One of the most sacred customs is tying the Mangalsutraa, the sacred thread.

The word ‘Mangal’ means auspicious and 'sutra' means thread.

It is coated with turmeric and has 2 gold Taalis. It is believed that Goddess Mahalakshmi resides in the Taali and protects the marriage from any evil. This is tied around the bride's neck with three knots, amidst chanting of vedic hymns and nadaswara. The ritual and the 3 knots signifies the complete union of the couple: physically, mentally and spiritually. Along with the sacred thread, another Mangalsutra made of gold with black beads (to ward off evil) is also tied. The gold taalis are added to this after a ritual on a specific day later. Mangalsutra is worn always as a symbol of marital dignity and chastity.