Kanya Danam (Giving away of the daughter)

    The bride accepts her change of status from an unmarried woman to a wife by spreading turmeric powder on her hands.

    Kana Danam is performed by the father (or uncle of the guardian) of the bride in presence of a large gathering that is invited to witness the wedding.

    The father pours out a libation of sacred water symbolizing the giving away of the daughter to the bride groom. The groom recites Vedic hymns to Kama, the God of love, for pure love and blessings.

    As a condition for offering his daughter for marriage, the father of the bride requests a promise from the groom for assisting the bride in realizing the three ends : dharma (righteousness), artha (meaning), and kama (love). The groom makes the promise by repeating three times that he will not fail the bride in realizing dharma, artha and kama.