In those days in Sindh there was no custom of the prospective boys and girls in matrimony, to see and then approve each other. Mostly, the engagements were done in the childhood and more often than not the girl were married before they reached 11-12 years of age. But till they matured physically they used to sleep with their mothers-in-law. The small boys and girls who were engaged or married used to tease each other. The childbrides along with her other girl friends would say , "Chhokriyun Mein Chhokro, Gudian-Jo Noukaro; Raat Bhareendo Paani, Subah Kando Salaam.". The boys used to retort,"Chari Chhokri Cham Ji , Khaaye Khatta Beir, Uth Jaidee Ojhree, Gaabe Jaeda Peir." In short the child-brides were looked after by the in-laws like their own daughters, so that they could get acclimatized to the new family atmosphere. Mostly there used to be special women who did the work of matchmaking, or else the marriages were arranged within the family-friends circle. However, more weightage was given to the factors like caste, creed and the qualities of the girl and boys. Not much importance was given to beauty. The match-making ladies charged 11 rupees from the bride-groom's mother and only 5 rupees from the bride's mother. towards 1930s, these rates were increased to Rs 25 and 11 respectively. Boys and girls who were engaged or married, used to visit each other's in-laws quite frequently in order to mix-up with their relatives. The sons-in-law were given all type of importance, and even given one rupee as 'Laag-u' , but they were not shown the face of the wife to-be. Ofcourse, some boys used special tricks to see the face of their wives-to-be, but that too from far off. This created lot of yearning for each other in the hearts of the couples-to-be.

Family Brahmins used to play important role in olden days to bring the parents of prospective brides and bride-grooms together by matching their horoscopes, family background, status and requirements. Normally the approvals took place in Gurdwaras, temples or at Mukhi's 'Otaaq'. The Brahmin used to announce the tie of two families by narrating the surnames, Nukhs, town of village, ancestors, and the father and mother's names. 'Prasad' (Kanah), Misri,Coconut, Sweets in a piece of cloth or towel were presented to Ghot-etaas (groom's parents) by Kunwar-etaas(Bride's parents). This ceremony was known as Kachi Misri.

A few days later, after detailed consultations and enquiries on both the sides, relatives and dignitaries of society used to celebrate the engagement or 'Pacci Misri' to make the commitment with announcement in public. 'Pacci Misri' consisted of Cash, Sweets, Misri,Coconut, Fruit, Dry Fruit, Laags (Dress for every near relative). The quantum depended on the parties' status in the society. Today the Engagement Ceremony is performed on a lavish scale. It has become the exhibition of richness and is celebrated in 5 Star hotels; diamond rings are exchanged with pomp and fan fare, and baskets of coconut,fruits,sweets, dryfruits, jelly, syrups and by way of cash and gifts, gold ornaments, dollars, watches, sarees, scent, perfumes are given to all parents & relatives of the would be groom. To add more luster to it some people arrange Ghazal & Sangeet Parties with sumptuous Cocktails & Dinners, and spectacular decorations.

                                              ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY MATERIAL