Kanyadaan
The bride's parents apply 'tikka' on the couple and the bride's father performs the 'kanyadaan'.This is done by tying the hands of the bride and groom together in a marital knot known as the 'hast medap'. The bride's right hand is placed in the groom's right hand and they both reach out over the unlit fire below. With this gesture the father of the bride symbolizes this promise; " I offer you this most precious gift of my daughter to take as your own, to cherish and to protect. "
The bride's mother connects the couple by tying the 'varmaala' (a length of sacred red thread) across them and looping it like a garland over their hands. After the ceremony the 'varmaala' is removed and put around the bride's neck like a garland.