In India, weddings are considered to be a sacred commitment for lifetime between the bride and the groom. It is a knot that units them in eternal harmony and peace. In India, Vivah or wedding is a festival of color and lights that celebrates the union of two individuals. An Indian wedding is full of emotions of joy and happiness.

Traditional Indian wedding is full of rituals and customs. Many rituals are performed on the wedding day. “Kanyadaan” is one of the most significant and vital rituals that is being practiced since years. It is custom where the bride is gifted by her father to the groom. Kanyadaan is combination of two words “Kanya” meaning girl/bride and “Daan means” donation. It is reserved only to the parents. If not to the parents then the right for Kanyadaan is given to the elder most male member of the family. The following rituals make up the Kanyadaan ceremony.

Granthibandhan,  Varmala and Hasta Milap

In this ritual, the groom’s scarf or shawl is tied to the bride’s saree and a long cotton shawl is put around their neck. The bride’s right hand is placed on the groom’s right hand. This knot tying and hand joining binds them together. The ritual of kanyadaan is carried out after the saat pheras i.e. the seven vows rituals. It is a ritual, where the bride’s father hand overs all his rights and duties towards his daughter to the groom. “Panigrahan” symbolizes the acceptance of the brides hand by the groom. The groom accepts all her responsibilities and promises to take care of her for life time. This marks the bride’s acceptance in the groom’s family.

According to this ritual, the bride’s father gives her right hand in the hand of the groom and holy water is poured on their palm by the bride’s mother while the priest recites the Vedic hymns.

Kanyadaan is the first step towards married life. It signifies that from now on her husband is her first priority. As per the Hindu belief Kanyadaan is considered to be the greatest daan i.e. the ”Mahadaan” as the bride’s parents hand over their most precious gift their daughter to the groom. All the elders bless the bride and the groom a happy wedded life.