Jain Wedding Ceremony: Pre Wedding Rituals

As like other castes and communities of India, the Jain community also follows its own marriage traditions and rituals. Unlike other Indian weddings which are celebrated with much pomp and show, Jain weddings are performed with very simplicity. Jains do not believe in wasting much time and money over their weddings as they regard a marriage much more than a wordly affair. These weddings more ritualistic and traditional as compared to those of other communities.

Lagan Lekhan
This is the initiating pre wedding ritual held at the to be bride's home and on this occassion the date of wedding is fixed. After a puja the lagan or muhurat for the wedding is determined by the priest and the same is sent to the Groom's house in the form of Lagan Patrika or letter.

Sagai
Sagai is the Engagement ceremony held at the Groom's house. In this ritual the Groom wears the traditional dress and then performs the Vinayakyantra Pooja. After the Pooja the Bride's brother applies tilak to the Groom's forehead and then gifts him sweets, gold chain, clothes, etc. Then after he is presented the Lagan Patrika Vachan.

Lagan Patrika Vachan
This ritual is performed at the time or after the Sagai ceremony in which the Lagan Patrika Vachan is read out in the Groom's house.

Mada Mandap
Mada Mandap another pre wedding ritual performed after the Sagai ceremony and held both at Bride's and Groom's place.