Punjabi Wedding Ritual

Punjabi weddings are very bright and colorful. They reflect the colorful life and nature of the Punjabi. The celebrations are so lively that you cannot stop yourself from being a part of it. The loud music of dhols, the energetic dancers, vibrant colors and amazing fireworks resembles like a festival celebration.

The Punjabi weddings have many interesting rituals and customs involved. Like any other Indian wedding, rituals and customs form an integral part of Punjabi weddings as well. They are carried out with great enthusiasm.

Punjabi weddings also include the pre-wedding, post-wedding and main day functions. The pre-wedding rituals begin with the “Roka” ceremony. It is the commitment for marriage by both the families. It involves a simple puja and exchange of gifts. This is then followed by the Mangni or the engagement ceremony. This ceremony triggers the wedding celebration. The sangeet and mehendi ceremonies are carried out a few days before the wedding.

The most important ritual is the Chuda ceremony that is carried out at the bride’s place. The maternal uncle plays a very significant role in this ceremony. He fast till completion of the wedding ceremony. The bride’s uncle helps the bride to put on the red and ivory colored Chuda. All the present guest touch and bless the Chuda. Flower petals are showered on the bride as a token of their blessings.

The ‘Ghara Ghardoli’ and ‘Vatna’ are the ceremonies that follow the chuda ceremony. They indicate that bride should stay at home in her old clothes till the wedding. She is made to sit there with four diyas surrounding her. It is believed to enhance the glow of her face. Vatna or uptan is applied on her body. Uptan is applied to the groom as well. Punjabi weddings rituals last all night long and are very enjoyable.

The bride and groom dress elegantly in their traditional attire. The groom is accompanied by his young nephew or cousin. He is called the “sarbala”. The baraat is welcomed by the bride’s parents and relatives. It is called the “milni” ceremony. The bride and groom then exchange garlands with each other. Other wedding rituals include the puja, kanyadaan and pheres.

Post- wedding ceremonies include the vidaai and ashwirwad ceremony. After solemnization of the marriage, the couple is blessed by their elders. The bride’s brother accompanies the couple till the main exit. The bride receives a warm welcome on her arrival at the grooms place. The groom’s mother puts mustard oil on both sides of the entrance door. The couple is welcomed with the traditional aarti. The groom’s family then calls for a lavish reception party.

Punjabi weddings are one of the most fun-filled and exciting Indian weddings.