Know Your Punjabi Terms For Your Upcoming Sikh Wedding

While weddings can be crazy, Punjabi Sikh weddings bring it to the next level! I have shot so many Punjabi Sikh weddings in the past, and it has a special feeling that most other weddings can not replicate. From multi day celebrations, games, to the fantastic decors and outfits, Punjabi Sikh weddings hold a special place in my heart. 

But its no surprise that language barriers may be an issue. As a photographer with Chinese heritage, Punjabi is a language that is far from my base. So it is important when I photography my Indian clients to know a few terms and symbolism to make their wedding day matter even more. 

Whether you’re a guest, a photographer or a staff at the wedding, here are some common words you should know so you can enjoy the wedding as well! 

Mehndi 

Mehndi is typically an event held prior the wedding day. Typically the event is held at homes of the bride. There, female friends and relatives of the brides and including the bride herself, have their hands and feet decorated with henna tattoos. It is a fun even where they relax, chat, and have their bodies painted with tattoos. If you’re invited to one, go at it! The henna tattoos will last for two weeks and you’ll look sparkling good! 

Choora 

Money makes the world go round! On the wedding day at the bride’s home, the chore is where the family of the couple gifts the newlyweds a set of red bangles,. Bangles are ring bracelets made of shiny metals, wood or plastic worn by the bride. The relatives and close family members help the bride put on the bangles along with gifts. Friends may also participate. 

Maiyan 

Let’s party! This evening ritual is done a day prior the wedding! Taking place at night, the Mayan includes many rituals such as the Choora (bridal decoration), Jaggo (dancing) and food! If you’re invited to this event, make sure you have some dancing skills prepared to show them off. 

Jaggo 

Indians love to dance! Typically the family dance and sing with vessels on top of their heads, called a khadaa. They’re typically decorated with LED lights. Jaggo typically take place at the bride or groom’s home with a dance floor. From there families proceed from start of the house to the dance floor and party all night! Relatives will carry a long stick and hit a wooden instrument to make noises. 

Doli 

Right after the wedding, the dole begins. This is where it gets emotional, as doli is the ritual of the bride symbolically leaving her parent’s home for the first time. During this ceremony, the bride throws rice over her head, as a symbol of good fortune for her parents. Here, she says her goodbyes to her families, and she moves to the groom’s home. If you’re apart of this event, give her the biggest hug you can, as this is an emotional event on the wedding day. 

Anand Karaj 

In Punjabi, the direct translation of this word means Blissful Union. An hour long, the ceremony has many rituals. From homilies, to the lama, tolaavan, the ceremony are typically held at gurdwaras (Sikh temples).