Wedding Event Guide

Chunni Ceremony

The chunni ceremony is often referred to as the official engagement. The takha is an informal engagement when the couple are blessed and recognised by both families as to-be-weds. The chunni cements this and makes them official fiancés.

The ceremony involves the man’s family visiting the woman’s house or venue that they have arranged to accommodate the guests. The man’s family bring gifts comprising of fruit, Indian sweets, meva (dry fruit) and a complete outfit for the woman. Some families opt to bring many more gifts, although this is neither expected nor necessary.

The man and woman are seated together, which is when the crucial ritual of the chunni charauna takes place. The man’s Mother places a red “chunni” (scarf) that corresponds to the outfit the woman has been dressed in, and places it on the woman’s head. Then she or other significant women in the man’s family adorn the woman with other gifts they have brought – traditional jewellery set (which is usually gold), bangles, a red accessory in the hair and mendhi on her hands.

Some families ask the man to put sindoor (vermilion) on the woman, which is an Indian tradition originating from the Hindu community and can only be done by a man to his marital partner. It is a sign of a married woman.

Maiyan Ceremony

A Maiyan ceremony  is a traditional ceremony taking place a few days prior to the wedding. This ceremony consists of friends and family rubbing a paste on the bride and groom; the traditional meaning of Maiyan is to cleanse the skin and create a glow!

Traditionally this ceremony involves “cleaning” the bride and groom in preparation for their wedding day.

Wedding Day – April 6, 2023

GETTING READY (BRIDE AND GROOM PREPARATIONS)

For our grooms who follow traditional Sikh attire on their wedding day, the outfit is typically comprised of a sherwanis, which is more similar to a Western-style frock coat with elaborate bead and thread work- and looks perfect paired with a comfortable churidar pajama pant. To round off the outfit, mojri (or an embellished slipper) decorates his feet while a turban rests upon his head. Traditionally, the fabric used for the turban is red, but any color can be chosen. A beard is required in the Sikh faith and is (of course) groomed to perfection for the big event!

After he is dressed, traditionally the groom will be given a sword(or kirpan) that he will then hold throughout the entire day. This is to represent the protection of his new wife and their marriage to come. The groom’s sisters will then present him with a palla (a rectangular piece of woven cloth) and drape it across his shoulders. This important piece of clothing will be crucial later during the wedding ceremony. Final touches of kohl (to ward off evil eyes), sehra (decorative beads strung from the turban to ward off evil), and the kalgi (a beautiful jewel pinned to the middle of the turban) are applied and the groom is ready to leave for the ceremony.

PROCESSIONAL OR BARAAT (JOURNEY TO THE CEREMONY) 

Once the groom has been dressed and properly equipped with his sword and accessories, he must make a trip to the wedding location! This first ceremony is known as the baraat, and it is when the groom makes his way to the Gurudwara where the wedding will take place.

Accompanied by celebratory music, family, and friends, this colorful and exciting event is a great way to kick off the wedding ceremonies with a bang!

MILNI (WELCOME OF THE GROOM)

Upon reaching the end of his baraat, the groom will be welcomed at the venue by the bride’s family.

Hymns are sung and hugs are exchanged as each of the members participating in the baraat is introduced and presented with a garland by those representing the bride. The symbolism behind this lovely ceremony simply represents a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the groom as he arrives to not only claim his bride but enter into a new family as well.

GURUDWARA- SIKH TEMPLE (LOCATION)

Most traditional Indian Sikh weddings take place at a Gurudwara, which is a Sikh temple whose name means “the residence of the Guru” or “the door that leads to the Guru”. This holy place is used for spiritual gatherings and ceremonies as well as a location that works to provide food, shelter, and comfort to those who need it most. Holding an Indian wedding at a Gurudwara is extremely special and adds even more meaning to the joining of two individuals.

The wedding ceremony will typically take place at the Gurudwara either mid-morning or early afternoon. Family members enter the location and after paying respects to the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy text of Sikhism), will proceed to take their seats- men on the right side of the room and ladies on the left.

When the groom and his parents arrive behind their guests, the groom will position himself in front of the Guru Granth Sahib and the Amritdhari Sikh (any individual who has taken part in the Amrit Initiation in Sikhism) as he waits for his bride to arrive. Setting close behind him will be his supporters and sisters who have the important task of removing his sehra and kalgi. 

GRAND ENTRY (HERE COMES THE BRIDE)

After the groom and his party has been situated, it is finally time for the bride’s arrival. While at one time it was traditional for just the bride’s brothers to escort her down the aisle, more modern times allow for her parents to accompany her as well. With all this love and support surrounding her, the bride makes her way to join her groom in front of the holy text. Her supporters and sisters will also sit behind her just as the groom’s had done and now, with the groom on the right and the bride on the left, everyone is ready for the wedding ceremony to begin.

ANAND KARAJ (BLISSFUL UNION)

To begin the official Sikh wedding ceremony, the priest will ask for the parents of the couple and the bride and groom to stand for ardaas (prayers).

PART 1- THE PALLA RASMA

Everyone else is allowed to remain seated while the prayer is said and once it has concluded, the bride’s father is asked to come up front. At this point, he has the honor of performing the palla rasma, which is when one end of the groom’s palla is either held by or tied to the bride’s hand. This important ceremony is a symbolization of the father giving away his daughter to the care of her husband-to-be.

The importance of marriage is explained to the couple by the priest, along with the duties that should be upheld by each individual to make the relationship work as a whole. The couple then bows before the holy text and are ready to take the vows of marriage, known as the lavaas. 

PART 2- THE LAVAAN PHERAS

Next, it is time for the brothers of the bride (should she have any) to support their sister during the ceremony. At the time of the Lavaan Pheras, the brothers will stand around the altar with the holy text in the middle. As the priest recites the lavaas (or hymns) the bride and groom reflect on each of the four verses, picturing the journey that leads to a union with God and each other. These teachings and vows are extremely important for the prosperity of a Sikh wedding.

After the four hymns have been completed, the bride and groom will get to their feet and begin walking clockwise around the altar. At this time, the brothers will take turns holding their sister and guiding her while the groom leads, representing their support for her no matter what the future may hold.

Once this ceremony is concluded, a final hymn is sung and another ardaas is offered by all who are gathered there to officially mark the union. This concludes the ceremony, and the couple are finally wed! But before everyone leaves the girvan hall, a final tradition is held. All the guests and everyone within the wedding party sits down once more while the parents of both the bride and groom put a garland around the couple and present them with money as a blessing (known as shagun). 

The priest would mark the end of this ceremony by announcing that Karah Prasad (whole wheat flour halva) will be distributed for everyone to enjoy before heading to lunch.

WEDDING LUNCH AND ROTI (THE FIRST MEAL)

Although the official wedding ceremony is finished, that doesn’t mean the festivities are over.

Far from it!

The newly married couple will lead their family and friends to the Gurudwara’s congregational hall where a delicious vegetarian meal will be served for everyone to enjoy. During this meal, the ceremony of roti takes place. This is known as the bride’s first meal as a married woman.

DOLI (THE DEPARTURE)

The final ritual of an Indian Sikh wedding is a sweet- and very emotional- moment.

After the sada suhagan has concluded, everyone will transition to the home of the bride’s parents. This ceremony marks the moment when the bride leaves her family’s home to live with her now-husband.

During the doli (or departure of the bride to her new home)- which is named after the wooden palanquin that used to carry women in traditional times- the bride will throw a handful of rice over her shoulder and above her head into her mother’s open hands. As can be imagined, this act of wishing the bride’s parents eternal happiness and thanks for raising her is extremely emotional and beautiful!

Tears will be seen during the doli, but they will be happy ones as the bride and groom hop into their extravagantly decorated car and speed off towards their new life together. As a sign of prosperity and well-wishes, the groom’s father typically throws change in front of the car as it drives away.

PAANI VARNA (WELCOME OF THE COUPLE)

At the groom’s house, the couple will be welcomed by the groom’s mother standing at the front door. Holding a garvi that is filled with half milk and half water, the groom’s mother would then move the garvi clockwise in front of the couple, playfully trying to take a sip of the mixture each time it passes her. The groom will keep her from taking a sip until she tries a seventh time! At this point, she can take a drink and the couple is blessed. A bit of oil will be poured on either bottom side of the door, completing the paani varna.

Once the couple is inside, they’re given a glass of milk and some snacks to share as sharing is a way to increase love in the relationship. This fun and mischievous ceremony is a great way to round off the wedding rituals and represent the family’s feelings of happiness towards the marriage. While the official ceremonies are completed at this point, it wouldn’t be an Indian wedding without ending the week in a grand celebration!

Wedding Reception – April 7, 2023

THE GRAND CELEBRATION!

This grand celebration is typically started with a cocktail hour that then proceeds into the more modern timeline of toasts, speeches, and performances. Once any last-minute formalities are given, it’s time to push back the tables and dance the night away- thus ending the wedding ceremonies and beginning a lifetime of love, laughter, and happiness!