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DAY 1 - Engagement (“Mangni” or “Kurmai”)
The engagement is the first official pre-marriage ceremony. A prayer is made in the presence of the Sikh holy book (the “Guru Granth Sahib”). The parents of the bride then present the groom with gifts symbolic of the Sikh religion e.g a miniature prayer book, a steel bracelet (“Kerra”). Special “Punjabi” sweets are also presented as gifts to the groom's family to signify the auspicious occasion. |
DAY 2 - Presenting the Bride with a Scarf (“Chunni” Ceremony)
Following the engagement ceremony the groom and his family visit the bride's home to present her with a scarf (“Chunni”). This symbolises agreement that the couple and their families have consented to marriage. The groom's family then presents the bride with some gifts to welcome her to the family. |
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DAY 3 - Cleansing Ceremony (“Maiyan”)
A few days prior to the wedding day, the couple’s relatives gather at the respective homes of the bride and groom. The married female relatives sing specific songs for the occasion to wish a long and happy married life for the couple. As the songs are sung, a mixture is applied to the bride and groom that is thought to beautify them for the wedding. It is also symbolic of shedding their single lives and leaving them behind in favour of their married life. |
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DAY 4 - Bridal Bangles (“Choora”)
After the “Maiyan”, the bride is adorned with special bridal bangles (“choora” usually red, maroon or pink in colour) by her maternal uncles. The bangles are first washed in milk then worn by the bride for her wedding to signify that she is a newlywed. The bangles are usually worn on the wedding day and for 40 days thereafter. “Kaleera” (ornaments) are also tied to the bridal bangles on the wedding day.
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DAY 5 - Pre-Wedding Party (“Sangeet”)
The “sangeet” is held a day or two before the wedding. It is an opportunity for the bride and groom’s family and close friends to celebrate the upcoming wedding of the couple.
At the “sangeet”, specific songs are sung by the female guests in anticipation of and in celebration of the wedding. These are traditional folk songs, sung in Punjabi (the language spoken in Punjab, the north-west region of India where Sikhs originate from).
The “sangeet” is a light-hearted and entertaining evening that also consists of performances by the bride and groom’s family and close friends. Special “Punjabi” sweets are served to signify the auspicious nature of the occasion. The evening is followed by dinner and dancing til the late hours of the night to “Bhangra” music (“Bhangra” music originates from Punjab and is accompanied by musical instruments including drums).
Today “Bhangra” music has been popularised internationally and has been re-mixed with other forms of music e.g R&B, reggae, rap etc.
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DAY 6 - Henna ( “Mendhi”)
Henna is a brownish coloured powder derived from the Henna plant while “mehndi” is the art of applying Henna. The Henna is mixed with a number of ingredients to make a paste which is then applied to the back of the hands, palms and the feet of the bride. The Henna is applied with intricate designs which can take a couple of hours to complete. The Henna is left to ‘set’ for up to a day. Once the Henna is removed it leaves a rich, red coloured pattern on the hands and feet. This signifies that a female is about to be married. According to tradition the bride is not allowed to undertake any chores or housework until her “mendhi” completely fades.
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