Punjabi weddings

Nights of singing, a set of red bangles the bride may not see, and sisters who steal the groom's shoes.

Before the wedding

1
Roka
A small family get-together at the bride's house, after which the couple are betrothed and the date is set.
2
Sagan
The bride's father applies tikka to the groom, and both families exchange gifts and blessings.
3
Chunni Chandana
The groom's family bring the bride a red chunni and clothes, and the couple exchange rings.
4
Sangeet
Friends and relatives sing and dance at both houses, every night until the wedding.
5
Mehandi
Henna on the bride's hands and feet, sent by the groom's family, with singing and dancing.
6
Vatna
A mix of turmeric and mustard oil is applied to the bride and groom before their baths.

7
Chuda
The bride's maternal uncle gives her a set of cream and red bangles she has not seen before, and her kaliras are tied.
8
Sehra Bandi
The groom's father or an elder ties the sehra over his turban, and the groom sets off on a mare with a young cousin, the sarbala, beside him.
9
Milni
The close relatives of both families are formally introduced and the bride's side present shagun.
10
Varmala
The couple exchange garlands, and the bride must garland the groom first.
11
Juta Chupai
The bride's sisters grab the groom's shoes and sell them back for a negotiable sum.
12
Pheras
After the kanyadaan, the bride's sari is tied to the groom's turban for the rounds of the fire.

13
Doli
Brothers once carried their sisters away in a palanquin. Today the car is still called the doli.
14
The return
The next day the bride returns to her parents' home with her husband for a feast.

Every family does things a little differently, so treat this as a guide rather than a rule. Your elders will have the last word.

We can bring the priests, the musicians, the mehndi and the sweets, wherever you marry.

Next guide

Parsi weddings