6:00 pm
The wedding week often begins with the Maiyan ceremony, a cleansing and beautification ritual. Held at the bride's and groom's respective homes, friends and family gather to apply a turmeric-based paste (also known as Haldi) to the bride or groom. This is believed to purify the body and bless the couple with glowing skin and good fortune. The Jaggo is a lively, high-energy celebration held at night before the wedding. The night traditionally involves singing, dancing, and parading around the neighborhood. It's a way to “wake up the neighborhood” and announce the upcoming wedding with joy and noise.
12:15 pm
The Churra (or Choora) ceremony is a deeply emotional and symbolic moment for the bride. Held typically a day before the wedding, with close family present, maternal uncles present the bride with a set of red and white bangles, which she wears as a symbol of her newly married status. The bangles are blessed by elders and often accompanied by other traditional ornaments like kalirey—dangling accessories tied to the bangles that symbolize prosperity and happiness.
9:30 am
The heart of a Sikh wedding is the Anand Karaj, which translates to “Blissful Union.” Held in a Gurdwara, the ceremony is spiritual and solemn. The couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture) four times while hymns, known as Laavaan, are sung. Each round signifies a deeper bond in the marital relationship. The ceremony emphasizes equality, love, and mutual respect, and is usually followed by a simple blessing and Ardaas (prayer).