This is the ritual where the families of the boy and girl meet together to select the muhurtam, the auspicious date and time for the marriage based on the Nakshatra and horoscope of the boy and the girl. This event is considered as the start of the wedding preparation. This day marks the formal announcement of the marriage to all the friends and relatives and start of the planning for the big event.

In South India, Engagement is avoided in during the months of Aashaadham, Bhadrapadam and Shunya Maasam as these months are considered as inauspicious according to the Hindu Calendar.