Sagai - Engagement Ceremony

Rings are exchanged between the groom and the bride.
The main purpose behind the organization of the sagai in India is to finalize the date of marriage.

In addition to being engagement ceremonies, the kurmai and chunni are both considered sagan ceremonies, which means they bestow good luck and blessings on the bride and groom. 

The kurmai is a ceremony for the groom done by the bride`s family and the chunni is a ceremony for the bride done by the groom`s family.

The chunni ceremony, held at the bride’s home, is conducted by the groom’s family. The bride is donned with gifts brought by the groom’s family. The gifts often include a salvar kameez or sari, make-up, nail polish, jewellery, bangles, bindis, hair clip or ribbon and sindoor (red powdered that placed at the tip of a woman’s hair part symbolizing she is married). The most important gift is the chunni (a long scarf). It is always in a shade of the traditional wedding colour, red, and is presented to the bride-to-be. The significance of the chunni ceremony is to begin the process of welcoming the bride in to the family.

The kurmai ceremony is traditionally held at the groom’s home. The groom is presented with gifts brought by the bride’s family. The gifts often include a gold kara (Sikh bracelet) or a wrist watch.