Delve into the magical world of beautiful traditions of Punjabi weddings!
From lively pre-wedding celebrations like Mehendi and Sangeet to vibrant post-wedding rituals, Punjabi weddings celebrate the perfect blend of rich heritage and love. Brides traditionally shine in red or maroon lehenga cholis with gold jewellery, while grooms wear sherwanis and turbans. With delicious fusion of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine like chole bhature and butter chicken and Bhangra dances with energetic dhol drums, Punjabi weddings offer a lively atmosphere.
In this blog created by our team at Wedding Affair, we will dive deep into the enchanting world of meaningful traditions in Punjabi weddings.
Roka & Chunni
Roka, derived from the Hindi word ‘rokna’ implies that both families can now stop searching for a suitable partner as it signifies the decision to consolidate the relationship of the future groom and bride. The Chunni ceremony in Punjabi weddings is a symbolic gesture made by the groom’s mother and other female relatives from his side to welcome the bride into the family by offering sweets, gifts, jewellery, engagement attire and more.
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Sagai (Engagement)
Typically occurring on the same day as the Chunni ceremony, the Sagai or engagement ceremony involves the couple exchanging rings. Following this, family members bless the couple for a happy marital life ahead.
Sangeet & Mehendi
The Sangeet is the most eagerly anticipated and vibrant pre-wedding event as it is filled with music, dance, and endless celebration! Traditionally organised by the bride’s family, it serves as the Indian version of a hen party, bringing the women together to sing folk songs, dance, and tease the bride.
Another important pre-wedding festivity of Punjabi weddings is Mehendi, usually celebrated on the same day as Sangeet. In this, the bride’s hands, arms, and feet are adorned with henna and the bride’s friends and relatives add charm to it by singing and dancing on folk songs.
Kangna Bandhana & Kaleerein
Kangna Bandhana is the first ceremony of the wedding day, marked by a pooja followed by a priest tying a sacred thread, known as ‘mouli,’ along with a betel nut and a shell around the couple’s right wrist. This symbolises good luck and should not be removed, as it will unravel on its own over time.
The chura, a set of red and ivory bangles, symbolises a newly married woman and must be worn by the bride for 40-45 days post-marriage. During the ceremony, her maternal uncle conducts a havan, purifying the chura in milk and rose petals before placing it on the bride’s wrists, after which she receives her wedding attire.
After the ceremony, the bride’s sisters and friends tie kaleerein to her wrists. Similar to the bouquet toss in Western weddings, the bride shakes her kaleerein above the heads of single women at the event, and whoever it lands on is believed to be next in line for marriage.
Haldi
Another integral part of Punjabi weddings is the joyful occasion of Haldi where the bride and groom are smeared with a paste made of turmeric, sandalwood, and rose water, giving them a radiant glow for their special day!
Varmala & Wedding
The Varmala is a delightful ceremony enjoyed by everyone present which involves the couple exchanging garlands. Following the Varmala, the couple moves to the mandap, where the groom participates in a special drink ritual consisting of curd, honey, milk, ghee, and other sacred elements, known as madhuperk. After that, the ritual of Kanyadaan is performed in which the father gives away his daughter’s hand in marriage and the groom promises to cherish and protect her forever.
The couple then stands for the phere after tying their drapes together. Then, they circle the sacred fire seven times as prayers are uttered, representing their vows. This signifies their marriage in the presence of the fire goddess. The ceremony is then concluded with the groom placing sindoor (vermilion) in the bride’s hair parting and tying the mangalsutra around her neck.
Vidaai & Doli
The Vidaai marks the heartfelt farewell of the bride. Amidst the emotional farewell, she throws a handful of rice over her shoulder towards her home as a gesture of gratitude for her upbringing. Subsequently, she climbs into a decorated car with her husband, embarking on the new journey of her life known as Doli.
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Punjabi weddings are a beautiful tapestry of rich heritage, culture, and love!
