Engagement Ceremony - Its Significance and Importance
Hindu weddings is one of the most elaborate ceremonies in India. They are marked by a series of rituals, customs and traditions steeped in rich cultural and religious heritage. One of the key aspects of Hindu weddings is engagement, also known as the 'Ring Ceremony' or the 'Sagai'.
The announcement ceremony is a crucial feature of the pre-wedding rituals. This ceremony is actually the engagement ceremony. It is typically held a few months before the wedding and symbolises the couple's commitment to each other. What do you do at engagement ceremony? Basically, during the engagement ceremony, the bride and groom exchange rings representing their love and faith in each other.
Close family members and friends of the couple usually attend the engagement ceremony. During the ceremony, the bride and groom are seated facing each other, and the priest performs a puja (prayer) to bless the couple and their future together. After the puja, the bride and groom exchange rings and commit to each other in front of their families and friends.
The ring ceremony meaning roots down to the exchange of rings, and many other rituals and customs are associated with the same. For example, the couple may light a sacred fire, which symbolises the light of knowledge and wisdom that will guide their lives. They may also exchange flower garlands representing their union and love for each other. The Indian engagement ceremony is also a time for families to get to know each other and build a strong bond before the wedding.
Now that we have answered the question, “what is a traditional engagement ceremony?” let us delve deeper into the elements of a traditional engagement ceremony.
VARIOUS PRACTICES IN CEREMONY ENGAGEMENT IN DIFFERENT WEDDINGS ALL OVER INDIA
Different regions in India have different customs and traditions associated with the engagement function. Here are a few examples: