Kanyadaan

Kanyadaan is a Hindu marriage ritual meaning the "gift of a daughter," from the Sanskrit words kanyā (daughter) and dāna (donation or gifting). It is traditionally part of the vivaha samskara, the wedding rite that marks the daughter’s transition from her family to her husband’s household. The practice is observed across many Hindu communities in India, Nepal, and in diaspora communities, though regional customs and interpretations vary.

During the ceremony, the bride's father or her guardian places the bride’s right hand into the groom's right hand and, with a blessing from the priest, signifies the transfer of parental responsibility and protection from the bride’s family to the couple. The act is typically performed in the presence of the sacred fire (agni) and the assembled guests and is sometimes accompanied by the bride’s consent being sought. In many traditions, kanyadaan is followed by other rites and the couple’s vows, sealing the marriage.

Modern discussions about kanyadaan often focus on its social and ethical dimensions, including debates about gender equality and the portrayal of daughters as “gifts.” Some couples choose to reinterpret or modify the ritual language, emphasize mutual partnership, or omit the phrase while retaining its symbolic intention of blessings and the transfer of responsibility. Despite differing views, kanyadaan remains a widely observed element of many Hindu weddings, valued for its cultural significance and ceremonial meaning.