Misri (Ring Ceremony)

All prayers in Hindu ceremonies begin by invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
Seven married ladies (portraying 7 forms of God for each day of the week) use red powder to make a Ganesha sign (clockwise swastika) on a pot of misri, or crystalling sugar, asking him to bless the couple and ensure that  the ceremony takes place beautifully.

The ladies also sew designs on a which piece of cloth to ward of any Nazar, or evil eye, that may come upon the happy occasion. This cloth is worn by the couple one the wedding day. (Some couples, however, leave the preparation of the white cloth until the Ghari puja).

A puja is done by the couple and their parents welcoming god is different forms and asking for his blessings. They pray to lord Ganesha, Varuna Devta, Laxmi & Narayan, the Gods governing the nine planets, and Om (Triumverate Brahma Vishnu, and Shiva)

Garlands are exchanged by the couple in order to welcome each other into their lives. This part of the ceremony is known as the varmala.
As gold lasts forever, rings made of gold are exchanged by the couple in order to represent a long married life. It is believed that the fourth finger of the hand has a vein leading directly to the heart. Hence, the groom wears the ring on the fourth finger of his right hand and the bride wears hers on the fourth finger of her left hand in order to form a complete heart.
The groom’s family places a basket of fruits, clothes, cosmetics or ornaments on the girl’s lap (in her jholi) to represent their acceptance into her family and bestowing her with happiness and prosperity.
The groom’s family gives a verbal promise of marriage and feeds misri, crystalline sugar, to the girl’s family to confirm the engagement. The eating of sweet is considered auspicious by the hindus and thus is eaten on all happy occasions.