What it means
When the groom removes his shoes to enter the mandap, the bride's sisters and cousins (saaliyan) hide them. After the rites they negotiate a playful ransom (neg) to return them — a light-hearted contest that bonds the two families and is one of the most-loved moments of a North Indian wedding.
What happens
- 1The groom takes off his shoes for the mandap; the bride's side hides them.
- 2After the ceremony, the sisters bargain a cash ransom to return the shoes.
Applies to: North Indian Hindu, Punjabi Hindu
This explanation is under review by a religious authority — a companion to, not a replacement for, your pandit.