Punjabi weddings are a beautiful blend of vibrant rituals, rich traditions, and sheer exuberance. The unique customs and attire of Punjabi weddings have not only captivated the hearts of the Punjabi community but have also inspired other Indian communities to infuse extravagance into their wedding celebrations. In this guide to Punjabi wedding style, we’ll explore the fascinating traditions and rituals that make a Punjabi wedding a truly grand affair.

1) The Roka Ceremony

The journey of a Punjabi wedding typically begins with the Roka ceremony, where both the bride’s and groom’s families exchange gifts, symbolizing goodwill and acceptance.

2) The Chunni Chadhai Ceremony

The Chunni Chadhai ceremony occurs before or on the morning of the engagement. During this ritual, the groom’s family presents an auspicious and sacred dupatta or chunni to cover the bride’s head, symbolizing her entry into her soon-to-be husband’s family.

3) The Engagement Ceremony (Mangni)

A few months before the wedding, the engagement ceremony, known as Mangni, marks the official commitment of the couple. It’s a grand event where both exchange rings, sealing their bond.

4) The Sangeet Ceremony

The Sangeet ceremony is a celebration of music, dance, and pure joy. Originally celebrated by the bride’s family with folk music and dance, today, it’s a gala event attended by the groom’s family and other guests. Some couples even hire professional choreographers to prepare special dance performances.

5) The Mehendi Ceremony

On the eve of the wedding, intricate henna designs adorn the bride’s hands and feet. Henna leaves are initially dried in the sun, mixed with aromatic oils and herbs, and then applied using cones to create stunning patterns. Family members also participate, and it is believed that the deeper the henna color, the stronger the groom’s love for the bride.

6) Pre-Wedding Rituals

  • Jago

Maternal aunts of the groom carry a decorated kadhai (vessel) with lamps on their heads, accompanied by other women singing folk songs and carrying traditional items. They visit friends and relatives in the neighborhood, spreading joy.

  • Chuda Ceremony

The bride wears the chuda, a set of four red and ivory bangles, in a ritual overseen by her maternal uncle. The ceremony begins with cleansing the chuda in a mixture of milk and rose petals. The bride covers her head with a dupatta, and elder family members bless her as they slip the bangles onto her hands. The bride continues to wear the chuda for six months to a year, depending on family tradition.

  • Haldi Ceremony

Aromatic Haldi paste, made with turmeric, sandalwood, rosewater, and mustard oil, is applied to the bride’s and groom’s face, hands, and feet by family and friends on the morning of the wedding day. It imparts a beautiful glow to their skin.

7) Wedding Day Ceremonies

  • Sehrabandi Ceremony

The Punjabi groom is prepared for his grand day during this ritual. Elder male family members tie the turban around his head and attach the blessed Sehra to it.

  • Ghodi and Baraat

The groom, often atop a decorated horse, sets off for the wedding venue accompanied by family and friends. It’s a joyful and eagerly anticipated event marked by dancing and celebrations.

  • Milni Ceremony

The bride’s family welcomes the groom’s family, and a priest performs the ardaas (prayer). The families interact, share their love, and celebrate the union.

  • Varmala

Both the bride and groom exchange garlands with each other on the stage, signifying their acceptance of each other.

  • Kanyadaan

In a deeply emotional moment, the father of the bride ties the dupattas of the bride and groom together, symbolizing the transfer of responsibility from father to husband. The groom promises to care for his wife forever.

  • Anand Karaj

The couple walks around the sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji for four hymns, a ritual also known as Laavan Phere.

  • Joota Chhupai

This popular ritual involves the bride’s sisters hiding the groom’s wedding shoes, demanding a monetary gift in return. It’s a fun tradition cherished by sisters.

8) Post Wedding Rituals

  • Vidaai

As the bride says goodbye to her home and family, she throws rice backward as a symbol of gratitude and blessings for her parents, praying that their lives remain free from adversity.

  • Paani Barna

The mother of the groom welcomes the new bride into the family by encircling her with a pitcher of water at the threshold of the house, symbolizing her official entry into her new home.

9) The Reception

The wedding journey culminates with a joyous reception hosted by the groom’s family. It’s a time for celebration, good food, music, and shared happiness.

These are some of the beautiful traditions that make Punjabi weddings a vibrant and heartwarming celebration of love and culture.

It’s important to note that each family may have its unique variations of these rituals. The overview provided here captures the essence of a complete Punjabi wedding, a cultural treasure to be cherished.