Lyla Dejesus
Sikh wedding celebrations are a community-wide event that lasts several days. The post-wedding rituals vary according to modernity and preference but generally begin after the official rituals are completed and the couple is legally wed. The reception is hosted by the groom's family to honour the newlyweds, and family and friends are invited to share a meal and celebrate with singing and dancing.
The bride bids an emotional farewell to her family, throwing a handful of rice towards her mother's outstretched hands, symbolising gratitude and wishing her parents prosperity. The bride then travels to her new home, where she is welcomed by her new family with flowers, sweets and blessings.
The couple then visits the bride's family for the first time as a married couple. The family welcomes them with gifts and a lavish feast.
What You'll Learn
The bride's family welcomes the groom with gifts and money
The bride's family plays a significant role in welcoming the groom and celebrating his arrival at the wedding venue. This ritual is an essential part of Sikh wedding traditions, showcasing the coming together of two families.
The bride's family members offer gifts, money, and garlands to the groom as a token of their warm welcome and acceptance of him into their family. The gifts are usually presented in exquisitely decorated trays carried by the bride's relatives and often include a combination of fruits, dry fruits, sweets, coconuts, and clothes.
In addition to the gifts, the bride's family also presents the groom with a monetary offering. This is done by waving money around the groom's head in a clockwise motion and then dropping it on him. This ritual is believed to ward off any evil energy surrounding the groom and is later donated to charity.
The bride's family also plays a role in the groom's attire. The groom's turban, an important symbol in Sikhism, is tied for him by his father or a male member of the bride's family. This act symbolises the unity and bond between the two families.
The bride's family also teases the groom light-heartedly, asking for coins or gifts before allowing him to enter the wedding venue. This tradition stems from the cultural belief that the bride is being "taken" by the groom, so he must "earn" his way to her side.
Overall, the bride's family welcoming the groom with gifts and money is a heart-warming and joyous occasion, filled with rituals that signify the union of the two families.
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The groom's family and friends follow behind, dancing and singing
The groom's family and friends play a significant role in a traditional Sikh wedding ceremony, adding to the festivities and celebrations. After the pre-wedding rituals, which include the Roka, Thaka, and engagement ceremony, the groom's family and friends accompany him to the wedding venue in a joyous procession known as the "Baraat".
The Baraat is a lively and vibrant affair, with the groom's family and friends following behind him, dancing and singing happily. They make their way towards the Gurdwara, the Sikh temple, where the wedding ceremony will take place. The groom traditionally rides a mare, adorned with golden ribbons and decorations, while his loved ones join in the celebration. Music and Bhangra dance are integral parts of the Baraat, with a band hired to provide upbeat tunes for the procession to dance along to.
As the groom's procession approaches the Gurdwara, they are warmly welcomed by the bride's family and friends, who sing hymns and express their faith in God. This exchange of greetings and blessings is known as the "Milni". The men from both families typically participate in the Milni, with each member of the groom's party introduced and offered a garland and a heartfelt hug by the bride's family.
The groom's family and friends not only add to the joyous atmosphere but also play a crucial role in the wedding rituals. Their presence signifies the importance of community and the coming together of two families. The groom's family actively participates in various pre-wedding customs, such as the engagement ceremony and the exchange of gifts, showcasing their support and enthusiasm for the union.
The dancing and singing of the groom's entourage set the tone for the wedding festivities, infusing the occasion with excitement and happiness. This celebration of love and union through music and dance is a hallmark of Sikh wedding traditions, creating lasting memories for the couple and their loved ones.
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The bride and groom walk around the Guru Granth Sahib
The bride and groom's walk around the Guru Granth Sahib is a fundamental part of the Sikh wedding ceremony, known as the Anand Karaj or 'Blissful Union'. The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy book of the Sikhs, and the ceremony is centred around it. The Guru Granth Sahib is considered the Eternal Guru of the Sikhs and is treated as a living Guru.
The ceremony involves the bride and groom walking four times around the Guru Granth Sahib, with the groom leading the bride. This walk symbolises the couple's spiritual journey and their commitment to each other and to their spiritual growth. As they walk, they listen to the words of the Laavan, or the four Lavan, which are hymns composed by the fourth Guru, Guru Ram Das. These hymns are considered sacred instructions from the Guru, guiding the couple on their path toward spiritual enlightenment. The hymns are first read and then sung by the ragis, or religious singers.
During the walk, the couple should have faith that they are beginning a shared life, uniting not only physically but also intellectually and spiritually. The act of walking around the Guru Granth Sahib is a way to honour the Guru's wisdom and establish it as their spiritual centre as they start their married life together.
The bride and groom's walk around the Guru Granth Sahib is a solemn and intimate moment between the couple and the Guru. It is a time for them to reflect on the significance of their union and their mutual responsibilities as husband and wife. The walk symbolises the couple's dedication to each other and their spiritual growth as they embark on their journey together.
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The bride's sisters may steal the groom's shoes
The stolen shoes represent more than just footwear. In Indian culture, they symbolize the groom's earthly attachments, such as his ego, pride, and material possessions. By stealing the groom's shoes, the bride's side encourages him to let go of these worldly concerns and embrace a new life with his bride, filled with love, companionship, and shared responsibilities.
The Joota Chupai game is not just a prank or a light-hearted moment; it is a ritual filled with blessings and good wishes for the newlyweds. The negotiations and exchanges that take place during this game create an atmosphere of joy and laughter, adding to the festive spirit of the wedding. It is an eagerly anticipated tradition that brings people together and adds an element of fun and excitement to the wedding celebrations.
The bride's relatives and friends, known as the 'Joota Chupai gang', engage in witty and playful exchanges with the groom's side. They make demands and set conditions for the return of the shoes, testing the groom's willingness to compromise and adapt. This ritual is not just about the theft of the shoes but also about the interactions and negotiations that follow. It reflects the spirit of playfulness and the merging of two families, with the groom's payment for the return of his shoes symbolizing his acceptance into their family.
The bride's sisters play a crucial role in this tradition, adding to the excitement and mischief of the game. Their involvement symbolizes the bond between the bride and her siblings and the collective effort to welcome the groom into their family playfully.
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The reception is a celebration of the newlyweds' future life
The reception is a time for the newlyweds to relax and enjoy themselves after the religious ceremonies. It is a grand and exciting affair, with food, drinks, singing, and dancing to bhangra music. The reception is hosted by the groom's family, who invite a larger circle of friends, family, and colleagues to attend. The couple is seated in a place of importance and is not expected to move around too much to greet guests.
The reception is an occasion for the couple to celebrate with their community and well-wishers. It is a time to eat, drink, dance, and socialise. The reception is often a glamorous affair, with guests dressing up and enjoying the festivities. The newlyweds and their guests move on to the reception after the wedding, leaving the traditional rituals behind and embracing a more modern celebration.
The reception is also an opportunity for the couple to receive gifts and well-wishes from their loved ones. It is a time for the community to come together and shower the newlyweds with love and support as they embark on their married life. The reception is a joyous and festive occasion, with music, decorations, and lavish food and drinks.
The Sikh wedding reception is a time-honoured tradition that brings together family and friends to celebrate the union of two individuals. It is a celebration of love, community, and the promise of a future together. The reception is a blend of cultural rituals and personal celebrations, creating unique and memorable experiences for the newlyweds and their loved ones.
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Frequently asked questions
The bride's sisters may tease the groom by stealing his shoes and demanding a bribe for their return. This is known as Joota Chupai and is usually done in jest after the wedding rituals are complete.
The Doli is a traditional wooden palanquin used to carry women. In the Doli ceremony, the bride throws rice grains over her shoulders and into her mother's hands, wishing her parents prosperity. Friends and family say their final goodbyes and send her off to her new home.
The reception is hosted by the groom's family to honour the newlyweds. It involves an extravagant meal, singing and dancing to bhangra (Punjabi music).
This is called Lavan Pheras. The bride and groom walk around the Guru Granth Sahib four times, joined by a cloth, while the laavan (marriage prayer) is chanted.
This is called the Milni, or the official meeting of the two families. The bride's father welcomes the groom and male family members from both sides exchange garlands and greet each other.
