Mehndi
The Mehndi ceremony in a Punjabi wedding is a festive pre-wedding event where intricate henna designs are applied to the couple and their guests, symbolizing good luck and a strong marital bond. Filled with music, dancing, and singing, it's a joyous occasion for female relatives and friends to celebrate with the bride, typically occurring a day or two before the wedding. Wear your brightest, loudest colors and you'll fit right in.
Haldi and Vatna
The Vatna and Haldi ceremony in a Punjabi wedding involves applying a turmeric paste (haldi) and a flour-based paste (vatna) to the bride and groom's skin. This ritual is believed to purify and beautify them before the wedding. Family and friends participate in the application, accompanied by traditional songs and playful teasing, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere. The yellow hue of the haldi symbolizes prosperity and blessings, while the vatna is meant to give the bride and groom a special glow for their big day. Come prepared to help paint the couple yellow!
Sangeet and Jaggo
Jaggo Night, a vibrant pre-wedding celebration in Punjabi weddings, is characterized by lively singing, dancing, and the carrying of decorated, lit vessels (jaggo) throughout the village or neighborhood. Family and friends stay awake all night, visiting relatives' homes to share sweets and sing traditional folk songs, expressing joy and excitement for the upcoming nuptials. It's a boisterous, energetic event symbolizing the awakening of the village to the wedding festivities. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes.
Baarat
The Baraat ceremony in a Punjabi wedding is a lively and grand procession where the groom, adorned in traditional attire, makes his way to the wedding venue. Typically, he arrives on a decorated horse or car, accompanied by his family and friends who dance to the beat of dhol drums and traditional music. This joyous procession is a vibrant display of celebration, marking the groom's entrance and the beginning of the wedding rituals, filled with enthusiastic dancing and festive cheer.
​The Anand Karaj, the Sikh wedding ceremony, is a sacred and serene ritual performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. The couple circles the holy book four times, known as "laavaan," while hymns are sung, symbolizing their commitment to each other and to God. This ceremony emphasizes spiritual union and equality, focusing on the couple's spiritual journey together rather than elaborate rituals. It's a deeply meaningful and solemn occasion, signifying the beginning of their married life under divine blessings