Wedding

Indian wedding functions, in order

3 October 2026 · 3 min read

An Indian wedding is not one event but a series of them, often over three to five days. The names and order change from family to family and region to region, but most weddings include some version of the functions below. Use this list to plan your days and your invitation.

Before the wedding

Roka

The families formally agree to the match, usually with a small puja and an exchange of gifts and sweets. It is often the first announcement to relatives. See roka invitations.

Engagement (sagai)

The couple exchange rings in front of both families. In many families it is a big party of its own, months before the wedding. See engagement invitations.

Haldi

Turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom, usually in their own homes, on the morning before the wedding. It is a blessing and a beauty ritual, and a lot of fun. See haldi invitations.

Mehendi

Henna is drawn on the bride's hands and feet, with songs and snacks. Guests often get mehendi too. See mehendi invitations.

Sangeet

The music night, where both families sing and dance, often with rehearsed performances. See sangeet invitations.

The wedding day

• Baraat: the groom arrives with his family and friends, dancing, often on a horse.
• Milni and welcome: the families greet each other with garlands.
• Jaimala (varmala): the couple exchange garlands.
• Kanyadaan: the bride's parents give her hand to the groom.
• Pheras: the couple walk around the sacred fire, taking vows. Many weddings have seven, the saat phere.
• Sindoor and mangalsutra: the groom puts sindoor in the bride's hair parting and ties the mangalsutra.
• Vidaai: the emotional farewell as the bride leaves her parents' home.

After the wedding

• Griha pravesh: the bride is welcomed into her new home.
• Reception: a party hosted by the groom's family, often for a larger circle of guests. See reception invitations.
• Pag phera: the bride visits her parents' home with her husband a few days later.

The same functions, by region

Many functions have their own names and customs around India:

• Gujarati: the mandap mahurat (mandvo) and pithi, Gujarat's haldi, before the wedding; garba and dandiya nights in place of a sangeet. See Gujarati wedding invitations.
• Marathi: the sakharpuda (engagement), halad (haldi) and the antarpat held between the couple before they first see each other. See Marathi wedding invitations.
• Bengali: aashirbaad (blessing), gaye holud (haldi), and the shubho drishti, when the bride lowers the betel leaves from her face. See Bengali wedding invitations.
• Tamil: nichayathartham (engagement), the nalangu games, and the muhurtham when the thali is tied. See Tamil wedding invitations.
• Rajasthani: the tilak, the ban ceremonies before the wedding, and the toran the groom touches at the bride's door. See Rajasthani wedding invitations.
• Punjabi: the chooda ceremony, when the bride's maternal uncle gives her red and white bangles, and the jaggo night of singing. The wedding itself is the Anand Karaj.

Put every function on one invitation

With a digital invitation, each function gets its own date, venue, map, dress code and RSVP, and you can invite each guest only to the functions meant for them. Pick a wedding invitation design, and find the words in 30 wedding invitation messages.