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In Hindu weddings, Mangni or Sagai refers to a formal engagement ceremony. In Uttar Pradesh, while only a few family members attend the Roka and Tilak rituals, the Mangni ceremony is a huge and joyful affair. For those not invited earlier for the Roka and Tilak, it offers an opportunity to meet, mingle, bond, and get to know each other better. At the Mangni ceremony, the bride and groom start the celebration by offering prayers to seek blessings for their future marriage. Next, the couple exchange garlands and take vows to solidify the engagement. Since Vedic times, the exchange of garlands, known as Jaimala, has represented both families’ formal acknowledgement of promise. Practised for centuries, it has become an integral part of every Mangni ceremony in Uttar Pradesh. Nowadays, the Mangni is more than a traditional family-oriented ceremony. The event has borrowed some elements from its Western counterpart. For instance, several new-age brides and grooms are increasingly sending out witty invites or even save-the-date e-cards announcing their wedding date. The quintessential diamond engagement ring has become a trend. There is also the grand cake cutting followed by music, dancing, food and drinks. Since an Indian wedding needs much time to plan and prepare, the Mangni may be done anytime up to a year before the wedding.
In Uttar Pradesh weddings, the Mangni is also a gesture of acceptance by the elders in both families to proceed with the union. During the Mangni ceremony, as family and friends gather to witness the exchange of rings and bless the couple, it reflects community and social bonds. The Mangni is also a start to get to know each other better, establishing a friendly vibe for the pre-wedding, wedding and post-wedding events.
The Mangni ceremony may also include rituals like puja or aarti that mirror the continuity of age-old customs and traditions. Even showering gifts like sweets, dry fruits, clothes, and jewellery symbolises wellness, health, goodwill and prosperity.
To make a fashionable first impression, the bride and groom wear traditional attire for their Mangni. A bride in Uttar Pradesh wears a lehenga choli, a salwar kameez, an ethnic gown, or a saree. The outfit usually ranges from pastel to bright tones like baby pink, peach, and lilac to rani pink, turquoise, and emerald green. Also, silk, chiffon, or cotton with delicate embroidery and light embellishments are a favourite.
For the groom, dressing for the Mangni means choosing an outfit to exude elegance and cultural richness. The typical Mangni outfit is a kurta with slacks, a waistcoat kurta set, a jodhpuri suit, or a sherwani. Bright and bold or soft and subtle, the colour combinations range from off-white, peach, pink, navy blue, and yellow to more hues. The material is mostly silk or cotton. Also, for the Mangni outfit, the embroidery and embellishment are usually minimalist. The groom completes his look with traditional jutis or mojris. Some new-age grooms in Uttar Pradesh also opt for a modern suit instead of the traditional attire.
The Mangni ceremony, like the Roka and Tilak, is one of the initial pre-wedding ceremonies that confirms the couple has agreed to marry. In Uttar Pradesh, the bride and groom usually wear gold jewellery for their Mangni ceremony. The bride wears a maangtikka on her forehead to give her a classic look and protect her from the evil eye. She also wears a modest gold necklace, with or without gemstones, or a simple chain with a delicate pendant. Some brides prefer small, elegant diamond studs or gold jhumkas (dangling earrings) to match their traditional attire. A few gold bangles complete the Mangni look.
The groom also wears some gold jewellery to match his traditional attire. His Mangni ornaments are generally elegant and understated. The groom typically wears a simple ring, a gold chain with or without a pendant, and sometimes a gold kada. Further, if the groom wears a formal kurta pyjama or sherwani, he might wear a brooch. Lastly, the Mangni ceremony jewellery has motifs, designs, and styles reflecting culture and spirituality to celebrate the bride and groom’s new journey.
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