Gauna is a northern Indian custom and the ceremony associated with the consummation of marriage. It is associated with the custom of child marriage[1] The ceremony takes place several years after marriage.[2][3] Before the ceremony the bride stays at her natal home.[4] Marriage is considered only as a ritual union and conjugal life begins only after gauna; that is marriage is consummated only after the gauna ceremony.[5]
A 1950 Hindi movie carried the title Gauna; it was directed by Aamian Chakaravarty, produced by Jagat Pictures, and its music directed by Husanlal Bhagtram.[6] The plot of the Hindi television serials Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo and Balika Vadhu (TV Series) mention the practice.[7][8]