Wedding is one of the most special and colourful events in Punjab. The
preparations
for the wedding begin months before the wedding day but the actual ceremonies usually last 3 days.
Rokai & Mangani
After the young people have made up their mind to marry, the first step is a simple ceremony called rokai or thaka. The girl’s father, accompanied by some friends and relatives, visits the young man’s house and presents sweets and a small gift of money. The engagement ceremony, or mangani, takes place when the boy’s family returns the visit and in the presence of friends and relatives the intended marriage is announced. Prayers are said at this time, and the couple exchange gifts.
Mehndi
This ceremony takes place on the night before the wedding day. This is the event where you put Henna(Mehndi) on the bride and groom's hands. This event is very colorful and full of traditional songs and dances. Sometimes it is spread over 2 days - one day over at the groom's place to put Henna on groom's hand and the second day over at the bride's house to put Henna on her hand.
On this particular day the bride does not wear any make-up and wears a traditional yellow dress.
The Mehndi or Henna is placed on the brides hand by married women of the family.
Barat
This is the day that opens a new chapter in the life of two people.
The bridegroom’s entourage, the
barat, has its own customs to observe – more singing and dancing, decking up the bridegroom, tying a sort of ornamental veil, the
sehra, over his face, leading him in procession, often on horseback, to the marriage venue to the accompaniment of a brass band.
Milani is the ceremonial welcome of the barat at the gate of the marriage venue – more gifts change hands with the bridegroom’s family on the receiving end. Feasting is on a lavish scale.
On this day the Nikah or the official signing of paperwork in the presence of a Imam (Islamic Priest) takes place. The bride doesn't come out until after the
Nikah. The Bride wears a specially made and heavily embroided outfit for this special occasion alongwith loads of jewellery. All the guests, especially women, are also dressed in bright coloured dresses and jewellery.
The bride's family accompanies her to the stage where she sits with the groom.
After this a long photo session with the family and guests takes place
After this comes the time when the bride leaves her home to start a new life. This is called the
Rukhsati and marks the end of the wedding day.
Valima
The Valima reception takes place on the day after the Wedding. This reception is given by the Groom's side of the family.
Then
a
photo
session
is
started
to
capture
the
moments.
