Kanyadaan (Father gives the bride away)

Kanyadaan is the moment when the father 'gives away' his daughter to her new family. Kanyadaan is performed during the mandap (sacred canopy) ceremony.

As per practice, the father of the bride places the right hand of the bride over the right hand of the groom. After this, holy water is poured on the palms of the couple while the priest recites Vedic hymns.

This way the father gives his daughter as a gift to the groom. According to tradition, the groom is considered a form of Lord Vishnu. Presenting him gifts is deemed to be the greatest honour for the parents of the bride. Therefore they offer their daughter, their most cherished possession, to the groom. As a symbol of acceptance the groom touches the right shoulder of the bride, promising to take care of her and be responsible for her.