Sikh Wedding Guide

Question

Sangeet Night

Answer

This is an important event in Sikh and Punjabi culture. Punjabi folk songs are sung which is a method of storytelling that is passed down through generations. Weddings are celebrated by singing Punjabi folk songs and dancing with the new family

Question

Mehndi Night

Answer

An absolutely vital part to any Sikh wedding ceremony is the Mehendi ceremony. During this romantic and celebratory event, the bride sits down and gets intricate Henna paste designs painted onto her hands, arms, feet, and shins. The whole time she is surrounded by her female friends and family who celebrate her soon-to-be union through song, dance, and a night of fun festivities. It is a Punjabi belief that the darker the henna prints are upon a bride’s skin, the more love she will receive from her in-laws.

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Jago

Answer

Literally translating to ‘Wake up’, Jago is a tradition where the relatives of the bride and groom would go around the village dancing and singing with decorated pots with diyas on them. This was a way to invite all the villagers to the wedding in older times. The entire purpose of the Jago is to make noise and party, therefore, not only are pots carried on the heads but long bamboo sticks are decorated and banged on the floor and chaj (bamboo tray) is hit on until it breaks.

Question

Maiya

Answer

The Cleansing Ceremony. This Ceremony Can Take Place On Any Of The Five Days Leading Up To The Wedding. Both The Bride And Groom Have Oil Applied To Their Hair And Turmeric Paste Applied On Their Body This Occurs In Their Respective Homes. The Bride And Groom’s Female Relatives Hold Up Each Corner Of A Red Cloth Held Above The Bride And Groom. All The Female Relatives And Guests Sing Traditional Wedding Songs Throughout The Ceremony.

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Choora Ceremony

Answer

The Bride’s Uncle(S) Gives Her A Set Of 21 Red And White Bangles (Chura) That Have Been Blessed By Washing Them With Curd And Rosewater. Once The Bride Wears The Bangles, They Are Covered With A Silk Shawl To Conceal Them From Her. On Completion Of The Chura Ceremony, Bride Relatives Tie Umbrella-Shaped Metallic Ornaments Known As Kalire Onto Her Bangles And Offer Their Blessings. All Unmarried Female Friends And Relatives Of The Bride Are Gathered And She Moves The Kalire Over Each Of Their Heads. It Is Believed That On The Head A Kalire Falls, She Will Be The Next One To Wed.

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Wedding

Answer

Anand Karaj – The ‘Blissful Union’ Takes Place At The Gurdwara During The Day Time. The Wedding Ceremony Is Centred Around The Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Book). The Groom Enters The Ceremony Hall First Once The Bride Arrives The Couple Sit Next To Each Other On The Floor With The Bride Sitting To The Left Side Of The Groom, Facing The Guru Granth Sahib. The Priest Conducting The Marriage Performs The Four Lavan Or Stanzas From The Guru Granth Sahib. Upon Completing The Reading Of The First Stanza, The Couple Walk Slowly Around The Guru Granth Sahib In Clockwise Direction, With The Groom Leading The Bride. At The Completion Of The Round The Couple Return To Their Positions Yet Remain Standing For The Remaining Three Hymns

Question

Doli

Answer

Doli Is Traditionally A Wooden Palanquin Used To Carry Women Around On Their Travels. The Doli Celebration Marks The Bride’s Final Departure From Her Paternal Home. The Bride Throws Rice Grains Over Her Shoulders And Into Her Mother’s Outstretched Hands, Wishing Her Parent’s Eternal Prosperity. Friends And Family Say Their Final Goodbyes And Send Her Off To Her New Home.. One Arrival At The Groom’s Home The Bride Receives A Warm And Affectionate Welcome From Her New Family. She Is Showered With Flowers, Fed Sweet And Offered Blessing