Svayamvara (Sanskrit: स्वयंवर, ISO: svayaṁvara), in ancient India, was a practice in which a girl of marriageable age chose a husband from a group of suitors. In this context, svayaṁ in Sanskrit means 'self' and vara means 'groom'. A girl wishing to marry would select an auspicious time and venue and then broadcast her intentions. Kings typically sent messengers to outside lands, while commoners simply spread the news within the local community. On the appointed day, the girl garlanded the man of her choice and a marriage ceremony was held immediately.