Schedule
Friday, September 1, 2023
Chunni Ceremony, Lady's Sangeet & Jaggo
6:30 pm - 11:45 pm
11320 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH 45246
Indian or Garden Attire: Wear sundresses, floral prints, suits in lighter hues, and men can wear jeans and nice top or suit and tie
The Sangeet is a giant gala where the family is invited to join together for a pre-wedding celebration. Filled with music, dance, good food, and laughter, this event is no doubt a party to last the ages! Aside from enjoying jokes and stories about the couple, certain individuals of the group will often work with experts to choreograph elaborate dance numbers to provide entertainment during the event. Overall, the Sangeet is such a great way for friends and family to get better acquainted with each other, all while celebrating the couple’s upcoming union. During the Jago evening, the bride and groom will gather in their separate homes and stay up all night long, or at least until very early in the morning. As they dance, a grand celebration of all those invited to the wedding is enjoyed! Such a ceremony is remembered because at one time, before modern invitations were created, the Jago was a way to invite the townspeople to join the wedding the next day.
Saturday, September 2, 2023
Private Event: American Ceremony (Ryan & Taj's Close Friends and Family)
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Batna
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
11320 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH 45246
Indian or Business Casual
When beginning the Maiya, the bride/groom will sit down on an east-facing stool in the garden, usually located near an ornate sand design on the ground called a Rangoli. The artwork is created by either side of the family and adds a beautiful element to the overall scene. After the ceremony, it will be turned into a paste that is then used to decorate the outside of the home in celebration! Once the bride and groom are seated, a few dabs of oil are applied to their forehead and a bright yellow turmeric paste (called vatna) is applied to their face, neck, hands, and feet. During this process, a red cloth (or dupatta) will be held above their heads with the female relatives holding each corner of the cloth. Any other female guests present will sing traditional wedding songs to make for a merry mood. Because the Maiya is all about fun and happiness, it isn’t uncommon to see individuals getting the vatna on any bare skin available amidst fits of laughter.
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Baraat
10:00 am
11320 Chester Road, Cincinnati, OH 45246
Semi-Formal: Tuxes and Suits are welcome for men, Pant Suits and Jumpers for women, no dresses (**Ladies see the tips & tricks page for more info)
Once the groom has been dressed and properly equipped with his sword and accessories, he must make a trip to the wedding location! This is known as the baraat and it is when the groom makes his way to where the wedding will take place. While this journey was traditionally made on a mare, in more recent times, a groom will just take a vehicle to the venue. Before entering the location, however, a decorated mare will then be provided for him to mount and ride in the rest of the way. Accompanied by celebratory music, dance, family, and friends, this colorful and exciting event is a great way to kick off the wedding ceremonies with a bang!
Milni
10:30 am
11320 Chester Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45246
Attire: Same as Baraat
Upon reaching the end of his baraat, the groom will be welcomed at the venue by the bride’s family. Hymns are sung, and hugs are exchanged as each of the members participating in the baraat is introduced and presented with a garland by those representing the bride. The symbolism behind this lovely ceremony represents a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the groom as he arrives to not only claim his bride but enter into a new family. A bright red ribbon will be held by Taj's sister and will be used as a barrier to the groom and only once he (or his father) pays the toll he will receive the scissors needed to cut it! This is a fun tradition where sisters get the opportunity to tease their brother-in-law for a larger amount of money than he may want to give. Once the ribbon has been snipped, all can enter, and the ceremony officially starts.
Anand Karaj
11:15 am - 12:15 pm
11320 Chester Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45246
Attire: Same as Baraat
These teachings and vows are extremely important for the prosperity of a Sikh wedding. After each hymn the bride and groom will get to their feet and begin walking clockwise around the altar. At this time, the brothers will take turns holding their sister and guiding her while the groom leads, representing their support for her no matter what the future may hold. After the fourth hymn the bride and groom will be officially married. Once this ceremony is concluded, there will be shabad (prayer) and another ardas is offered by all who are gathered there to officially mark the union. This concludes the ceremony and the couple are finally wed!
Reception
7:00 pm
11320 Chester Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45246
Black-Tie: Wear floor-length gowns or formal cocktail dresses, tuxes or suits.
This grand celebration is typically started with a cocktail hour that then proceeds into the more modern timeline of toasts, speeches, and performances. Once any last-minute formalities are given, it’s time to push back the tables and dance the night away- thus ending the wedding ceremonies and beginning a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness!