As in most of the other Indian communities, Ismailis make marriage matches for their sons and daughters within their communities. When their daughter has grown up, her father immediately begins seeking a match for her. The boy and the girl see each other and make the final decision of whether or not they will marry. If the couple decides they wish to marry, then preparation begins for the Ismaili wedding as well as all of the traditional customs.
Once the couple decides to become engaged, the Sagai or Mangni i.e. Engagement is held. This is the ceremony that makes the commitment of the prospective bride and groom to each other official. The couple goes to Jamatkhana along with their family and relatives for the ‘Agreement ceremony’. The couple is supposed to sign the Engagement contract form in the presence of the Ismaili community leaders. Immediately after that ‘Ring Ceremony & Chundadi’ take place at the bride’s residence. The couple exchanges their rings and the bride’s mother-in-law put on the Engagement Saree called ‘Chundadi’ on Bride’s head and shoulders. She gives coconut, bangles, jewelry as Shagun to the bride.
To prepare for the engagement ceremony, some key items are needed. These include a ring, coconut, chundadi, sava rupaiya, bangles, sweets, saree, bindi, and kumkum. When you have these things together, the ceremony will go off without a hitch.