Sakharpuda Cone: What It Is, How It’s Used and How to Choose One
In a Marathi engagement, one thing everyone looks for in the photos is the sakharpuda cone. The groom’s mother places it in the bride’s hands, and with it the families say, “From today, she is one of us.”
The ceremony is even named after it. Sakhar means sugar and puda means a packet. Long before rings were exchanged, a Maharashtrian engagement was sealed by the groom’s side giving the bride sugar. It was a simple wish that her new life would be sweet.
Today that sugar usually comes as a cone, wrapped in a decorated cover that matches the saree and the stage. If you are planning a sakharpuda in the next few weeks, this guide covers what the cone means, where it fits in the ceremony, what else you need on the day, and how to pick a cone that looks right in photos.
Where the cone fits in the sakharpuda ceremony
Every family does it a little differently, and your guruji or elders will guide the order. A typical sakharpuda runs like this:
- Ganpati pooja. The day starts with a short pooja so the ceremony goes smoothly.
- The groom’s family arrives. They come with the gifts for the bride: the saree, jewellery, the cone, and the items for her oti.
- The bride’s oti is filled. The groom’s mother applies haldi-kunku and fills the bride’s pallu with a coconut, rice, a blouse piece and a gajra. This is her welcome into the family.
- The sakharpuda cone is given. The groom’s mother hands the bride the decorated sugar cone along with the saree. Everyone wants a photo of this moment.
- Rings are exchanged. Most families now add a ring ceremony, with the rings presented on a decorated platter.
- The groom is honoured. The bride’s family often gifts the groom clothes and a topi or pheta.
- Blessings and sweets. Elders bless the couple, pedhe are shared, and the wedding date is often announced.
Afterwards, most families share the sugar out among relatives, so everyone gets a taste of the occasion.
Sakharpuda checklist: what to keep ready
It’s easy to remember the saree and forget the small things until the morning of the ceremony. Tick these off a few days before:
From the groom’s side, for the bride
- Sugar cone in a decorated cover or gift box (sakharpuda cones)
- Saree, plus jewellery as your family decides
- Oti items: coconut, rice, a blouse piece, haldi-kunku, a gajra (ready oti sets)
- Ring on a decorated ring platter (ring platters)
From the bride’s side, for the groom
- Clothes for the groom, and a topi or pheta
- A decorated coconut (shriphal) for shagun
For the ceremony itself
- Pooja thali with haldi-kunku, akshata and a diya
- Tilak stick for applying tilak to guests
- Pedhe or sweets to share
- Shagun envelopes for elders’ blessings
Short on time? A sakharpuda combo puts the cone together with a ring platter, mundavalya or a pheta in one order.
How to choose a sakharpuda cone
Most families buy the sugar cone itself from a local sweet shop or kirana store. What makes it look special is the decorated packing around it. Four things to decide:
1. Cover or gift box?
- A decorated cone cover wraps the cone so its shape shows. It looks best in the hand-over photo.
- A cone gift box holds the cone inside. It protects it while travelling to the venue, and the bride can keep the box afterwards.
2. Size. Check the cover’s height against the cone you are buying. Our 35 cm cone cover suits a tall, traditional cone. If your cone is smaller, a cover that’s too big will look loose.
3. Colour. Red and maroon are the traditional choices and go with almost any engagement saree. If the saree is a different colour, pick a cover that matches its border.
4. Order early. Delivery takes 3–7 days after dispatch. Order about 10 days before the ceremony, so you have time to look at it and pair it with the saree.
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| The classic look in photos | A decorated cone cover |
| Something the bride keeps afterwards | A cone gift box (Floral Red, Saubhagya Red or Cone Red) |
| Fewer orders to manage | A combo: cone + ring platter, cone + 2 mundavalya, or cone + pheta topi |
Sakharpuda cone: common questions
What does sakharpuda mean? Sakhar means sugar and puda means packet. The groom’s side gives the bride sugar to wish her a sweet new life, and the ceremony took its name from that.
Who gives the sakharpuda cone? Usually the groom’s mother gives it to the bride, along with the saree, during the ceremony.
Is the sugar included with your cone? No. Our sakharpuda cones are decorated covers and gift boxes. Buy the sugar cone locally and place it inside, which also means it reaches you fresh.
Is sakharpuda the same as roka or an engagement? It’s the Maharashtrian form of the engagement. Roka and sagai are the North Indian names for a similar promise between the two families.
What is done with the sugar afterwards? Most families share it out among relatives after the ceremony.
Get your sakharpuda ready
The cone is in your hands for only a few seconds, but you’ll look at that photo for years. Browse our sakharpuda cones and gift boxes, or save time with a sakharpuda combo. Delivery is free across India.
Planning the wedding too? See our Haldi ceremony checklist.
