by Barbara Anderson If you are lost in a large number of Punjabi wedding ceremonies and are tired of asking others what is happening right now, our post is for you!
Punjabi marriage is a festival of bright colors, delicious dishes, songs, dances, and love. Let’s dive into these interesting traditions and consider them in detail! To your better understanding, we shared these ceremonies in three groups, pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding.
Punjabi Pre-Wedding Ceremonies
#1. Roka/Thaka
This ceremony starts our list and marks the beginning of preparations for the wedding. The bride’s family take a visit to the groom’s family and bless him with some relevant gifts such as sweets and fruits, it names Roka. After this visit, the groom’s family makes a return visit and blesses the bride. They give her wedding jewelry, clothes and sweets. Their visit calls Thaka.
#2. Chunni ceremony
Before the engagement, the bride gets from the groom’s family the traditional wedding outfit, red or pink Chunni. It symbolizes that the groom’s mother takes the bride as her future daughter-in-law.
#3. Sagai
This is a ceremony of engagement when the groom and the bride exchange rings. Their families give each other sweets, fruits, and traditional gifts. As a rule, the Sagai ceremony takes place on the same day as the Chunni ceremony one by one.
#4. Sangeet
Ladies Sangeet is a ceremony when both families get together and the bride with her family, cousins, and friends invite the men’s part of both families. It is a cheerful celebration with threats, dancing, and Punjabi wedding songs.
#5. Mehndi
Mehndi is a ladies ceremony but in some families grooms also do it. According to this tradition, the bride’s hands and feet are covered with henna design. After the pattern has dried, it is customary to look at its color: if it is dark, it is a sign that the groom deeply loves the bride.
#6. Chura and Kalire Ceremony
These ceremonies take place in the bride’s family and they are full of emotions. The bride’s maternal uncle presents her a set with 21 or 51 red and white bangles. Such jewelry is named wedding Chura and it is a symbol of the bride. After the bride wears these bangles on both arms, her sisters and friends tie to them another jewelry, Kalire, that completes her outfit. It is a gold or silver ornament in the form of an open umbrella.
#7. Haldi
It is a ceremony both for the bride and the groom, and take place in both families. A special paste from Haldi and Bethan is applied to their face and body. It is also a symbol, they should “glow” at their wedding.
#8. Gadoli
It is a name of ritual when after the Haldi sisters-in-law (Bhabhi) of the bride and the groom go the temple and bring out a pitcher of water. This water is needed for their last bath before the wedding.
#9. Sehra Bandi
This ritual goes when the groom is completely dressed and had a little Puja (pray) with a priest. His maternal uncle ties to the groom’s turban special jewelry called Sehra. It is several pearl strings, held together.
#10. Ghodi Chadna
It is the ceremony when the groom riding a female horse to the bride’s house. His family is dancing near the horse and goes with him. Such a dancing and singing procession named as Barat.
#11. Milni
It is the name of the ceremony when the bride’s family invites at the gate or meeting place Barat. Both families greet each other, show their joy and love.
Punjabi Wedding Ceremonies
#1. Varmala
Varmala starts wedding ceremonies, it is a ritual when the bride and groom exchange wedding garlands called Varmala or Jarmala. As a rule, it goes cheerfully and funny: the groom’s friends raise him high so that it is difficult for the bride to put a garland on him.
#2. Kanyadaan
The most important and heartwarming moment at the wedding. The bride’s father gives the bride to the groom. As Veda says, Kanyadaan is the biggest daan that father can do, his greatest achievement.
#3. Pheras
It is the name of the ceremony when the couple should go around the sacred fire seven times. After that, the bride ties the bride Mangalsutra (wedding jewelry, a symbol of marriage) and put Sindoor powder on her head.
Punjabi Post-Wedding Ceremonies
#1. Joota Chupai
The funny wedding tradition: when the bride and groom are too busy performing sacred ceremonies, the bride’s squad steals the groom’s shoes. The groom should buy them back with the help of money, gifts or sweets.
#2. Vidaai and Doli
When all ceremonies are done, the bride says goodbye to her family and house. She throws a handful of puffed rice into the sacred fire and prays for the health and wealth of her parents. It is also a very emotional moment for all families.
So, now you are ready for the great Punjabi marriage and can fully enjoy these beautiful ceremonies.
