Clothing Practices Related to Ceremonies Before Marriage Among Newly Married Couples

The present study was conducted in Ludhiana city on 100 newly married couples, 50 each with working and non-working wives, with marriage span upto 2 years. The data regarding the clothing practices related to ceremonies before marriage were collected through a pretested interview schedule. The data were analysed by using averages and percentages (%). The findings reveal that ‘Sagan’ and ‘Engagement’ ceremonies were more prevalent in the 1st group with working wives, and ‘Engagement’ and Rokka* in the llnd group with non-working Wives. Families of 50% and 78% female respondents of 1st and llnd groups gave clothing and Jewellery items to grooms and their relatives and the rest gave money in cash. The main items given by majority were 1–3 suits each for grooms and their male relatives, and 1–2 suits and sarees each to their female relatives. One to two gold rings were given to grooms. Families of 70% and 86% of grooms of 1st and llnd groups gave 1–3 suits and sarees each and 1–2 rings and sets of gold each to brides. Negligible number of families of male respondents gave clothing or jewellery items to bride's relatives.