Traditional Indian, or Hindu, engagements are typically grand affairs commemorated by formal ceremonies called by many names, including Mangni, Misri and Aashirwad. This ceremony is an organized event designed to bring both families together to celebrate the impending wedding and give family blessings to the couple. The newly-engaged couple participates in a formal ring ceremony, and both families exchange gifts. There are many traditional gifts presented at the engagement ceremony.

Indians from Gujarati, the most western state in India, call the engagement party “Sagaai.” The bride’s family arrives at the ceremony with Matli, a steel container full of sweets and fruits for the groom’s family. The sweets may include different types of candies, pastries and chocolates. The Matli represents good luck and symbolizes the bride’s family’s acceptance of the upcoming marriage.

Northern Indians celebrate the engagement similarly to those from Gujarati, but both families exchange baskets of sweets, fruits and dry fruits. The bride is also given some type of traditional piece of family jewelry from the groom’s parents, such as a pair of earrings or necklace that has been passed down through the family for generations.

The engagement ceremony for southern Indians is usually more about the two families coming together, rather than the newly engaged couple. Both families exchange tattu, or engagement plates. These plates are comprised of flowers, coconuts, turmeric, beetle leaves and beetle nuts.

Most brides receive engagement rings to be worn on their left-hand ring fingers, and Indian brides-to-be receive other types of jewelry to be worn at the wedding. These pieces of jewelry include the Maangtika (crown), necklaces, earrings and nose ring. Anklets, toe rings and bangle bracelets are other popular jewelry gifts. Some brides receive a kamarband, a gold belt worn with the sari and lehngas.

Traditional wedding clothing is often given at the Indian engagement ceremony. The bride usually receives a red and gold sari dress and ghunghat, the equivalent of a veil. She also may receive a ghaghra coli, a very long skirt and short blouse. Another common clothing item given to the bride is the dupatta, a long scarf that may be worn around the shoulders or covering the head and neck. Indian grooms typically receive jodhpuris or dhotis, wedding suits, at the engagement ceremonies. Others may receive white safas, pagdis or topis to wear on their heads at the wedding ceremony.