Punjabi TraditionsPunjabi Traditions
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SangeetSangeet
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The Sangeet is one of the most festive events in an Indian wedding. Traditionally, it is a celebration held before the wedding where the couple's families and friends come together for an evening of music, dancing, food, and performances by family members, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the couple. The Sangeet is a chance to bring all of our favorite people together for one big party the night before the wedding day!
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BARAATBARAAT
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The Baraat is a lively procession where Ganeev makes his way into the wedding day surrounded by family and friends. There is music and dancing that everyone will participate in! This will take place in front of the Hilton hotel on Saturday morning
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MILNIMILNI
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Following the Baraat is the Milni, a formal and celebratory meeting of the two families. The word Milni means meeting/coming together. The bride’s and groom’s families meet one another, exchange greetings, traditionally exchange garlands or other gifts, and formally welcome one another into each other's lives officially. You’ll see members of both families come forward one by one for the Milni while everyone else cheers them on.
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ANAND KARAJANAND KARAJ
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Anand Karaj: The Sikh wedding ceremony meaning “blissful union". The ceremony is centered around the couple’s commitment to building a life together, in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy scripture). The ceremony takes place inside the Gurdwara (Sikh location of worship) and includes several Sikh traditions below. Ardaas: This is a powerful, solemn, congregational Sikh prayer giving thanks to God and asking for guidance and blessings as the couple starts a new life together. Hukamnama: A passage from the Guru Granth Sahib that is read during the ceremony. It is a spiritual guidance as the couple begins the next chapter. Palla Ceremony: A cloth is attached to the groom is placed into the bride’s hands. The couple holds the Palla as they walk together around the Guru Granth Sahib. It represents their connection and commitment to walking through life together. The Four Laavaan: Four hymns that represent the stages of a couple’s spiritual and marital journey. After each Laav, the couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahib together. 1st Laav (Beginning the Journey): an emphasis on living a life guided by faith and righteousness. 2nd Laav (Growing in Love): represents the deepening of the couple’s relationship though love, devotion, and connection to one another and God. 3rd Laav (Deepening Commitment): reflects the idea that marriage is an ongoing commitment to grow together. 4th Laav (Union and Joy): a culmination of the journey where the couple are no longer walking alongside each other, but reach a union of deep spiritual connection, love, & joy. Anand Sahib & Closing: Anand Sahib is a hymn associated with joy and spiritual bliss, followed by additional prayers and the sharing of Kara Prashad, a sweet made with flour, sugar, and ghee. It is passed around to everyone who would like to partake as a symbol of blessing, joy, and equality.
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LANGARLANGAR
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Langar is the communal meal traditionally served at a Gurdwara. It is an important part of Sikh tradition and is open to everyone, regardless of religion, background, or social status. Langar will be served after the Anand Karaj. Everyone eats the same food, reinforcing the Sikh values of equality, humility, generosity, and community. Food is traditionally vegetarian so that everyone can participate, regardless of dietary or religious practices.