Joota Chupai

The ultimate goal of this tradition is to steal the Groom’s shoes once he takes them off as part of South Asian custom, as he makes his way to the Mandap. The sisters, cousins, and other female relatives of the Bride, then loot the shoes and find a discrete hiding place for them. The Groom’s side of the family attempts to thwart the females from taking the joota by poking fun and searching for the shoes as the ceremony proceeds. Their objective is to achieve monetary gain following the marriage ceremony when the Groom needs his shoes to leave the venue.

The game of the Joota Chupai is meant to show the acceptance and open hearts of both sides of the family and how willing and ready they are to share a lifetime of laughter and fun together.