In a traditional wedding, the engagement ceremony is called "Gol Dhana" or "Sagai", and it holds special importance as the official announcement of the couple's intent to marry. Here’s how it typically unfolds: Gol Dhana literally means "jaggery and coriander seeds," which are distributed among the guests as a symbol of sweetness and new beginnings. The groom's family arrives at the bride's home with gifts and these symbolic items, accompanied by music and celebration. During the ceremony, the bride and groom exchange rings, symbolizing their commitment to one another. The families come together to bless the couple, offer prayers, and exchange gifts, which signifies the merging of two families. There is also an exchange of sweets to mark the occasion. The ceremony is usually followed by a small celebration with close family and friends, including traditional music and dance, and often ends with a feast.

We will begin with the pooja of Lord Ganesh, followed by a small pooja for the marriage rituals.

The Haldi ceremony in a wedding is an intimate and sacred pre-wedding ritual, held to bless the bride and groom and prepare them for their upcoming nuptials. Traditionally, this ceremony takes place separately at both the bride’s and groom’s, surrounded by close family and friends. During the Haldi, a paste made of turmeric (haldi), sandalwood, rose water, and sometimes oil is applied to the bride’s and groom’s faces, arms, and feet. Turmeric is believed to have cleansing, purifying, and healing properties, symbolizing a fresh start and radiating beauty before the wedding. It is also considered auspicious, bringing good luck and warding off any evil. The Haldi ceremony is filled with laughter, playfulness, and blessings. Family members lovingly smear the haldi paste, while traditional folk songs are sung, and sometimes, a fun water or flower shower follows.

The Sangeet ceremony in a wedding is a lively and joyful pre-wedding celebration, filled with music, dance, and fun. Traditionally, it serves as a way for both the bride's and groom's families to come together and celebrate the upcoming marriage with joy and excitement. In a typical Sangeet, family members, friends, and even the couple themselves perform dances to popular Bollywood and traditional songs like Garba and Dandiya Raas. This is a night dedicated to laughter, celebration, and showcasing the happiness of both families. The venue is often beautifully decorated, with vibrant colors, lights, and an energetic atmosphere. Performances are choreographed, and it’s common to have a mix of traditional and modern music, blending both cultures and modern influences. The night often ends with a feast, marking the beginning of the wedding festivities.

The wedding ceremony is a grand and deeply spiritual affair. The ceremony typically takes place under a beautifully decorated mandap (canopy).The day begins with the groom’s grand arrival, known as the Baraat, where he rides a horse (or sometimes a car) to the wedding venue, accompanied by his family and friends dancing to the beats of traditional music. Upon arrival, the groom is greeted by the bride’s family in a ritual called Ponkhvu, where they offer a symbolic welcome and blessing. The bride then makes her entrance, looking radiant in traditional bridal attire. The couple meets under the mandap, where the Kanyadaan takes place—a ritual where the bride’s father gives his daughter’s hand in marriage to the groom.This is followed by the Mangal Pheras, where the couple walks around the sacred fire (Agni) seven times, each round signifying vows of loyalty, love, and commitment to each other. The couple is then tied together with a sacred cloth, symbolizing their eternal bond.