Nikah

Nikah
Invited guests and relations assemble at the bridegroom's place on the Nikah day when the groom wears the clothes received from the bride's side. Sehra (a flower veil) is tied to the groom's forehead by the brother-in-law, who in return receives some cash as a present from the elders of the family. The Parjas i.e. Barber, Sweeper, Washerman, gardener, tailor and domestic servants, etc., are given money and clothes to mark the auspicious occasion. The baarat then proceeds to the house of the bride.

Before the Nikah, dried dates, sugar and Nuqal are placed before the bridegroom. One of the Mujtahids represents the groom while the other represents the bride's side. If the settlement of the Maher has not taken place before, it is done on this occasion. The bride's Mujtahid, goes to the bride in the woman's apartment and asks her three times whether she accepts the person concerned as her husband, with the amount of Maher as settled and generally she answers in the affirmative. Then the Mujtahids from the bride's side comes and takes his seat in the assembly. Then the Mujtahids of the groom's side asks the groom three times whether he accepts the woman concerned as his wife with the amount of Maher as settled and he answers in the affirmative. After this is done the Mujtahids of the bride's side recites the Khutba (religious discourse) and then both the Mujtahids pronounce the Sigha of Nikah, and some responsible persons from amongst the audience sign on the Nikahnama (marriage deed) as the witness. Thus the Nikah is completed. Sehra (sort of poetry) is also recited in the praise of the poets in praise of the groom and his family on this occasion.