Punjabi wedding traditions
Overview
 
Punjabi wedding traditions and ceremonies are traditionally conducted in Punjabi
Punjabi language
Punjabi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by inhabitants of the historical Punjab region . For Sikhs, the Punjabi language stands as the official language in which all ceremonies take place. In Pakistan, Punjabi is the most widely spoken language...

 and are a strong reflection of Punjabi culture
Punjabi Culture
Punjabi Culture is the culture of the Punjab region. It is one of the oldest in world history, dating from ancient antiquity to the modern era. The Punjabi culture is the culture of the Punjabi people who are now distributed throughout the world. The scope, history, sophistication and complexity of...

.

The actual religious marriage ceremony - among Sikhs, the weddings are conducted in Punjabi; among Muslims, in Urdu; and among Hindus, in Sanskrit. There are commonalities in ritual, song, dance, food, and dress. The Punjabi wedding has many rituals and ceremonies that have evolved since traditional times, including many famous Punjabi dances.
Songs of the bridegroom's side
    • Mangane di geet: sung at the time of engagement
    • Maneve de gaon: songs sung to welcome the bridegroom
    • Gharouli de geet: sung for the gharoult or dowry
    • Chounki charanvele de geet: songs sung when the bridegroom sits on the chounki wooden bathing seat
    • Sohhle: songs of happiness and joy
    • Ghoriyaan: sung at the time of riding to the bride's house
    • Sehra: sung at the time of tying the bridegrooms flower-veil
    • Kangana: sung when the bride and bridegroom enter the house together for the first time.


Songs of the bride's side
    • Suhag: which is sung by the bride in praise of her parents and the happy days of her childhood and in anticipation of happy days ahead.
    • Jaggo: procession song to call the neighbours to the wedding.
    • Churra charan vele da geet: sung when the chura, ceremonial bangles are worn by the bride.
    • Janj: sung when the janj, marriage procession, is to be greeted.
    • Milni: sung at the ritual introduction of the two sides.
    • Ghenne de geet: sung when the bride is adorned with jewels.
    • Siftan: song in praise of the bridegroom
    • Chhandh: evolved from poetry, songs of joy.


Sitthniyan (crude, teasing songs)
    • Song sung when the bridegroom's procession is being welcomed.
    • Song sung when the wari, or gifts from the bridegroom’s side, are being exhibited.
    • Song sung when the groom's party sits down to the meal.
    • Song sung when the daaj, dowry or the bridal gifts, are being displayed.


Others
    • Lavan Phere :sung at the time of the actual wedding ritual.
    • Mahinya :sung when the girl is preparing for the wedding and is bathed by the women at home.
 
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