Indian wedding glossary · Wedding day rituals
What is Safa?
Also written: Pagdi, turban, साफा
A safa is the tied turban worn by the groom and often by the men of both families at a wedding, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab.
- Who keeps it
- Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi and Punjabi families, and many others at North Indian weddings.
- When
- Tied on the wedding day before the baraat.
About Safa
What should you know about Safa?
The groom's safa is usually the grandest, often with a brooch (kalgi) and a sehra. Many families order matching safas for the baraatis in one colour, and a safa-tying expert ties them before the baraat.
In Rajasthan the colour and style of the safa traditionally changed by region and occasion. Leheriya and bandhej safas are common at weddings.
In the order of functions
Where does Safa come in an Indian wedding?
Tied on the wedding day before the baraat.
- Before the weddingFixing the match, the engagement, the date and the card.
- The functionsPujas, haldi, mehndi, sangeet and the family days before the wedding.
- Wedding day ritualsFrom the baraat to the pheras, nikah and anand karaj.
- After the weddingVidaai, the new home, the reception and the first visits.
Planning your own days? The free wedding function order planner puts your functions in a sensible order with dates.
On the card
What do families write on the invitation for Safa?
Baraat at 6 pm. Safas will be tied from 5 pm at the hotel lobby.
Related words
Words that go with Safa
- Sehra
A sehra is the veil of flowers, pearls or beads tied over the groom's turban so that it hangs across his face, put on at the sehra bandi before he leaves for the wedding.
- Baraat
The baraat is the groom's wedding procession from his place to the wedding venue, with family and friends dancing to a band or dhol ahead of him.
- Ghudchadi
Ghudchadi is the ritual where the groom mounts a decorated mare (ghodi) before the baraat, with his sisters and sisters-in-law performing small customs around him.
- Toran
A toran is the decorated hanging over the door of the wedding home or venue, and in many Rajasthani families the groom ceremonially touches it before he enters.
- Milni
Milni is the Punjabi welcome where relatives with the same relation on both sides, such as the two fathers and the two maternal uncles, meet, embrace and exchange garlands and gifts when the baraat arrives.
Questions
Safa, answered
What is Safa?
A safa is the tied turban worn by the groom and often by the men of both families at a wedding, especially in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Punjab.
Which families celebrate Safa?
Rajasthani, Gujarati, Marathi and Punjabi families, and many others at North Indian weddings.
When does Safa happen in the order of wedding functions?
Tied on the wedding day before the baraat.
What do families write on the invitation for Safa?
Baraat at 6 pm. Safas will be tied from 5 pm at the hotel lobby.
Put Safa on your invitation with its date, time and venue, and send it on WhatsApp. Two invitation designs are free forever.
Make your invitation