what is a roka ceremony

A Roka ceremony is a pre-engagement ceremony that takes place before a Punjabi wedding. It is an official announcement of the relationship between the bride and groom in front of the world, and signifies that they have accepted each other as life partners. During the Roka ceremony, a tilak ceremony takes place during which a paste made of roli (sacred thread) and rice is put on the forehead of the girl and boy. The ceremony marks the union of both the bride and grooms family and friends, and gifts from both families are acceptable. The Roka ceremony is the first step towards marriage as per traditions and cultures, and is one of the most significant pre-wedding ceremonies in Punjabi weddings. The ceremony is usually an intimate affair where only close relatives are present, but hotels or elegant banquet halls can be used for high-end ceremonies or larger turnouts. The Roka ceremony is a way for families to celebrate together, and there may be a few awkward moments of silence, so it is advisable to plan a few icebreakers to help people get to know each other.