Quick Answer: This glossary defines 50+ Indian wedding terms covering the events of a multi-day Indian wedding (muhuratham, sangeet, mehendi, haldi, reception), the rituals performed during those events (pherasy, kanyadaan, saath phere, jaimala, vidaai), the roles of family members (kanya, var, pandit, saalis, baraatis), the garments traditionally worn (lehenga, sherwani, dhoti), and the cultural concepts underlying the ceremonies (kanyadaan, gotra, mangalsutra dharana). Indian weddings are not single events but 3-7 day celebrations with distinct rituals at each stage. Understanding this vocabulary is essential for non-Indian guests attending their first Indian wedding and for NRI diaspora members reconnecting with their cultural heritage. Companion to our main Indian Fashion Glossary and our weddings and festivals guide.
The official engagement announcement ceremony, held 6-12 months before the wedding. The families of the bride and groom meet at the bride's home, exchange gifts (typically sweets, clothes, and jewelry), and formally announce the engagement. The roka is a small event (20-40 close family members) and is the first formal acknowledgment of the upcoming wedding.
A pre-wedding ceremony where the bride's father applies a tilak (vermilion mark) on the groom's forehead, symbolizing the formal acceptance of the groom into the bride's family. The tilak ceremony is held 1-3 months before the wedding and is primarily a North Indian tradition. Gifts are exchanged between the families.
The engagement ceremony, held 1-6 months before the wedding. Rings are exchanged between the bride and groom in front of family and friends. The sagai is typically a larger event than the roka (50-150 guests) and includes a catered meal and music. In some communities, the sagai and roka are combined into a single event.