Due to the Punjabi community's contribution to multi-dimensional progress in all spheres of life in India, Indian matrimonials cannot be complete without a Punjabi wedding. The Punjabi community is said to be at the top and are in fact the most liberated community of India. Despite them being liberated, when it comes to the Punjabi matrimonial ceremonies, they live up to full tradition with compassion.
The rituals of Punjabi matrimonial alliance are full of culture, customs, noble heritage, and like in all Indian matrimonials, it begins with the boy and girl giving their commitment to get married to each other. This ceremony is known as 'Roka' and takes place at the house of the bride-to-be. This ritual, which consists of a small pre - matrimonial puja, is followed by the exchange of gifts between the two families, after which the girl and boy are free to court or date each other.
In the Punjabi Wedding the 'Sagan' and 'Chunni Chadana' follows. Both the ceremonies are held together in a club or banquet hall of a hotel. Here the father of the bride-to-be applies tilak to the boy's forehead and the girl is made to dress in finery given by her future in laws. These pre - matrimonial ceremonies mark the formal engagement and also include a havan conducted by a purohit. The bride to be is further showered in jewelry, gifts and also presented a red chunni. Thereafter rings are exchanged. read more..
The Punjabi community has always been known to have a passion for song and dance. This is reflected in the 'Sangeet' that is held by the prospective families of the boy and girl. The family, relatives and friends present, sing traditional Punjabi matrimonial songs that tease the boy and girl. The dancing is electrifying and filled with energy. More gifts and sweet meats are exchanged.
Just like every other bride in most of the Indian matrimonial alliances, the Punjabi bride too looks forward to the Mehendi ceremony. The henna to adorn the hands of the bride-to-be is sent by the future mother-in-law. In the Punjabi community, it is believed, that if the henna leaves a dark dye on the hands of the bride, she will be loved well by her mother-in-law. A relative, friend or a professional mehandiwali applies henna for the bride. This again is followed by a lot of joyous singing and dancing. After the mehendi, rich, delicious snacks are followed by a true Punjabi meal.
The actual Punjabi matrimonial ceremony begins with the 'Chuda' ritual. The eldest maternal uncle of the bride plays a vital role here. The uncle and aunt along with the girl's parents are expected to fast throughout the day or at least until the completion of this matrimonial ceremony. A havan is performed by a Punjabi purohit, after which the wrists of the bride are adorned by the chuda (a set of red and cream ivory bangles). These matrimonial Chudas are blessed by all present and signify good wishes. After this the bride, for goodluck, also slips on an iron bangle, with shells and beads. The girl's cousin and friends, then tie kaliras (silver, gold or gold plated traditional ornaments) to the chuda. The Punjabi community believes that when the bride taps a female friend or relative with the kaliras, that particular girl will face a matrimonial alliance, next. The bride is then confined to her home and this ceremony is known as the 'Ghara Ghardoli and Vatna'. The Punjabi bride then wears her old clothes and sits with four lit diyas or oil lamps. This is believed to bring glow to the girl's face. The matrimonial glow on the bride is further enhanced by applying vatna or uptan (a paste of powdered turmeric and mustard oil). After her matrimonial bath, the old clothes and ornaments are given away to the poor. Simultaneously, the Punjabi wedding rituals of the 'Ghara Ghardoli' and the 'Vatna' ceremonies, are also performed for the groom at his house.
The bride is then dressed in her wedding attire. As per the Punjabi tradition, this matrimonial attire may consist of a sari or a lehenga in traditional colours like red, orange or magenta. She also adorns traditional jewelry given by her parents. The Punjabi groom dresses in formal traditional or modern attire. 'Sehrabandi' involves the tying of the sehara and adorning of the groom's head with silver mukut (Crown). According to the Punjabi marriage custom, the caretaker of the groom (Sarbala) also wears similar attire to the groom and mounts the mode of transport which may either be a horse or a car. This is a matrimonial procession known a 'Baraat'.
In the Punjabi community, the 'Milni' ceremony is where the groom and his relatives are welcomed with warmth, love and flower garlands by the bride's close relatives. A 'Shagun' (consisting of cash and other things) is given to honour the groom and his relatives. The matrimonial ceremony of the 'Varmala' is also held where the bride and groom exchange garlands. A lot of fun and teasing is indulged in.
The Punjabi's, generally have a mahurat or an auspicious time for the actual matrimonial ceremony, which is usually after dinner. When the ceremony is in progress, the groom's shoes are taken and hidden away by the girl's side. These are returned only in exchange for a reward given by the groom to the girl's side, at the end of the holy matrimonial ceremony. The father does 'Kanyadan' (giving away of the bride). This is followed by 'Pheras' or circling of the sacred fire by the couple. Blessings are then sought from the elders after the pheras.
The Punjabi Marriage ends with a very touching and heart rending post - matrimonial ceremony known as the 'Vidaai'. This marks the departure of the girl from her parent's house where she has been brought up with so much love. As she leaves she throws behind her, a handful of puffed rice wishing prosperity for the members of her paternal house. She then is taken away in a majestic procession to her husband's house where she is welcomed by an aarti. The already eventful matrimonial day ends with a grand 'Reception'.