Planning a Sikh wedding and curious about its unique customs? The Kurmai, or engagement ceremony, is a cherished pre-wedding event in Sikh culture that brings heartfelt blessings and family connections. For UK couples, understanding Kurmai enhances the meaning of this beautiful tradition. As a top Punjabi wedding photographer in the UK, we’ve put together a guide to cover everything you need to plan a memorable Kurmai celebration.
The Kurmai ceremony is a formal engagement in Sikh wedding rituals. This unites two families to bless the couple and celebrate their future. Traditionally held in a Gurdwara or at home, it emphasises family values, respect for elders, and the couple’s commitment, making it a significant part of Sikh culture.
Kurmai is rich with rituals that hold deep significance, each representing unity, love, and respect for tradition. Here’s a closer look at the customs that bring this ceremony to life:
The Kurmai ceremony begins with prayers and blessings at the Gurdwara, where both families seek guidance from the Guru Granth Sahib. Hymns (kirtan) are sung, and a Granthi (priest) blesses the couple for their future. The ceremony concludes with langar, a communal meal symbolising unity and equality in Sikhism.
Another heartfelt tradition is the exchange of gifts. The groom’s family traditional gifts for the bride such as jewellery, clothing, and sweets as a gesture of love and welcome. The bride’s family reciprocates by offering gifts to the groom and his family, symbolising mutual respect and strengthening the bond between the two households.
The ceremony also includes a touching moment of ring exchange, where the groom gifts the bride a ring to signify his commitment and love. In some instances, both the bride and groom exchange rings, marking their engagement and formalising their journey towards marriage.
A significant part of the Kurmai involves the presentation of a Kara, a steel bracelet that holds deep symbolic meaning in Sikhism. Elders offer the Kara to both the bride and groom as a token of faith, loyalty, and their new shared responsibilities as a couple. This gesture warmly welcomes the bride into the Sikh community.
The groom’s Dastar Bandi, or turban-tying ceremony, is another essential element. In this ritual, the groom’s father or grandfather ties the Sikh wedding turban, symbolising his transition into a more mature and responsible phase of life. The ceremony underscores the importance of tradition and respect within Sikh culture.
Towards the end of the ceremony, an Ardas, or final prayer, is offered to bless the couple’s union. Both families come together in this collective prayer, seeking happiness and prosperity for the bride and groom. It’s a beautiful spiritual closure, uniting everyone in shared good wishes.
The Sagan or Tilak ceremony sees the bride’s family applying a tilak (a ceremonial mark) on the groom’s forehead as a sign of blessings and respect. This ritual is accompanied by the offering of sweets and gifts, symbolising the warm acceptance of the groom into the bride’s family.
During Milni, family members from both sides formally meet, exchange garlands, and introduce themselves. This custom fosters camaraderie and builds mutual respect, laying a foundation for a harmonious relationship between the two families.
Another important milestone is the Shagan and Roka. Shagan involves the exchange of mithai boxes (sweets) and symbolic gifts as blessings for the couple, while the Roka formally confirms their engagement, marking the couple as “reserved” for each other. This tradition signals the beginning of wedding preparations.
Adding to the festive spirit is the vibrant traditional attire worn by all participants, including the bride and groom. The event is further enlivened by the beats of the dhol and Punjabi music, which inspire joyous dancing and celebrations. Together, the music, attire, and rituals create an unforgettable and lively atmosphere, making the Kurmai ceremony truly special.
To truly preserve the memories of your Kurmai ceremony, hiring a professional Sikh photographer and videographer is a great choice. They’ll understand the significance of each moment, capturing beautiful and candid photos during key rituals like the prayers at the Gurdwara, ring exchange, Kara tying, Dastar Bandi, Ardas prayer, Sagan/Tilak and Roka. These moments, shared with family and friends, will be captured, allowing you to relive the joy and blessings for years to come.
If you’re planning a Kurmai ceremony in the UK, here are a few practical tips to make your day perfect.
Kurmai is a ceremony that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Sikh weddings. For UK couples, it’s not just a formal engagement—it’s an occasion to embrace family, culture, and heartfelt blessings. From understanding its rituals to adding modern touches that reflect your style, planning a meaningful Kurmai can enrich your journey toward marriage.
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