Gauna is a northern Indian hindu custom and the ceremony associated with the consummation of marriage prevalent in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It is associated with the custom of child marriage. The ceremony takes place several years after marriage. Before the ceremony, the bride stays at her natal home. 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.