Pre-wedding
- Tahka (or Roka) is when the immediate family of both sides meets and blesses the union and the engagement is then announced.
A Month or So before the Big Day…
- Shri Akhand Path is the continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Path is usually held by the groom’s side preceding the Kudmai.
- Kudmai (or Sagai or Mangni) is the engagement ceremony; it usually takes place on the third day of the Shri Akhand Path with friends and family of both sides.
- Chunni ceremony is where the ladies from the groom’s side adorn the bride-to-be with sinndoor, make-up, mehndi, jewelry, bangles, a bindi and a bright colored dupatta as a welcoming gesture. This ceremony can take place during the tahka or any other day preceding the wedding ceremony.
- Mayaan, a beautifying ritual performed (by the females in the brides family) by rubbing a mixture of about 11/2 cups of besan (gram flour) 2-3 tsps. of Sandalwood powder, 2 tsp butter or almond oil and 3 teaspoons of water on the bride.
The Week before…
- Sangeet: is a celebration of song and dance which usually takes place about a week before the wedding day. The event is celebrated on both the bride’s and groom’s side separately.
- Mehndi is where the bride, her female relatives and friends get together to have a henna party, usually 2–3 days before the wedding day.
The Night before:
- Churah: The bride’s maternal uncle(s) adorn her wrists with bangles (traditionally ivory) the night before the wedding.
- Jago is a festive dance that also takes place a night or two before the wedding.
Read more about this topic: Anand Karaj