what is roka ceremony

The Roka ceremony is a pre-wedding ceremony that takes place before a Punjabi wedding. It is the first step towards the marriage of the couple and marks the official announcement of the relationship in front of the world. During the ceremony, a paste made of roli (sacred thread) and rice is put on the forehead of the girl and boy, and gifts from both families are exchanged. The Roka ceremony is a union of two families and brings not only two people but also two families close. It is usually an intimate affair where only close relatives are present, but it can also be celebrated in a small patio club, restaurant, or even at home. The ceremony is significant because it symbolizes that both the bride and groom have decided to be soulmates for life, and its now time for families to stop the further search and start the preparation for the wedding.