Nishekam

Nishekam is the ritual associated with first sexual intercourse among Hindus. First intercourse is allowed only in the night of 4th day after Vivaham (marriage).

Rituals

The veracity of this ritual is yet to be determined. In popular practice, the bride and the groom have a special arrangement where they engage in sexual activity on the very first night at a pre-determined auspicious time. It depends upon which Grhya Sutras the locality and family follows. Majority of the North Indians follow Shukla Yajurveda, so they do it on 4th day after Vivaham (marriage). Whereas other kalpasutras mention it just after Griha Pravesham, which occurs next day of marriage in many areas. After Griha Pravesha and before Nishekam the couple are not allowed to talk or see each other. The bride is kept in a company of ladies up to Nisheka.

Garbhadhana

It is similar to preparatory ritual for Garbhadhana ceremony in many aspects as it allows the couple to prepare for begating a child.