The bride and the bridegroom face each other, and the priest ties their garments (the bride's sari to the groom's shirt) in a knot, symbolizing the sacred union.

The bride and the bridegroom exchange rings. As gold lasts forever, gold rings are exchanged to represent a long married life. It is believed that the fourth finger of the right hand has a vein that leads directly to the heart, hence he wears his ring there. The bride wears hers on the fourth finger of her left hand in order to form a complete heart.

Next the nuptial fire (placed in a havan), symbolizing the divine witness, sanctifier of the sacrament, is installed and worshipped.

Both the bride and the groom grasp their hands together and pray to God for His blessings.

Samagree, consisting of crushed sandalwood, herbs, sugar, rice, ghee (clarified butter),and twigs is offered into the sacred fire to seek God's blessings for the couple