SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RING CEREMONY IN HINDU MARRIAGES

Since the ancient time marriages have been considered a pristine union between two person, two souls and two hearts with the embodiment of promises and love. Its a matter of wonder when two strangers are bonded in a holy sacrament like that of a wedding and spend the rest of the life together. Though wedding is a popular ceremonial conjugation all across the world, the Hindu marriages are of extraordinary extravagance. And even though “Marriage is a private affair” as said by Chinua Achebe, Indian marriages, witness the gathering of families, and other relatives, establishing a wanted crowd.

Hindu marriages are actually a series of different ritualistic celebration, each holding a great significance in the life of the couple. In fact, according to the mythologies, these rituals are meant to define the sanctity and the tranquillity of the sacred bond, which is always permitted by the Almighty himself.

Despite the fact that marriages can be really tiresome, no one can deny the very first ritual which has now become a welcomed trend by over than 90% of the Indian population. Hindu engagement ceremony is by far the most captivating and alluring celebration that marks the journey of the strangers together. In fact, this ceremony is considered the beginning of the auspicious journey till the final tradition of taking the seven vows around the holy fire.

What is Hindu ring ceremony?

Ring ceremony is quite popular as a pre-wedding ritual in various parts of the mainland country and perhaps from that’s why only, Indians celebrate this culture with renowned vigour. Rest assured, it is one of the most significant pre-wedding ceremonies in Indian weddings, be it of any Indian culture. It’s like a formal announcement of the marriage in a lavish way where the groom and the bride exchange rings as a token of their love and commitments.

Though ring ceremony is a generic name for the ritual, in different parts, it is known by different names like in West Bengal, it is known as the Aashirbad, in the Himachal it is termed to be the Roka, while in the Rajput culture, it goes by the name of the Tilak ceremony.

The meaning of the engagement ring has been decoded in various forms. Some say the ring is said to be the first symbol of the never-ending love shared between the two souls and it marks the beginning of a journey towards a glorious future. In some cases, it is considered to be a sign of the eternal love and tranquillity of the sacred bond between the two souls. The circle is considered as a never-ending path, it’s a sign of infinity and so is the engagement ring.

Where do you wear your engagement ring?

Though for some engagement rings are just pieces of fashionable jewellery, to some it mean the world for them. In fact, the ring is a symbolism of admiration and adoration both feels for each other. Engagement rings are worn in the ring finger of the left hand, the finger, which has a direct connection with the heart. It is believed that the ring when worn connects the two hearts with an unbreakable, invisible thread.

How the Hindu engagement ceremony is celebrated?

Different Indian cultures celebrate the ring ceremony in different styles, those that resonate with their own cultures. Though the pre and the post rituals vary, the main part remains the same all through where the bride and the bridesgroom exchange the rings.

Here are the sagai ceremony details that most of the Indian families follows!

•         The bride’s family visits the bridegroom’s family with the ritualistic materials needed that include silver plate, ring for the bridegroom, fourteen dried dates, a small amount of rice grain, a bowl of saffron, and a silver coin. Sometimes, the ring is kept in a separate silver plate on a layer of red rose petals. This heightens the meaning of the ring and also makes the appearance look alluring.
•         Celebration starts on full swing with a worship ceremony where both the family offer gratitude and gifts to the Gods. The couple mainly worships the God to sanctify the bond between them.  
•         The main ceremony of Sagai then starts where they both exchange rings and promises to be there with each other for eternity.
•         Celebration follows the ring exchange and both the families make the joining official.

What are the best engagement gifts for him?

Engagement is a gift-filled occasion no doubt where both the bride and the bridegroom receives tons of different gifts from everyone, especially from the family members and the relatives. Basically, the gifts are exchanged between the two families.

Under that veil, the two souls wait eagerly for a private moment for giving gifts to each other. But choosing the best gift for him can be confusing when you are not quite aware of his likes and dislikes. Looking into the matter in a more surprising way, it can be said that though you are not required to buy anything for him your heart wants and that’s all that matters.

Let’s have a look at some of the engagement gift ideas for him!

•         Personalised gifts are in fashion nowadays where you can buy a personalised photo coffee mug, cushion, photo frame, wall clock, and many other interesting gifts.
•         Men’s grooming kit is also another best idea that you can have where you can tend to the daily needs of your would-be-husband.
•         What can be a more eccentric gift other than a piece of silk tie in a bold colour that matches the persona of your male?
•         You can also have a watch for him so that he can be more punctual.

What are the engagement gift ideas for her?

She is the most precious woman in your life who has this uncanny ability to bring you on your knees. You can do anything just to see that radiant smile and her flushed cheeks. It is said that a woman doesn’t easily expect anything in return when she loves unconditionally.

But when she is sitting right there beside you, wearing the ring you gave to her, she will be expecting something from you, no matter how meagre it is. So why not give her something to make the day more memorable for her?

Here are some of the best Hindu engagement ceremony ideas that can help you to choose the perfect gift for her!

        Teddy bears are her favourite company and who will know her better than you.

        You can give her ample chocolate pieces on a gold platter.

        Women love jewellery and when those come from the man they love the beauty of the metal pieces increases ten folds. You can buy a pair of ear-ring, a bangle or even a golden coloured watch for her.