What is rukhsati?

Rukhsati is a traditional Muslim wedding custom when the bride's family officially sends her off to her husband's home. It is a marriage ceremony where the bride is given permission to leave the house of her father and join her husband in his residence. The ceremony is known as Rukhsati, which literally means "sending off" in Urdu.

In this ceremony, the bride's family bids her farewell, and the groom's family welcomes her into their home. It is an emotional moment for both families as they realize that the bride is leaving her home permanently and starting her new life as a wife.

Rukhsati can take place immediately after the main wedding ceremony or on a separate day. The bride usually wears a traditional bridal outfit and is accompanied by her family members to her husband's home. The groom’s family welcomes her with warmth and offers her gifts as a sign of their love and respect.

Rukhsati has some cultural variations in different parts of the Muslim world, but it is considered an essential part of a traditional Muslim wedding.