Chakai - Engagement

I humbly share with you my thoughts and ideas on the Chakai or meeting of parties and families of both boy and girl prior to the Vivaha or wedding ceremony.

Materials:

• Bedi with a Ganesh picture or murti
• 1 yd. orange cotton
• 1 pack pooja materials for Ganesh pooja
• Lotaas/tharias
• Ghee /googol / sugar / rice
• Mango leaves / doobgrass / tulsi / assorted flowers
• Hawan khund / coals / mango sticks
• Chandan
• Gifts for dulahaa / dulahaa’s mother
• Sweets to distribute
• 21 ladoos to offer to Lord Ganesh
• No flags or jhandis

At the home of the boy, the girl’s family (mostly males) will assemble on an auspicious day set by the pundit. Simple pooja is done by the boy and the girl’s brother guided by the pundit.

Rings are exchanged and the boy is worshipped by the girl’s brother. Clothes, tilak and dakshina are offered to him in the pooja. The mother of both boy and girl are presented with presents and all ends in prayer and blessings by the pundit. The assembly is treated to food and entertainment as this is an opportunity for both families to socially interact and develop greater ties.