Things to know about Punjabi wedding in 2022

Many times, it happens that people are invited to a wedding where they don't know their culture. In such a case, they start asking one another what's going on in the ceremonies. If you are invited to a Punjabi wedding and don’t know about their culture and tradition, then this post is for you. In a simple sentence, the Sikh wedding ceremony is a complete festival of delicious dishes, bright colours, dances, songs, and love.

This post has covered some of the details that are involved in the Punjabi marriage. It has divided these ceremonies into three parts such as pre-wedding, post-wedding and wedding. So, let's know some of the interesting facts about the Punjabi wedding traditions.

Pre-wedding ceremonies in Punjabi culture

• The ceremony of Chunni

According to the Punjabi wedding traditions, the groom's family gives the traditional wedding outfit of pink or red Chunni to the bride before the engagement. This ceremony symbolizes that the bride has been accepted as the future daughter-in-law by the groom's mother.

·      Roka/Thaka

The beginning preparation of the wedding is known as the roka or that. During this ceremony, the family of the bride goes to the groom’s place with some relevant gifts like fruits and sweets to give him blessings, which is called a roka. After this, the groom's family visits the bride's family with some cloth, wedding jewellery and sweets to bless the bride, which is called thaka.

·      Mehndi

In a Punjabi wedding, one of the special parts of the bride's family is mehndi. It is basically a ladies' ceremony, but it depends on the family whether both families want to conduct the ceremony. In this ceremony, the henna designs are kept on the feet and hands of the bride. When the mehndi pattern has dried out, all the people check out the colours on the bride's hand. If the colour is dark, then it symbolizes the love of the groom towards the bride.

·      Sagai

Sagai is known as the engagement ceremony where the bride and groom exchange rings to show their commitment to each other. During this, the families of both sides also exchange some fruits, sweets, and traditional gifts to each other. As per the Punjabi wedding traditions, the sagai ceremony and Chunni ceremony take place on the same day one by one.

·      Haldi

Haldi in Sikh wedding ceremony is usually taking place on both sides. A special paste of Bethan and Haldi is applied to both the bride and groom on their body and face. It indicates that the couple should glow at their wedding.

·      Sangeet

The ladies' sangeet is one of the best parts of the Sikh wedding ceremony, where both families get together with cousins, friends and other family members. At this function, all people come together and celebrate the togetherness of the couple by playing Punjabi wedding songs and dancing.

·      Gadoli

Gadoli is a ritual where sisters-in-law of groom and bride visit the temple to take a pitcher of water. Usually, this ceremony takes place after haldi. This water is required to take the last bath before the Punjabi wedding.

·      Chura and Kalire Ceremony

In a Punjabi wedding, the chura and kalire ceremony takes place at the bride’s place. Here, the maternal uncle plays an important role as he has to present a set of 21 or 51 white and red bangles to the bride. This bangle is known as the wedding chura that must be in the hand of a bride. After this, the bride's friend and sisters tie another piece of jewellery that is called Kalire. The Kalire is basically a silver or gold ornament that comes in the form of an open umbrella.

·      Sehra Bandi

When the groom is ready with the proper dress, this ritual is conducted in a Punjabi wedding. Here, the family priest does a little puja or pray. After that, the maternal uncle of the groom ties special jewellery on the turban, i.e., sehra.

·      Ghodi Chadna

In a Sikh wedding ceremony, the groom rides a female horse to visit the house of the bride, which is known as the ghodi chadna. In this ceremony, all the family members and relatives dance around the horse.

• Milni

As per the Punjabi wedding traditions, when the Barat reaches the gate of the marriage place, the bride's family greet each other by showing their love and joy.

Punjabi wedding ceremonies in Punjabi culture

·      Varmala

Varmala is the beginning of the Punjabi wedding ceremonies. On this occasion, the groom and bride exchange the special garland that is known as Jarmala or Varmala. It is considered fun and cheerful as the groom's friends set up a difficulty level for the bride to put varmala on him.

·      Laavaan

Laavaan phere is one of the important parts of the Sikh marriage. Usually, laavaan is known as the four hymns of the Anand Karaja from the Sikh Holy Scripture. Here laava indicates the fusion soul of bride and groom into one conscious being.

·      Kanyadaan

Kanyadaan is one of the heartwarming moments where the bride's father gives the hand of the bride to the groom.

Post-wedding ceremonies in Punjabi culture

·      Joota Chupai

Joota chupai is known as the funny wedding tradition where the bride's sister steals the shoes of the groom. Here, the groom has to give gifts, money or sweets to them to buy his shoes back.

·      Doli and Vidaai

After the completion of all wedding ceremonies, vidaai takes place where the bride says goodbye to her house and family members. At this time, the bride has to throw a handful of puffed rice for the better wealth and health of her parents and family members.

FAQ

1.    Can a non-Sikh get married in a gurdwara?

As per the Punjabi wedding traditions, a Sikh cannot marry a non-Sikh on the premises of a gurdwara.

2.    What happens at a Sikh wedding ceremony?

Basically, a Sikh wedding ceremony is a combination of joy and love together. The Punjabi marriage starts with the Kurmai or engagement ceremony and ends with the doli or vidai of the bride.

Conclusion

Overall, the Punjabi wedding is a combination of love and joy where you can enjoy their special rituals in a fun and cheerful way. And enjoy their traditional foods and culture together. After knowing all the important things, you can enjoy the Punjabi wedding in a great way.