Top 10+ Punjabi Wedding Traditions - Indian Wedding

by Sunandan Sharma November 25, 2023

Introduction
Choora ceremony
Sangeet ceremony
Sehra Bandi
Anand Karaj
Pheras around the sacred fire
Kalire ceremony
Joota chupai
Gharoli ritual
Milni
Mera Honeymoon Hai
Vadai Ghumar
Doli ceremony
Conclusion
FAQs

Introduction

Punjabi weddings are known for their grandeur, lively celebrations, and rich cultural traditions. These weddings are a beautiful blend of tradition, rituals, music, dance, and delicious food. In this article, we will explore the top 10+ Punjabi wedding traditions that make these ceremonies unique and vibrant.

Choora Ceremony

The Choora ceremony is one of the most important pre-wedding rituals in Punjabi weddings. It involves the bride's maternal uncle (mama) adorning her wrists with red and white bangles, known as "choora." This ceremony symbolizes the bride's transition into married life and is accompanied by blessings and well wishes from family members.

Sangeet Ceremony

The Sangeet ceremony is a pre-wedding celebration filled with music and dance. It is a joyful occasion where family and friends come together to sing traditional Punjabi folk songs, perform energetic dances, and celebrate the upcoming union. The Sangeet ceremony is a vibrant event that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Punjab.

Sehra Bandi

Sehra Bandi is a ritual that takes place just before the groom leaves for the wedding venue. The groom's close family members tie a majestic ornamental veil called "sehra" to his head. This signifies the groom's readiness to take on his new role as a husband and protector of his bride.

Anand Karaj

The Anand Karaj is the actual Sikh wedding ceremony. It takes place in a Gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship. The couple sits in front of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book) and the marriage is solemnized with prayers, hymns, and the reading of sacred verses. The Anand Karaj signifies the union of two souls in the presence of God.

Pheras Around the Sacred Fire

The pheras are one of the most important rituals in a Punjabi wedding. The couple takes seven rounds around a sacred fire, known as the Agni, while taking vows to support and love each other unconditionally. Each phera is accompanied by a mantra that symbolizes their lifelong commitment to each other.

Kalire Ceremony

The Kalire ceremony is another significant ritual that takes place during a Punjabi wedding. The bride's sisters and friends tie decorative ornaments called "kalire" to her wrists. These kalire are believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the bride. During the ceremony, the bride shakes her hands over the heads of unmarried girls, and if any part of the kalire falls on them, it is believed that they will be the next ones to get married.

Joota Chupai

The Joota Chupai is a playful tradition where the groom's shoes are hidden by the bride's sisters and friends. The groom then has to negotiate and pay a sum of money to get his shoes back. This tradition adds fun and humor to the wedding festivities and is a lighthearted way for the bridal party to interact.

Gharoli Ritual

The Gharoli ritual involves the bride's siblings and friends visiting a nearby temple or well to fetch water. The water is then brought back in a beautifully decorated vessel, known as the gharoli. This water is used for the bride to take the ceremonial bath before getting ready for the wedding.

Milni

Milni is a heartwarming tradition that takes place when the groom's and the bride's families meet. In this ceremony, the senior members from each side greet each other by exchanging garlands and gifts. The Milni signifies the merging of two families and the coming together of the bride and groom's loved ones in love and harmony.

Mera Honeymoon Hai

The "Mera Honeymoon Hai" tradition is a playful game that takes place during the wedding reception. The bride's sisters and friends steal the groom's shoes, and he has to pay them a sum of money for their return. This fun tradition adds excitement and laughter to the celebrations.

Vadai Ghumar

The Vadai Ghumar ceremony is performed by the bride's father just before she leaves for her new home. He gives her a ceremonial farewell by placing a piece of raw cotton on her head and wishing her a happy and prosperous married life. This emotional ritual signifies the father's blessings and love for his daughter.

Doli Ceremony

The Doli ceremony is the farewell ritual where the bride leaves her parents' home to start a new life with her husband. The bride sits in a decorated palanquin, known as the doli, and is carried by her brothers or close relatives. It is a bittersweet moment filled with tears and emotions as the bride bids adieu to her childhood home.

Conclusion

Punjabi weddings are filled with vibrancy, love, and joy. The above-mentioned traditions are just a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and rituals associated with these weddings. From the choora ceremony to the doli ceremony, each tradition holds deep meaning and symbolizes the love, commitment, and unity of the couple and their families.

FAQs

1. What is the significance of the Choora ceremony?

The Choora ceremony symbolizes the bride's transition into married life and is accompanied by blessings and well wishes from family members.

2. What happens during the Sangeet ceremony?

The Sangeet ceremony is a pre-wedding celebration filled with music and dance. Family and friends come together to sing traditional Punjabi folk songs and perform energetic dances.

3. What is the purpose of the Pheras around the sacred fire?

The Pheras symbolize the couple's lifelong commitment to each other and their vows to support and love each other unconditionally.

4. What is the Joota Chupai tradition?

The Joota Chupai is a playful tradition where the groom's shoes are hidden by the bride's sisters and friends, and he has to negotiate and pay a sum of money to get them back.

5. What is the Doli ceremony?

The Doli ceremony is the farewell ritual where the bride leaves her parents' home to start a new life with her husband. She sits in a decorated palanquin and is carried by her brothers or close relatives.