Roka

The wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime extravaganza encompassing several rituals, beginning with a Roka ceremony. In Uttar Pradesh, the Roka ceremony embodies parental consent and blessings. It is the first pre-wedding ceremony, after which both families officially announce the alliance. Traditionally, it has been an intimate gathering held at the bride’s house. The groom’s family members visit the bride’s home with sweets to symbolise goodwill and celebration. Today, a Roka ceremony, the first big step towards starting a new life, has moved far beyond a puja and the customary exchange of sweets. The exchange of gifts by both families reflects their commitment to traditional rituals and their social status. The current Roka ceremony also sets the stage for the first pre-wedding shoot. Roka, Tilak, and Mangni are the three pre-wedding ceremonies that formalise the union. While some families may hold each ceremony in its traditional form, several families have a combined function where both families gather to announce the engagement. New-age couples also exchange rings.

Jewellery & Accessories

During the Roka ceremony in Uttar Pradesh, the bride and groom choose timeless pieces of jewellery to embrace ancestral roots, customs, and traditions. The bride and groom’s jewellery for the Roka is traditional and simple, reflecting their personality and the nature of the ceremony. Sometimes, the bride may even borrow her mother’s cherished heirloom piece to wear for her Roka. Yet, these ornaments are not as elaborate as those worn on the wedding day. 

A bride usually wears a simple Maangtikka on her forehead, which is considered auspicious and represents the forehead chakra that acts as the third eye. Smaller dangling earrings called Jhumkas not only help to draw attention to the face but symbolise spiritual awareness. The groom also wears minimal jewellery at the Roka ceremony. It is generally a gold chain with or without a pendant, a bracelet, and a wristwatch.