Engagements, weddings, and marriages are highlights of life in the ralli region. From the moment a child is born, parents begin considering possible marriage partners and family alliances. Traditionally, both Muslims and Hindus in this area expect dowries from the bride, and preparations begin in childhood, intensifying as a girl reaches her early teens. Marriage choices are also set by tradition: Muslims often marry first cousins, while Hindus marry within the same caste—hereditary social class—but not within the same village. Although assembling a dowry can be a financial burden for poorer families, it may include clothing, quilts, cookware, silver and gold jewelry, livestock, and decorations for the home and animals. All of these goods will go with the woman to the household she will share with her husband.

Women frequently sing wedding songs as they make rallis for a wedding. One song for the groom includes: “Come leisurely with graceful pace, Let my heart’s bud open, Your bed is set with the best rallis.” Another proclaims: “Four flowers in fine design adorn the bedsheet (ralli) as the bridegroom comes for the beautiful bride.”

Wedding rallis may be highly embellished quilts used during the ceremony or displayed as decoration. Families also hope to include 15 to 20 rallis in a bride's dowry to be used by the couple and their future children. For generations, the number of rallis a household owns has been a measure of wealth in rural villages. The minimum is usually two per person for everyday sleeping. Extra rallis may be lent to visiting guests, while wealthy families may own hundreds.