About Nischitartham (Engagement)
What is Nischitartham (Engagement)?
The Engagement Ceremony (Nischitartham, Sagai) formally fixes the marriage between two families, with Ganapati pooja, the exchange of rings or tambulam, and the reading of the lagna patrika with the wedding muhurtham.
In South Indian tradition the fathers exchange tambulam (betel leaves, nuts and fruits) as the promise of the marriage, and the wedding muhurtham is written in the lagna patrika. In North India the Sagai is marked with the tilak of the groom and the exchange of rings.
Benefits
- A formal, auspicious promise between the families
- Blessings for the coming marriage
- Wedding muhurtham fixed in the presence of the families
When to perform
- On a muhurtham fixed by both families
- Usually a few weeks or months before the wedding
How Nischitartham (Engagement) is performed
- Ganapati pooja and sankalpam
- Varuna and Gowri pooja
- Exchange of tambulam between the families
- Reading of the lagna patrika
- Exchange of rings and clothes
- Blessings and harathi
Nischitartham (Engagement) samagri list
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Coconuts and fruits
- Rings, clothes and gifts
- Turmeric, kumkum and akshinthalu
- Flowers and garlands
- Sweets
Do’s and don’ts
✅ Do
- Fix the muhurtham with both families
❌ Avoid
Engagement Ceremony near you
Read the full guide to Engagement Ceremony — meaning, vidhi, samagri, best time and cost — or see local details for your city.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Nischitartham (Engagement) cost?
Nischitartham (Engagement) with a verified Stuti Mandir pandit starts from ₹4,100 as pandit dakshina, for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The price can be a little higher outside the metro cities, live video pujas cost less than a home visit, and the full bill is shown before you pay.
Can the engagement be done at a hall?
Yes. The pandit comes to your home, hall or hotel.
Will the pandit fix the wedding muhurtham?
Yes. Share both horoscopes and the pandit suggests muhurthams and writes the lagna patrika.