Punjabi wedding customs intricately weave together a vibrant tapestry of rituals, music, dance, and attire, resonating deeply with the essence of Punjab wedding culture. Commencing with the Roka ceremony and culminating in the Phera Dalna, each stage holds its significance, reflecting the community's rich traditions.
Pre Wedding Rituals
- Roka Ceremony:
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The Roka ceremony, derived from the word 'Rokna', symbolizes the coming together of the bride and groom's families and friends. It serves as a pivotal moment preceding the wedding, fostering unity and joy among all involved.
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- Kurmai (Engagement)
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Also known as the engagement ceremony, Kurmai seals the bond between the couple with the exchange of rings. The bride's father bestows blessings upon the groom by applying tikka on his forehead, signifying acceptance into the family. The exchange of engagement gifts and sweets further strengthens familial ties and marks the beginning of festivitie.
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- Chunni Ceremony:
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Groom's family presents the bride with jewelry, sweets, and a red chunni, signifying acceptance into the groom's family. The chunni, draped over the bride's head, marks the chunni chadana ceremony.
- Dholki/Sangeet:
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The pre-wedding celebrations are infused with the beats of Dholki and the melodies of Sangeet. Mehendi, symbolizing the bride's journey into a new phase of life, accompanies these joyous occasions. Sangeet nights resonate with music, dance, and laughter as families come together to celebrate the impending union. Dance the night away in style with our mesmerizing Lehenga for Sangeet.
- Mehendi
The Mehendi ceremony is a colorful affair where intricate designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet. As part of the tradition, a basket containing Bindi and bangles is passed around, allowing girls to select ornaments that complement their mehendi dress attire for the wedding.
- Kangana Bandhna Ceremony
A morning ritual on the wedding day involves tying sacred threads onto the hands of the bride and groom in their respective homes. This act, known as mouli or sacred thread tying, is believed to serve as a lucky charm, warding off evil. As the morning sun bathes the world in its golden glow, adorn yourself in lehenga choli is the beauty of tradition with our timeless ensembles.
- Chhodha Chadana
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During this ceremony, a havan is performed, with all family members participating. The bride's maternal uncle (mama) and his wife present her with a set of 21 bangles, predominantly red and ivory in color. Before being worn, the bangles undergo purification in milk and rose petals, after which the mama places them on the bride's wrists. However, they are immediately covered with a white cloth to prevent the bride from seeing them, as it is believed that doing so before the wedding could bring bad luck. Traditionally, the bride wears these bangles for a month following her wedding.
- Kalire Ceremony
Following the bangle ceremony, the kalire for bridal, which signify happiness and fertility. These gold-colored accessories not only enhance the bridal attire but also symbolize well-being, a blissful married life, and fertility. Typically adorned with betel nuts or dried fruits, the kalire ceremony hold a special tradition. The bride shakes them over the head of an unmarried girl she hopes will be the next to marry. If a fruit or betel nut falls on the girl's head, it is believed she will be the next bride.
- Haldi Ceremony
In haldi ceremony the application of turmeric paste on the bodies of the couple symbolizes purity and blessings for a prosperous marriage. This ritual may occur either the day before or on the morning of the wedding. Sometimes, it is conducted separately at the homes of the bride and groom, while other times it is combined. Women from the household apply a mixture of rosewater, turmeric, sandalwood, and mustard oil on visible parts of the couple's bodies. Modern haldi ceremonies are lively affairs filled with dancing and joyous celebrations with special haldi outfits!
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- Ghara Ghardoli
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"After the haldi ceremony, the bride, accompanied by her siblings , participates in a ritual at a nearby temple where holy water is poured over her, symbolizing a spiritual commencement to her new journey, as she seeks blessings from the divine ."
- Sehrabandi
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On the day of the wedding, before the wedding party departs from the groom’s home, the turban is tied around the groom’s head by his father. Groom's turban tying ceremony, symbolizing readiness and honor.
- Ghodi Sajana and Ghodi Chadhna
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Decorating the mare for the groom's arrival, accompanied by joyful dancing and rituals.
Impotant Rituals on wedding Day
- Agwaani
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Warm welcome of the groom's party by the bride's family, followed by familial introductions and exchanges.
- Milni
- Jaimala/Varmala
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Following Milni, the bride and groom stand at the center of a circle formed by their families. With great ceremony, they adorn each other with heavily adorned garlands of flowers, known as varmala or jaimala. This act signifies their acceptance of one another and their commitment to love and cherish each other for a lifetime. Amidst laughter and joyful banter, friends and relatives playfully tease the couple, adding to the jubilant atmosphere of the occasion.
- Madhuperk/Madhuperka
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A Vedic tradition where the groom performs rituals around fire and consumes sherbet for blessings.
- Kanyadaan and Phere
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Kanyadaan and Phere, deeply rooted in various cultures and religions worldwide, hold profound significance in the wedding ceremony. Kanyadaan, the ritual of giving away the bride, marks a poignant moment as the father entrusts his daughter's hand in marriage to the groom. Accompanied by Vedic chants, the father requests the groom to care for and protect his daughter, to which the groom solemnly pledges his devotion until eternity.
The subsequent saath phere ceremony sees the couple rising together, symbolizing their shared journey in marriage. Their garments are intricately tied together, signifying their inseparable bond. Encircling the sacred fire four times, they recite sacred vows, with the bride leading for three rounds and the groom for the final one. Circling the sacred fire seven times, exchanging vows, and sealing the marriage with blessings. As they complete the ritual, they are united in the eyes of the divine, marking the sacred union of their souls.
- Sindoor Daan
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Groom anoints the bride's forehead with sindoor, symbolizing their eternal bond.
- Joota chupai
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Joota chupai, or "hiding the shoes," adds a playful and mischievous touch to the wedding festivities. The sisters of the bride engage in a lively game of stealing the groom's shoes, prompting him to negotiate their return. In this light-hearted tradition, the sisters playfully demand Kalecharis, golden ornaments for the bride's sisters and silver for her cousins, in exchange for the safe return of the shoes. This jovial exchange fosters laughter and camaraderie among the families, adding to the joyous celebration of love and union.
- Vidaai
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"An emotional farewell marks the bride's departure from her parental home, signifying the beginning of a new journey, a poignant moment where she bids adieu to her family, expresses gratitude by tossing rice, and embarks on her new life with her groom."- Paani Bharna
Traditional ritual as the bride enters her new home, symbolizing blessings and prosperity.
- Mooh Dikhai Ki Rasm
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Unveiling the bride before family and friends, showering her with gifts and blessings.
- Reception Ceremony
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The groom's family hosts a lavish and extravagant reception ceremony in honor of the newlyweds, complete with sumptuous meals, dancing, and abundant opportunities for mingling and making merry.- Pag Phera