Sindhi weddings

Flower jewellery, old clothes thrown in the sea and salt that disappears into everything.

Before the wedding

1
Kachchi Misri
Once both families approve, the couple are given mishri and coconut to mark the match.
2
Pakki Mishri
The formal engagement a week before, with rings exchanged.
3
Berana
An optional satsang in the name of Jhulelal, ten days before the wedding.
4
Wanwas
After mehendi, the couple wear old clothes that are then torn and thrown into the sea or a river.
5
Santh
Seven married women put oil on the bride's head, and she tries to break the cover of an earthen pot in one go.
6
Saagri
The groom's sisters dress the bride in silk and jewellery made of white mogra flowers.

7
Thread ceremony
The groom takes the sacred thread, then oil and haldi, and cannot leave the house. His brother-in-law sits beside him with a knife, as protector.
8
The feet
A sheet separates the couple. They place their feet in a plate, and whoever's foot sits higher is said to be the dominant partner.
9
Seven rounds
The sheet comes down and the couple go around the sacred fire seven times.

10
Datar
In her new home the bride sprinkles milk and puts salt in her in-laws' hands, to mingle with them as salt mingles with everything.

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

Tamil weddings