Pakistani weddings are a beautiful amalgamation of culture, tradition, and emotion. Beyond the main ceremonies, these weddings are woven with small traditions that add depth and joy to the celebration. Each ritual, no matter how tiny, is a thread that ties together the love, laughter, and unity of families. In this blog, we explore the lesser-known but deeply cherished traditions that make Pakistani weddings so magical. Let's explore the details, with each tradition telling its own unique story.
1. Dholki - The rhythm of joy
A few weeks before the wedding, the sounds of the Dholki begin to fill the air. This event is about bringing friends and family together for a night filled with music, traditional songs, and dancing. People gather in the bride or groom's home, taking turns to sing traditional songs, share stories, and create memories. It’s informal, fun, and an opportunity for everyone to let loose before the wedding rush begins.
2. Ubtan - The glow-up ritual
One of the most beautiful traditions is the Ubtan or haldi ceremony, where a mixture of turmeric, sandalwood, and rose water is applied to the bride and groom’s faces, arms, and feet. This is believed to give them a natural glow and prepare their skin for the upcoming celebrations. The bride often wears a simple lehenga in shades of yellow, while the groom may don a traditional kurta. The ceremony is filled with laughter as family members playfully smear Ubtan on each other. It’s a moment where joy and tradition blend, making the bride and groom feel cherished.
3. Joota chupai - Hiding the groom's shoes
A playful tradition during the baraat (the groom's arrival) is Joota chupai. The bride’s sisters and cousins hide the groom’s shoes, demanding a ‘ransom’ in exchange for their return. It’s a friendly tussle between the bride’s and groom’s sides, filled with laughter and negotiations. The groom, often dressed in an elegant sherwani, eventually has to pay up, adding a fun twist to the formalities. This little prank embodies the camaraderie between the two families, creating a lighthearted memory amid the grand celebration.
4. Doodh pilai - Sweet welcome
Another lighthearted tradition is Doodh pilai, where the bride’s sisters offer the groom a glass of milk. In return, they demand a gift or money as a gesture of goodwill. It’s a symbolic way to welcome the groom into the bride’s family, adding a sweet touch to the ceremony. This usually happens during the baraat when both families join in a joyful celebration of the marriage.
5. Rasm-e-henna - The art of henna
The rasm-e-henna, or mehndi, is a beloved tradition where detailed henna designs are drawn on the bride’s hands and feet. It represents beauty, happiness, and good luck. This event is filled with songs, dances, and a celebration of the bride's upcoming transition into married life. It’s a night of colorful joy, where everyone gathers to bless the bride with love and happiness.
6. Sehra bandi - The groom's floral veil moment
In this tradition, the groom's family ties a Sehra (a floral veil) over the groom’s face before he sets off to the bride's house. Dressed in a regal sherwani, the groom is surrounded by his family as they recite prayers and offer blessings for the journey ahead. This moment symbolizes the groom’s readiness for marriage and is often accompanied by prayers and blessings from elders. It’s a time when the groom’s family prepares him for the journey to his new life, surrounded by their love and support.
7. Rukhsati - An emotional farewell
The rukhsati is a very emotional tradition where the bride says goodbye to her family as she leaves with her groom. It’s a mix of happy and sad feelings, with lots of tears and good wishes. The bride's family walks her to the car. It’s a touching moment that shows her moving from her childhood home to start a new life, taking the love and prayers of her family with her
8. Chauthi - The first day back home
After the wedding, the groom’s family holds a chauthi ceremony to welcome the bride into her new home. This small gathering helps the bride get comfortable with her new family and celebrates her arrival. The bride’s family visits her at the groom’s house, bringing gifts and sweets. This ceremony is about connecting the two families and making the bride feel at home in her new surroundings.
9. Salami and gifts exchange - Sharing blessings
During the wedding festivities, the bride and groom receive salami, which are cash gifts given by close relatives as a blessing. It’s a gesture of love and goodwill, adding to the couple’s new beginnings. This tradition also includes the exchange of gifts between the bride’s and groom’s families, symbolizing respect and unity. It’s a beautiful way to start the marriage, surrounded by blessings and good wishes.
10. Saath supari - A sweet exchange
This tradition involves the bride and groom exchanging supari (betel nuts) seven times as a symbol of their bond and commitment to each other. It’s a small, intimate moment that symbolizes the exchange of promises and shared responsibilities in their new life together. This ritual is performed during the wedding ceremony, offering a quiet, meaningful gesture amidst the celebration.
Embracing the little moments in Pakistani weddings
These small traditions are what give Pakistani weddings their heart and soul. They reflect the warmth, the playfulness, and the emotional depth of a wedding, beyond the glittering attire and grand ceremonies. Each tradition, whether it involves a playful prank or a heartfelt goodbye, weaves a story that stays with the couple and their families forever. And in this journey, the bride and groom, surrounded by the love and laughter of their closest ones, are ready to embark on a new chapter of their lives.Whether you’re a guest, a family member, or part of the wedding party, knowing about these small traditions can make the experience more meaningful. Embrace the rhythm of the dholki, enjoy the playful bargaining of joota chupai, and cherish the heartfelt tears of the rukhsati. Every moment adds to the beauty of the celebration, making it a memory that lives on for years to come.
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