The engagement ceremony is the first formal meeting of the bride's and groom's extended families and establishes that the bride and groom are firmly committed to one another.This ceremony, called a Sagai, confirms both families' intentions of marriage.

To begin the ceremony, the families pray for the blessings of Lord Ganesh. Following this prayer, the pujari (priest) and the bride perform a puja (religious ritual). The puja welcomes the gods and asks for their blessings. The groom then gives the bride a ring as a welcome into each other's lives and in hope of a long and happy marriage. Because the fourth finger is thought to have a vein leading directly to the heart, the ring is placed on the fourth finger of the left hand of the bride.

The bride's mother then places a coconut in her daughter's lap and offers her blessings for a happy life. Following this, the bride's parents offer gifts as a symbol of respect to the groom and his family. Then the groom's family offers clothing and other items to the girl as a symbol of acceptance into their family. This ritual is called Goud-Bharna (filling the bride's lap with happiness).

At this point, the ceremony is complete and the families, bride and groom are committed to each other. The ceremony is culminated with a meal.