Punjabi Weddings in the UK: Traditions, Ceremonies & What to Expect

Punjabi weddings in the UK are renowned for the vibrant colours, unique wedding dress, infectious energy, traditional wedding songs, and beautiful traditions.

Wedding celebrations are a cornerstone of British Punjabi culture. Every week, new families come together to celebrate love, from the streets of London to inner communities in Birmingham, Manchester, Leicester, and all corners of the UK.

Every ritual is steeped in cultural and historical significance and family love.

As a leading Punjabi wedding photographer in the UK, we understand the importance of capturing these precious moments in all their raw, dazzling glory.

In this article, we deeply explore the rich culture and importance of all the Punjabi wedding ceremonies and rituals as they’re performed within the UK context.

Key Highlights:

Punjabi wedding events involve the beautiful Anand Karaj ceremony in a Gurdwara, lively pre-wedding celebrations like Mehendi and Sangeet, and vibrant post-wedding rituals like the emotional Vidaai farewell.
Brides traditionally shine in red or maroon Punjabi wedding lehenga cholis with gold jewellery, while grooms wear sherwanis and turbans. Modern couples in the UK also incorporate their own style preferences per need and location constraints.
Punjabi weddings offer a delicious fusion of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. Expect favourites like chole bhature, butter chicken, and langar, a community meal that embodies the spirit of sharing. The menu also includes popular British Indian fusion dishes made with Indian spices and cooking techniques.
Get ready to move! Bhangra dances with energetic dhol drums, along with Punjabi wedding songs and traditional folk dances like Giddha and Jhumar, create a lively atmosphere. Professional performances often add another layer of entertainment to these joyous celebrations.
UK Punjabi weddings often combine some pre-wedding ceremonies and have a more streamlined schedule due to venue cost and time constraints, especially in busier and expensive city locations.

Cultural Significance of Punjabi Wedding Traditions

Punjabis have a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The Punjabi wedding customs and traditions have evolved over time, but the essence of the ceremony remains the same.

Historically, Punjabi weddings were simple and straightforward, with the bride and groom exchanging garlands and taking seven vows around the sacred fire.

Punjabi weddings are symbolic and meaningful, with each ritual representing something significant.

For example, the exchange of garlands represents the acceptance of each other as life partners, while the seven vows taken around the sacred fire signify the promises made by the couple to each other.

Other Punjabi wedding rituals, such as the Punjabi roka and haldi ceremony, are believed to purify and cleanse the bride and groom before the wedding.

The chooda ceremony, where the bride wears red and white bangles, symbolises her married status.

Punjabi Pre-Wedding Rituals in the UK

Leading up to the wedding day, the bride, groom, and their families engage in a series of rituals, each with its own importance. Important Punjabi pre-wedding customs commonly observed in the United Kingdom include:

Roka and Thaka

The first pre-wedding ritual is the Roka ceremony, where the families of the bride and groom formally agree to the marriage and bless the intended couple.

The bride’s family visits the groom’s family with gifts like sweets and fruits. This step must happen for the wedding journey and preparations to begin.

The term Roka is from the Punjabi word ‘rokna’, which means stop. As such, the Roka ceremony signifies the end of the partner search for the bride and groom.

Think of the Roka as a formal declaration that the bride and groom have been officially matched.

The Roka is followed by the Thaka ceremony, where the groom’s family presents gifts to the bride’s family as a token of their acceptance of the proposal. In return, the groom’s family also visits the bride’s family and is equally showered with gifts.

These ceremonies are usually small, intimate affairs, attended only by close family members, and are held at home or smaller community halls that can host 50-70 people.

The Chunni Ceremony

The Chunni ceremony often takes place after the Roka and Thaka ceremonies.

Despite the fact that the families have accepted the union during the Roka, the Chunni is a ceremony for truly showcasing the bride’s acceptance.

The key highlight of this ceremony is the groom’s mother or another elder draping the bride with a red or pink chunni/dupatta. In Punjabi weddings, red stands for prosperity, happiness, and conjugal bliss.

After covering the bride with the chunni, the groom’s family also gifts her more items, such as a sari and jewellery.

Sagan Ceremony

The Sagan ceremony is a larger pre-wedding event, where the families offer prayers for the couple’s future happiness.

This ceremony features a ‘priest’ who performs the ‘havan’, a sacred fire ritual, after which both families bless the bride and groom.

In some cases, many families combine the sagan and chunni ceremonies for more convenience.

This ceremony is usually held about 10 to 12 days before the actual wedding, and is attended by extended family members and close friends.

Kurmai Ceremony

Before any Sikh wedding ceremony, there’s a kurmai or formal engagement ceremony where the bride and groom exchange rings. This exchange seals the promise of marriage and the couple’s pledge to one another.

During this ceremony, the groom also receives a Kara (steel bangle) and other items from the bride’s family.

Haldi Ceremony

The Haldi ceremony, also known as the Pithi or Maiyan ceremony, is another in the long list of pre-wedding rituals.

It signifies cleansing and blessing the bride and groom before the wedding festivities. During the ceremony, a paste made with turmeric (haldi), sandalwood, rose water, and other oils is applied to the bride and groom’s skin.

This paste is believed to have antiseptic and beautifying properties. It’s a joyous occasion filled with music, dancing, and blessings for the upcoming marriage.

It’s also not uncommon for friends and family members to coat their bodies with the same paste, adding more fun and togetherness to the affair.

The Haldi ceremony is held one or two days before the wedding proper.

Mehendi ceremony

The Mehendi ceremony is a fun-filled event in which the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with intricate henna designs that symbolise fertility, love, and luck.

As the henna artist begins to draw the henna on the bride, the women begin to sing traditional Punjabi songs about marriage and love.

This ceremony is usually held a day or two before the wedding and is attended by the bride’s female relatives and friends.

The groom’s family may also hold a similar ceremony, where his hands are decorated with henna, but the Mehendi ceremony is mostly about the bride.

Sangeet ceremony

Sangeet means music, which is not surprising that the Sangeet ceremony is a musical extravaganza, where the families of both the bride and groom come together to sing, dance, and celebrate the upcoming wedding.

This ceremony is usually held on the night before the wedding, and is attended by all the guests. It is the party or celebration before the main one. The bride and groom may also perform a special dance together, called the “Jago” dance.

A lot of work goes into this ceremony as the bride, groom, and their friends and family spend weeks practising the various dance moves and routines.

It’s important to confirm the dates for these ceremonies so you can book your Punjabi wedding photographer in the UK, like Royal Bindi, and not miss out on capturing these awesome moments.

Wedding Day Ceremonies

Baraat

The Baraat is the groom’s wedding procession that typically includes the groom’s family and friends. The groom rides on a decorated horse or car, and the procession is accompanied by music and dancing. The Baraat arrives at the bride’s house, where the Milni ceremony takes place.

Milni

The Milni ceremony is the meeting of the two families. The groom’s family is welcomed by the bride’s family, and the two families exchange garlands and gifts. This ceremony symbolizes the union of the two families.

Anand Karaj

Anand Karaj is the Sikh wedding ceremony that takes place in a Gurdwara. The ceremony involves the couple taking four rounds around the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, and the exchange of vows. The ceremony ends with the couple receiving blessings from the Guru Granth Sahib.

Lavan Phere

Lavan Phere is a ceremony where the couple takes four rounds around a sacred fire, representing the four stages of life. The bride leads the first three rounds, and the groom leads the final round. During each round, the couple recites a prayer.

Punjabi Wedding Traditions: Lavaan Phere

Vidaai

Vidaai is the farewell ceremony where the bride says goodbye to her family and leaves with the groom. This ceremony is emotional and signifies the bride’s departure from her family home to start a new life with her husband.

Overall, Punjabi weddings are rich in culture and tradition, with each ceremony holding significant meaning. The Wedding Day Ceremonies are a beautiful and memorable part of the wedding celebration.

Post-Wedding Traditions

Reception

After the wedding ceremony, the newlyweds and their families host a reception party to celebrate their union. The reception is typically held at a banquet hall or a hotel and is attended by family members, friends, and acquaintances. The reception is a grand affair and is marked by music, dance, and sumptuous food.

Doli

The doli ceremony is an emotional ritual that marks the departure of the bride from her parental home. In this ceremony, the bride wearing the punjabi wedding bridal wear sits in a decorated palanquin (doli) that is carried by her brothers or close male relatives to the groom’s house. The bride’s family members bid farewell to her with tears in their eyes, while the groom’s family members welcome her with open arms.

Games and Activities

The post-wedding celebrations also include a range of games and activities that are organized to entertain the guests. One popular game is the “joota chupai” ceremony, where the groom’s shoes are stolen by the bride’s sisters and returned only in exchange for a ransom. Another popular game is the “sargi” ceremony, where the bride’s mother-in-law gifts her a basket of fruits and sweets early in the morning, before sunrise.

Overall, the post-wedding traditions in Punjabi weddings party are a beautiful blend of emotions, rituals, and fun-filled activities that make the wedding celebrations truly memorable.

Punjabi Wedding Attire

Bride’s Dazzling Ensemble:

Traditionally adorned in a red or maroon lehenga choli (punjabi outfits for weddings) with intricate embroidery and embellishments.
The dupatta (veil) is heavily embroidered and elegantly draped over the head.
Modern brides experiment with colours and styles, while the classic red/maroon lehenga choli remains popular.
Gold Bridal jewellery completes the regal look, including necklaces, earrings, bangles, and a maang tikka (forehead ornament).

Groom’s Regal Attire:

Sherwani, a long coat-like garment with intricate embroidery(Royal Punjabi wedding dress), forms the foundation of the groom’s attire.
Churidar pants, tight-fitting and stylish, are paired with the sherwani.
A dupatta adds a touch of elegance, draped over one shoulder.
A majestic turban and a safa (scarf) are key accessories, showcasing cultural heritage.
Jewellery like a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet complete the groom’s sophisticated look.

Mouthwatering Punjabi Cuisine

A Fusion of Flavors:

Punjabi cuisine offers a unique blend of spices and flavors, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences.

Dishes Served in Buffet-Style:

Chole bhature: A delicious combination of chickpea curry and fried bread.
Butter chicken: A creamy and flavorful chicken dish.
Sarson da saag: A heartwarming dish made with mustard greens.
Makki di roti: Traditional flatbread made from corn flour.
Rajma chawal: Kidney beans cooked with rice, a comforting dish.
Paneer tikka: Marinated and grilled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes.

Langar: Sharing the Joy:

A community meal served to all guests, representing the spirit of sharing happiness and celebrating together.
Langar typically includes dal (lentils), rice, chapati (flatbread), and a vegetable dish.

Lively Music & Dance

Energetic Beats Get Everyone Moving:

Bhangra, a high-energy dance form with dhol drums as the main instrument, is a central part of the celebrations.
The infectious rhythms are hard to resist, encouraging everyone to join in the fun.

Vibrant Folk Dances:

Giddha, a lively female folk dance, showcases the grace and joy of the occasion.
Jhumar, a dance form originating from the Sandal Bar region of Punjab, adds another layer of cultural richness to the festivities.

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FAQ’s

Below, we answer numerous questions regarding Punjabi weddings in the UK:

What can you expect during a Punjabi wedding in the UK?

A Punjabi wedding is a series of celebrations, so expect multiple ceremonies like Mehndi and Sangeet. Punjabi weddings in the UK are also equally colourful and full of life. Some ceremonies will be done in the Gurdwara or Sikh temple, and these have a strict dress code.

How long does a Punjabi wedding typically last?

A Punjabi wedding typically lasts several days. Pre-wedding ceremonies like the Roka, Haldi, Mehendi, and Sangeet are followed by the main wedding day celebrations, including the Baraat, Anand Karaj, and Vidaai. Depending on family traditions and arrangements, the entire process can take up to four to five days, but Punjabi weddings in the UK may be condensed into one long weekend.

What are the key pre-wedding rituals in a Punjabi wedding?

Key pre-wedding rituals in a Punjabi wedding include the Roka and Thaka ceremonies, Sagan ceremonies, Haldi, Mehendi, and Sangeet. Each ritual plays a significant role in bringing together the families of the bride and groom and setting the tone for the upcoming wedding celebrations.

What is the significance of the Anand Karaj ceremony in a Punjabi wedding?

The Anand Karaj is the Sikh wedding ceremony that takes place in a Gurdwara, where the couple takes four rounds around the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book. This ceremony represents the spiritual union of the couple and is one of the most important rituals in a Punjabi wedding.

What should the bride and groom wear for a Punjabi wedding?

The bride typically wears a red or maroon lehenga choli with intricate embroidery and gold jewellery, while the groom dons a sherwani with churidar pants, a turban, and traditional accessories. Both the bride and groom may incorporate modern touches to personalise their attire.

What is Mama’s role in Punjabi wedding traditions?

The bride's maternal uncle or mama plays a pivotal role in Punjabi weddings. Primarily, they lead the Chooda ceremony where the bride is gifted a set of red and white bangles (Chooda). The mama also leads the groom’s procession, also known as the baraat. Mamas also complete the turban tying for the groom, as well as performing the role of giving the bride away if the father is unavailable.

Who typically covers the costs of an Indian wedding in the UK?

Traditionally, the bride’s family covers the cost of Indian weddings in the UK. That said, due to the significant costs of booking the wedding venue (especially in London and Birmingham), catering, and hosting the different ceremonies, it is increasingly common in the UK for the groom’s family to sometimes pitch in to support the bride’s family in a Punjabi UK wedding.

What are the common traditional gifts given at Indian weddings?

Gifts are an integral part of Indian weddings. Virtually every pre-wedding and wedding ceremony has a gift-giving component. Common traditional gifts include money, jewellery, sweets, clothes, and religious artefacts like puja thalis or worship plates and idols. Gift vouchers are also beginning to become a trend in the UK.

How many ceremonies or rituals are involved in a Punjabi wedding?

There are at least six pre-wedding ceremonies, about three major wedding rituals, and three post-wedding ceremonies. This makes it at least 12 ceremonies during a Punjabi wedding, although some are sometimes combined or simplified primarily to overcome UK logistics.

What is the appropriate dress code for a Punjabi wedding in the UK?

For a Punjabi wedding in the UK, guests and family members typically dress in formal, traditional attire. For men, the go-to options are often a bright suit and tie or a Sherwani (long coat) with a turban (for Sikhs) or Kurta pyjama with a waistcoat or jacket. Women often wear colourful Salwar Kameez (tunic and trousers) or a Lehenga (long skirt) with intricate embroidery or a bright sari. That said, it’s best to consult the wedding invite to conform to the couple’s wishes.

Is it suitable to wear a sari to a Punjabi wedding in the UK?

A sari is a perfect outfit to wear to a Punjabi wedding. Just make sure it’s not black or white due to the negative connotations of these colours in Sikh tradition. Also, avoid red as that’s reserved for the bride.

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