Religious rituals performed before the wedding.
- Significance: Seeks blessings for a smooth wedding.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste on the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies them.
Varmala
- Ritual: The bride and groom exchange flower garlands.
- Significance: Represents mutual acceptance.
Phoolon Ki Chadar
- Ritual: The bride and groom are covered with a floral canopy.
- Significance: Symbolizes divine blessings.
Saat Phere
- Ritual: The couple takes seven rounds around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Represents the seven vows of marriage.
Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event to introduce the couple to the groom’s extended family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates their union.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.
Post-Wedding Pooja
- Ritual: Performed to seek blessings for the couple’s future.
- Significance: Ensures a prosperous and happy married life.

Goa

Engagement Ceremony
- Ritual: The families exchange rings and gifts.
- Significance: Officially marks the commitment between the couple.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and brightens the couple before the wedding.
Christian Wedding Mass
- Ritual: A formal church ceremony where the couple exchanges vows.
- Significance: Sanctifies the union in the eyes of God.
Pallium
- Ritual: The groom places a symbolic garment on the bride’s shoulders.
- Significance: Represents the groom’s protection and care for the bride.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates the couple’s union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home with traditional rituals.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of her new role in the groom’s family.
Post-Wedding Feast
- Ritual: A celebratory meal for family and friends.
- Significance: Reflects the joy and festivity of the wedding.
Benediction Ceremony
- Ritual: Elders bless the newlyweds.
- Significance: Invokes blessings for a happy and prosperous marriage.

Assam

Bhaat Mangal
- Ritual: A pre-wedding feast with relatives.
- Significance: Celebrates the upcoming union and strengthens family bonds.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances the couple’s appearance.
Jou Bhat
- Ritual: The bride’s family prepares a special meal for the groom’s family.
- Significance: Symbolizes hospitality and family bonding.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Represents the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Haryana

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement where families exchange gifts.
- Significance: Officially marks the commitment between the couple.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and brightens the couple before the wedding.
Chooda Ceremony
- Ritual: The bride’s maternal uncle gifts a set of bangles.
- Significance: Represents the bride’s marital status.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Symbolizes the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Meghalaya

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement with the exchange of gifts and sweets.
- Significance: Marks the commitment between the families.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance.
Traditional Dance
- Ritual: Dance performances by family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates the joy of the upcoming wedding.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Represents the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Madhya Pradesh

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement with exchange of gifts and sweets.
- Significance: Officially marks the commitment between the couple.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance before the wedding.
Sangeet
- Ritual: Family members perform songs and dances.
- Significance: Enhances joy and camaraderie between both families.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Symbolizes the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Represents the seven vows of marriage.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event to introduce the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Uttarakhand

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement where gifts and sweets are exchanged.
- Significance: Officially marks the commitment between the couple.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance before the wedding.
Chooda Ceremony
- Ritual: The bride’s maternal uncle gifts a set of bangles.
- Significance: Represents the bride’s marital status.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Symbolizes the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Nagaland

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement with exchange of gifts.
- Significance: Officially marks the commitment between the families.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance before the wedding.
Traditional Feast
- Ritual: A celebratory meal with family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates the upcoming union and strengthens family bonds.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Represents the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Puducherry

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement with the exchange of gifts.
- Significance: Officially marks the commitment between the families.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance before the wedding.
Traditional Music and Dance
- Ritual: Local dance and music performances.
- Significance: Adds joy and festivity to the wedding preparations.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Represents the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Ladakh

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement with exchange of gifts.
- Significance: Officially marks the commitment between the families.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance before the wedding.
Traditional Music and Dance
- Ritual: Performances by local artists.
- Significance: Adds cultural charm and joy to the wedding celebrations.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Represents the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement with exchange of gifts.
- Significance: Officially marks the commitment between the families.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance before the wedding.
Traditional Dance and Music
- Ritual: Performances by local artists.
- Significance: Adds cultural charm and joy to the wedding celebrations.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Represents the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Chandigarh

Roka
- Ritual: Formal engagement with exchange of gifts.
- Significance: Officially marks the commitment between the families.
Haldi
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and enhances their appearance before the wedding.
Traditional Music and Dance
- Ritual: Performances by local artists.
- Significance: Adds cultural charm and joy to the wedding celebrations.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s family gives her hand to the groom.
- Significance: Represents the formal transfer of the bride to the groom’s family.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Each step represents a vow for their married life.
Vidai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family.
- Significance: Marks her transition to her new life with the groom.
Reception
- Ritual: A formal event introducing the couple to the groom’s extended family.
- Significance: Celebrates their union and new life together.
Grihapravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new role in the groom’s family.

Chhattisgarh

Pre-Wedding Events

Batta Ceremony
- Ritual: The groom’s family visits the bride’s house with gifts and offerings.
- Significance: Formalizes the alliance and strengthens family ties.
Bada Khana
- Ritual: A grand feast hosted by the bride’s family before the wedding.
- Significance: Celebrates the union and fosters community bonding.
Haldi Ceremony
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste on the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple before the wedding.
Sangeet
- Ritual: A night of music and dance involving both families.
- Significance: Strengthens familial ties and adds joy to the wedding celebrations.

Post-Wedding Events

Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family as she departs for her husband’s home.
- Significance: Symbolizes the bride’s transition into her new family.
Bakhri
- Ritual: A celebration where the bride and groom are honored with gifts.
- Significance: Recognizes their new status and fosters acceptance in the community.
Griha Pravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home with a ceremonial entry.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of her new life and brings blessings to the household.

Jharkhand

Pre-Wedding Events

Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s father gives her away to the groom during the ceremony.
- Significance: Signifies the father’s trust in the groom and the bride’s new beginning.
Haldi Ceremony
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste on the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple before the wedding.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps together, making vows at each step.
- Significance: Represents the seven promises for their married life.
Sangeet
- Ritual: Musical celebration involving both families.
- Significance: Enhances joy and unity between families.

Post-Wedding Events

Badhai
- Ritual: A celebration with music and dance after the wedding.
- Significance: Strengthens community bonds and spreads joy.
Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family as she leaves for her husband's home.
- Significance: Marks her new journey into marriage.
Mundane Ceremony
- Ritual: Shaving or cutting a portion of the bride's hair.
- Significance: Symbolizes shedding her past identity and embracing married life.

Karnataka

Pre-Wedding Events

Nandi Pooja
- Ritual: The groom worships Nandi (the sacred bull) before the wedding.
- Significance: Represents devotion and seeks blessings for a prosperous marriage.
Haldi Ceremony
- Ritual: Application of turmeric on the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple.
Kashi Yatra
- Ritual: The groom pretends to leave for Kashi, and the bride’s father stops him.
- Significance: Highlights commitment to family life.
Sangeet
- Ritual: A night of music and dance to celebrate the upcoming marriage.
- Significance: Builds camaraderie between both families.

Post-Wedding Events

Mangalya Dharana
- Ritual: The groom ties a sacred thread around the bride’s neck.
- Significance: Symbolizes their union and the bride’s marital status.
Griha Pravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home with a ceremonial entry.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of her new life and brings blessings.
Pooja (Homa)
- Ritual: A sacred fire ceremony performed by the couple.
- Significance: Invokes divine blessings for their married life.
Reception
- Ritual: A grand celebration where family and friends gather to congratulate the couple.
- Significance: Strengthens community ties and allows everyone to celebrate together.

Rajasthan

Pre-Wedding Events

Roka Ceremony
- Ritual: The families meet and exchange gifts to formalize the engagement.
- Significance: Marks the official commitment between the couple and their families.
Sangeet
- Ritual: A night of music and dance involving both families.
- Significance: Celebrates the upcoming wedding and fosters joy and unity.
Mehendi Ceremony
- Ritual: Henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet with intricate designs.
- Significance: Symbolizes beauty and good fortune for the bride.
Haldi Ceremony
- Ritual: Turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple before the wedding.

Post-Wedding Events

Bidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family and leaves for her husband’s home.
- Significance: Marks her transition into her new family.
Griha Pravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home with rituals.
- Significance: Signifies the beginning of her new life and brings blessings to the household.
Reception
- Ritual: A grand celebration with family and friends featuring music and dance.
- Significance: Allows families to celebrate together and welcome the couple.
Chura Ceremony
- Ritual: The bride is gifted bangles by her maternal uncle.
- Significance: Represents her marital status and is worn post-wedding.

Tripura

Pre-Wedding Events

Bengali Engagement (Saat Paak)
- Ritual: The groom’s family formally engages the bride’s family.
- Significance: Establishes the relationship and commitment between the families.
Mehendi Ceremony
- Ritual: The bride has henna applied on her hands and feet.
- Significance: Symbolizes joy and auspiciousness for the bride.
Haldi Ceremony
- Ritual: Turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple.
Pre-Wedding Feast
- Ritual: A celebration gathering of family and friends.
- Significance: Strengthens familial bonds and spreads joy.

Post-Wedding Events

Bidaai
- Ritual: The bride departs from her parental home for her husband’s house.
- Significance: Represents her new beginning in marriage.
Griha Pravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Symbolizes the start of her new life and household.
Reception
- Ritual: A celebration with family and friends, often including food and entertainment.
- Significance: Fosters community ties and allows everyone to celebrate together.
Bengali Post-Wedding Rituals
- Ritual: Includes various customs like the “Bashi Biye” ceremony, where the couple is blessed.
- Significance: Ensures blessings and acceptance from both families.

Delhi

Pre-Wedding Events

Roka Ceremony
- Ritual: The families meet and exchange gifts to formalize the engagement.
- Significance: Marks the official commitment between the couple and their families.
Sangeet
- Ritual: A musical evening where both families perform songs and dances.
- Significance: Celebrates the upcoming union and enhances familial joy.
Mehendi Ceremony
- Ritual: Application of henna on the bride’s hands and feet.
- Significance: Symbolizes beauty and good luck.
Haldi Ceremony
- Ritual: Turmeric paste is applied to both the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple before the wedding.

Post-Wedding Events

Vidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family as she leaves for her husband's home.
- Significance: Marks her transition into her new life.
Griha Pravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home with traditional rituals.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new beginning and brings blessings.
Reception
- Ritual: A grand celebration with food, music, and dance for family and friends.
- Significance: Celebrates the union and fosters community ties.
Chauthi
- Ritual: A ceremony held a few days after the wedding where the bride visits her parental home.
- Significance: Strengthens the bond between the bride’s family and the groom’s family.

Lakshadweep

Pre-Wedding Events

Nikkah Ceremony
- Ritual: A formal engagement where families discuss and finalize the marriage.
- Significance: Marks the official commitment between the couple and their families.
Mehendi Ceremony
- Ritual: The bride’s hands and feet are adorned with henna designs.
- Significance: Symbolizes beauty and good fortune for the bride.
Haldi Ceremony
- Ritual: Turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple before the wedding.

Post-Wedding Events

Nikkah
- Ritual: The marriage ceremony where the couple exchanges vows and rings.
- Significance: Represents their commitment to each other in the presence of family and community.
Walima
- Ritual: A reception hosted by the groom’s family after the wedding.
- Significance: Celebrates the union and allows family and friends to congratulate the couple.
Griha Pravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of her new life and household.

Jammu and Kashmir

Pre-Wedding Events

Roka Ceremony
- Ritual: The families meet to formally agree on the marriage.
- Significance: Establishes the commitment and connection between the families.
Mehendi Ceremony
- Ritual: Henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet.
- Significance: Represents joy, beauty, and auspiciousness.
Shadi Khwaab
- Ritual: Pre-wedding celebrations including music and dance.
- Significance: Enhances the festive atmosphere and strengthens familial bonds.

Post-Wedding Events

Nikah
- Ritual: The official marriage ceremony where the couple exchanges vows.
- Significance: Signifies their commitment and union in front of family and community.
Bidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family as she departs for her husband’s home.
- Significance: Represents her transition to a new family.
Walimah
- Ritual: A reception hosted by the groom’s family.
- Significance: Celebrates the marriage and brings families together.
Griha Pravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Marks the start of her new life and brings blessings to the household.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman

Pre-Wedding Events

Roka Ceremony
- Ritual: Families meet to formally agree on the marriage.
- Significance: Establishes the relationship and commitment between the families.
Mehendi Ceremony
- Ritual: Henna is applied to the bride’s hands and feet.
- Significance: Symbolizes good fortune and beauty for the bride.
Haldi Ceremony
- Ritual: Turmeric paste is applied to both the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple before the wedding.
Sangeet
- Ritual: A night filled with music and dance involving family and friends.
- Significance: Enhances the joy and unity between both families.

Post-Wedding Events

Vivaah (Wedding Ceremony)
- Ritual: The marriage ceremony where vows are exchanged.
- Significance: Represents the couple's commitment to each other.
Bidaai
- Ritual: The bride bids farewell to her family as she leaves for her husband’s home.
- Significance: Symbolizes her new journey into marriage.
Griha Pravesh
- Ritual: The bride is welcomed into her new home.
- Significance: Marks the beginning of her new life and household.
Reception
- Ritual: A celebration with family and friends featuring food, music, and dance.
- Significance: Allows everyone to come together and celebrate the union.

Odisha

Pre-Wedding Events

Jayee Anukolo (Invitation Ritual)
- Ritual: Invitation cards are sent to relatives and friends.
- Significance: Marks the formal announcement of the wedding.
Mangan (Haldi Ceremony)
- Ritual: Application of turmeric paste on the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies and beautifies the couple before the wedding.
Diya Mangala Puja
- Ritual: Worship offered to Lord Jagannath for blessings.
- Significance: Seeks divine protection for a harmonious married life.
Nirbandha
- Ritual: Formal engagement where vows are exchanged.
- Significance: Official confirmation of the wedding alliance.

Wedding Day Events

Baadua Pani Gadhua (Bathing Ritual)
- Ritual: Ceremonial bath taken by the bride and groom.
- Significance: Purifies the couple before the wedding.
Kanyadaan
- Ritual: The bride’s father gives her away to the groom.
- Significance: Marks the bride’s transition into married life.
Hatha Granthi Fita (Tying of the Knot)
- Ritual: Hands of the bride and groom are tied together with a sacred cloth.
- Significance: Represents their unity in marriage.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven sacred steps together.
- Significance: Represents seven vows for a happy married life.

Post-Wedding Events

Grihapravesha
- Ritual: The bride enters her husband’s home for the first time.
- Significance: Marks her entry into the new household.
Chauthi
- Ritual: The bride and groom visit the bride’s parental home after four days.
- Significance: Reaffirms the bride’s connection with her family.

Manipur

Pre-Wedding Events

Hinaba (Matchmaking Ritual)
- Ritual: Families of the bride and groom meet for formal negotiations.
- Significance: Establishes consent and mutual understanding.
Yathang Tanaba (Approval Ritual)
- Ritual: Both families give formal approval for the wedding to proceed.
- Significance: Shows commitment from both sides.
Waroipot Puba (Engagement)
- Ritual: The couple is formally engaged in the presence of family and friends.
- Significance: Represents a promise of marriage between the couple.

Wedding Day Events

Luhongba (Wedding Ceremony)
- Ritual: The bride and groom exchange garlands and vows.
- Significance: Declares the couple as husband and wife.
Phirel Thaba (Wedding Feast)
- Ritual: A grand feast organized for families and the community.
- Significance: Celebrates the union of the couple.
Saptapadi
- Ritual: The couple takes seven steps around the sacred fire.
- Significance: Represents seven vows of marriage.

Post-Wedding Events

Nupi Keithel
- Ritual: The newlywed couple is honored in the local women’s market.
- Significance: A community event celebrating the marriage.
Mangani Chakouba
- Ritual: The bride and groom visit the bride’s home for a feast after the wedding.
- Significance: Strengthens the bond with the bride’s family.
Ipan Thaba (Offering Rice)
- Ritual: The bride’s family offers rice to the groom’s household.
- Significance: Symbolizes the bride’s new role in her husband's family.