Couples perform 'Venee Daan' ritual at Maha Kumbh 2025: Women donate braids, renew marital vows at Sangam Ghat

Couples perform the traditional "venee daan" ritual at Prayagraj's Sangam Ghat.(Image Credit: ANI)

As preparations for the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 draw to a close, one of the most intriguing rituals taking place at the Sangam Ghat is the 'Venee Daan.' This sacred tradition, deeply rooted in ancient Indian customs, is drawing couples, particularly from Maharashtra and South India, to participate in an act of spiritual renewal. The Sangam, a confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, provides the perfect setting for this divine ceremony.

In the Venee Daan ritual, women donate their braids as an offering to the sacred rivers. This symbolic act is more than a simple tradition; it represents devotion, surrender, and the willingness to start afresh in their marital journey. Following the offering, couples participate in a traditional remarriage ceremony where they renew their marital vows, this time in the presence of God. The entire ritual is a powerful expression of faith and a testament to the strength of their spiritual and emotional bond.

What is 'Venee Daan'?

'Venee Daan' translates to the offering of braids. It is a rare and unique ritual, observed exclusively in Prayagraj, primarily during the Maha Kumbh Mela. The act involves women cutting their braids, considered a sacred part of their being, and offering them to the holy rivers. The term "Venee" signifies a woman's hair, which in many Indian traditions symbolizes her dignity and strength, while "Daan" means a selfless act of giving.

This ritual is not merely about the physical offering of braids; it is deeply symbolic. It represents the shedding of past burdens, mistakes, and negative energies in a marital relationship. The Venee Daan ritual serves as a spiritual cleansing process, enabling couples to reconnect with each other and their faith on a profound level.

The Traditional Remarriage Ceremony

The remarriage ceremony that accompanies Venee Daan is equally significant. For many couples, this is more than a renewal of vows; it is a chance to honor their relationship in a sacred, spiritual context. Unlike their first marriage, which is often a social event witnessed by family and society, this ceremony is conducted solely before the divine presence of God.

The couples dress in traditional attire for this occasion, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and joy. The ceremony involves traditional rituals and prayers, which emphasize the sacredness of marriage and the importance of unity and love. By participating in this ritual, couples pledge to strengthen their bond and support each other in their journey through life and beyond.

Spiritual Significance of 'Venee Daan'

The Venee Daan ritual is not just a cultural tradition but a deeply spiritual act. For women, donating their braids signifies humility and surrender, as hair is often associated with beauty, pride, and strength. By offering it to the rivers, they let go of ego and attachments, dedicating themselves to a life of purity and devotion.

For the couples, this ritual represents the cleansing of past mistakes and the rekindling of love and understanding in their relationship. The vow to remain united for seven lifetimes, a common belief in Hindu marriages, takes on a renewed meaning during this ceremony. The ritual strengthens their connection, not only with each other but also with the divine.

The Maha Kumbh Mela, celebrated once every 12 years, amplifies the spiritual energy of the Sangam. Millions of devotees gather here, making it a powerful venue for rituals like Venee Daan that seek divine grace and spiritual rejuvenation.