Shagun & Gift Guide

Punjabi

In Punjabi weddings, shagun is given at multiple events - Roka, Chunni ceremony, Mehndi, and Reception. At the Roka, the groom's family brings a shagun tray (shagun da thaal) with cash, sweets, and dry fruits for the bride's family. Envelopes are typically placed on a decorated plate at each event. The bride's family keeps a written record (called a register) of who gave what, as this informs how much they reciprocate at the giver's family events in future.

Gujarati

In Gujarati tradition, the cash gift is sometimes referred to as "aashirwad" (blessing). It is common to give at the Garba/Sangeet night and Reception. Some families exchange gifts in kind - silver items, dry fruits boxes - alongside cash. The amount is noted and reciprocated at future family occasions.

Tamil

Tamil weddings traditionally involve gift-giving in the form of gold jewellery from the bride's parents to the bride (stridhanam). Cash gifts from guests are less formal, but still expected at the Reception and Muhurtham. Gifts may be given to the couple directly or handed to a designated family member. Marking the envelope with the giver's name is important.

Pakistani

Pakistani weddings follow similar shagun customs but the term "eidi" or just cash gift is more commonly used. At the Nikah, the groom's family gives mahr (a mandatory gift from groom to bride, agreed in the marriage contract - can be cash, gold, or property). At the Mehndi and Valima, guests bring cash envelopes. The bride's family distributes mehndi to guests and gives return gifts (favours).

South Indian

In South Indian (Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam) weddings, cash gifts are given in envelopes at the Reception. The tradition of giving coconuts, betel leaves, and betel nuts as part of the gift is still practised in traditional families. Gold is a primary gift from immediate family - gold chains, bangles, and earrings for the bride are customary from her parents and in-laws.

Bengali

In Bengali weddings, the cash gift is often given alongside "tatva" - decorated baskets of sweets, saree, and gifts exchanged between families before the wedding. Cash envelopes are given at the Bou Bhaat (reception) hosted by the groom's family. Gold jewellery from the bride's parents is a significant part of her stridhan.

Marathi

In Marathi (Maharashtrian) weddings, the gift is called "aher" - clothes, sarees, or cash given by relatives to the couple and their immediate family, often exchanged at the Reception. A formal aher list is sometimes maintained by both families. Cash gifts in odd denominations remain customary.

Jain

Jain weddings follow shagun customs similar to Gujarati or Marwari tradition, since many Jain families share those regional roots. Cash gifts are given at the ceremony and Reception in odd denominations. Given the community's emphasis on simplicity, ostentatious or excessive gifting is less common than in some other traditions.