Ceremonies & Traditions

What is Sagai?

Sagai, also called mangni, is the Hindu engagement ceremony where the couple exchange rings and families formally agree to the marriage. Brides usually wear a lighter mehendi design than for the wedding itself.

Sagai explained

Sagai mehendi is often an Indo-Arabic or Arabic design on both hands, sometimes with the partner's initials. Guests may also get small designs.

Because the stain peaks after 24-48 hours, brides apply sagai mehendi a day ahead if they want the darkest colour for photos.

Also searched as: sagai ceremony · engagement ceremony · mangni

Mehendi designs related to sagai

Indo-Arabic Mehendi

Indo-Arabic mehendi is a fusion style that combines the bold outlines and open trails of Arabic henna with the fine, filled detailing of traditional Indian designs.

Gujarati Mehendi

Gujarati mehendi is a traditional, densely filled style common at Gujarati and Jain weddings, featuring auspicious motifs such as the kalash, shehnai, peacocks and the bride and groom.

Related mehendi terms

RokaRoka is a North Indian pre-engagement ceremony at which the two families formally agree to the match and exchange gifts and blessings. It is an intimate event, and any mehendi worn is usually simple and minimal.Bridal MehendiBridal mehendi is the elaborate henna applied to a bride before her wedding, usually covering both hands to the elbow and both feet, and often including personal elements such as portraits or the groom's hidden name.Guest MehendiGuest mehendi is the quicker, lighter mehendi applied to family and friends at a wedding, mehendi function or festival - typically half-hand Arabic, Indo-Western or minimal designs that take 10-30 minutes per person.Mehendi CeremonyThe mehendi ceremony is a pre-wedding function, usually held one or two days before the wedding, at which the bride's hands and feet are decorated with henna while family and friends celebrate with music, dance and food.

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