Pre-Wedding Ceremonies

Shagun
A Shagun, or engagement, marks the beginning of the wedding celebration. This is the occasion when the two families meet and exchange gifts to confirm the union. Various other rituals are organised by the father of the bride to take place on the same day, including the Tilak ceremony.

Tilak Ceremony
Coconut, dry dates, sugar and money are sent to the Groom’s family. A Bhaiji, or preacher from the Gurudwara reads a hymn, gives a date to the groom, and applies Tilak to his forehead. After the ceremony, the groom’s father sends gifts to the bride.

Choora Ceremony
During the bangle, or choora ceremony, the bride’s maternal uncle and aunt put white and red bangles on her wrists. Kalira ornaments are tied to the bangles.

Maiya
Maiya is a Sikh custom whereby the bride and groom cannot leave their houses in the days before the wedding.

Gana
A red thread is tied to the right wrist of the groom and the left wrist of the bride to protect them from ill omens.

Vatna
Vatna is a scented powder consisting of barley flour, turmeric and mustard oil. Days before the wedding the powder is applied and followed by a ritual bath.

Mehndi Ceremony
The night before the wedding, the mehndi ceremony is celebrated when henna is applied on the hands and feet of the bride.

Wedding Day Ceremonies
During the main wedding function, the bride and the groom sit together. A chunni, which is usually red, pink and orange is draped around the groom’s neck. The Bhaiji recites the hymns, and the bride and groom circle the Guru Granth Sahib. Relatives and friends drape garlands around the newly weds and the marriage ceremony concludes with a feast.

Post Wedding Ceremonies
The Vidaai, or Doli, ceremony marks the end of the wedding celebrations. The Bride leaves her family home, throwing handfuls of rice over her shoulder.