Marriages In Punjab, a brief Intro

As in every society, Punjabi society has its own particular traditions to mark every stage of life from birth to death. But no other transition in life is surrounded more by tradition than the marriage ceremony.

Throughout India, most marriages are arranged by the couple’s families and a generation ago it was not uncommon for bride and bridegroom to meet for the first time at the marriage ceremony itself. Nowadays, the personal preferences of the young people are given greater importance and families allow the couple to get to know each other before making a commitment. After the young people have made up their mind to marry, the following ceremonies establish the union of the couple and the two families.

The Ceremonies of Punjabi Marriage

Roka/thaka

At the Roka ceremony the boy and girl give their commitment to get married to each other. 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 ceremony consists of an exchange of gifts between the two families. 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.

Sagan and Chunni Chadana

The ceremonies are combined together and take place a couple of days before the wedding, usually in a large banquet hall or a club. The bride is dressed in clothes and jewellery that have been presented to her by her future in-laws. She is also presented a red chunni by the sister/sister-in-law of her future husband. She receives more jewellery and gifts from her in-laws as part of the ceremony. Her mother-in-law feeds her boiled rice and milk as part of the ritual. The prospective bride and groom exchange rings.

Sangeet

The families of the prospective bride and groom hold a special sangeet session. Friends and close family members are invited and traditional wedding songs are sung. Both the sides exchange gifts and sweets.

Mehandi

The henna is sent by the future mother-in-law of the bride-to-be. A relative or a friend applies henna for the bride-to-be. The girl's friends and close female relatives sing and dance joyously while the mehandi is being applied to her. After the Mehandi, snacks and meals are served.