Punjabi Wedding Rituals & Program
Roka Ceremony (Pre-engagement):
The families officially meet and agree to the union.
Exchange of gifts between the families.
Shagun and Chunni Chadai:
The bride's family presents gifts to the groom as a token of acceptance.
The groom's family gives the bride a chunni (headscarf).
Mehendi and Sangeet:
Application of henna on the bride's hands and feet.
Music, dance, and celebrations, often held separately for men and women.
Choora Ceremony:
The bride's maternal uncle or aunt gives her a set of red and white bangles.
The bride's friends and family also participate in this ceremony.
Haldi Ceremony:
The bride and groom are smeared with turmeric paste to cleanse and purify them.
Ghara Gharoli (Bride's Bathing Ritual):
The bride takes a ceremonial bath with holy water.
Baraat:
The groom, accompanied by his family and friends, arrives at the wedding venue.
The bride's family welcomes the groom with music, dance, and a garland ceremony.
Milni:
The respective family members from the bride and groom's sides meet and exchange greetings.
Anand Karaj (Wedding Ceremony):
The actual wedding ceremony takes place in a Gurudwara.
The couple listens to the reading of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.
The Laavan, four hymns, are recited, symbolizing the stages of married life.
Pheras:
The couple takes four rounds around the Guru Granth Sahib, representing their journey through the four stages of life.
Ardaas and Blessings:
A prayer is offered, and blessings are sought from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Anand Sahib and Hymns:
More hymns and prayers are recited for the well-being of the couple.
Kara Parshad:
A sweet offering distributed after the religious ceremony.
Lunch or Dinner:
A community meal, known as Langar, is served to all present.
Vidaai (Farewell):
The bride says goodbye to her family and leaves for her marital home.
Reception:
A formal gathering where friends and family celebrate the newlyweds.