Devagon

The Devagon ceremony is a spiritual anchor that occurs just before the wedding festivities begin. Performed at the respective homes of both the bride and the groom, the primary purpose of Devagon is to seek the blessings of family deities and ancestors before the couple embarks on their new journey together. The ceremony usually begins with the purification of the bride and groom. They are bathed in holy water or given a ritual bath known as Snan, administered by the family elders. After the purification, a sacred fire, or Havan, is lit. This fire is central to many Hindu rituals, and during Devagon, it serves as the medium through which prayers and offerings are made to the gods. Offerings of ghee, rice, and sandalwood are made to the fire. A crucial part of the Devagon ceremony is the tying of a sacred thread, or Mouli, around the wrists of the bride and groom. This red or yellow thread is considered a protective charm, warding off evil spirits and ensuring the couple’s safety in the days leading up to the wedding.