Getting to Know the Big Fat Punjabi Wedding

Indian weddings are generally a grand affair. But the Punjabi weddings steal the thunder when it comes to fun, frolic and celebrations. Some may call Punjabi weddings loud and boisterous, but it is an undeniable fact that Punjabi weddings stand the tallest when it comes to the energy involved. With scrumptious food, expensive clothes and jewellery, loads of liquor, music and love, Punjabi weddings represent the spirit of the people of the state- Hearty and True to the Spirit!

Punjabi weddings are also noted for the fat money that goes into its preparations. From the pre-wedding shopping to the D-day itself, weddings are the grandest affair in Punjabi culture. Apart from the music and fun, careful attention is paid to details such as the bride and groom’s trousseau, jewellery, food, venue etc. All arrangements are made in such a manner that no one can complain of anything. The wedding is held in, literally, pomp and grandeur amidst celebrations of such scale which can rarely be seen in any other part of this country.

Paath

• This is a prayer session where everyone seeks blessings for the bride and groom and wishes them a good life ahead.
• All women in the family gather during Paath. Usually, this becomes a get-together session as relatives meet after a long time.
• Prasad is distributed and snacks are served during this ceremony.

Mehendi

• This is an important ceremony, which is accompanied with some song and dance.
• Mehendi artists decorate the hands and feet of the bride with henna.
• The house of the bride is a scene of hustle bustle as guests keep pouring in and out.
• Snacks and refreshments are arranged on this day too. It marks the day of celebrations of the wedding. • Liquor is an unavoidable part of these celebrations. Men and women can be seens swaying to the tune of music as a DJ sets the groove for the night.

 Baraat

• The Baraat or the procession that brings the groom to the bride’s house is a fun event in itself. • Young lads can be seen dancing energetically to the music of popular Bollywood songs as the groom follows astride a horse.
• Not only as the ‘baraatis’ and the groom in the best of finery, the horse too is decked up in the best possible manner.
• Amidst energetic dancing, stopped only in between clicking pictures, the baraatis cover the distance to the bride’s house and reach there to be greeted by the bride’s family.
• This is followed by a milni ceremony, where the bride’s uncle greets the groom’s uncle.

Anand Karaj 

• The final ceremony of the wedding takes place.
• The sacred pheras are conducted and the bride and groom tie the sacred knot of marriage and take vows around the holy fire.
• The wedding celebrations continue to well over midnight with liquor, music and happiness overflowing from all quarters.