In Sanskrit, Kayastha means "Scribe" which reflects the traditional role of the caste as administrators and record keepers. In early times, the community was founded occupied serving ministers, advisors, and high government office.
The Kayastha marriage starts with Shri Satya Narayan Katha to get blessings from Lord Vishnu for successful completion of the ceremony. The pre wedding ceremony begins with Bhaat Niyuatena (inviting family and relatives to attend marriage) and mehndi. The wedding rituals include Jaimala, Joota Choopai, Kanyadaan and Phera followed by a post wedding ceremony like Tani Khulai (opening the sacred cloth tied at the time of phera), Vidai, Roohuumai (seeking blessings of elder family members). Kayashta practices family exogamy and caste endogamy preferring to marry only within their sub-castes. The individuals of same clan cannot intermarry, while those of the same caste and different clans can marry.
