The Ceremonies

From Roka to Reception

Click any ceremony for the full breakdown: history, samaan, planning checklist, and the classic mistakes.

Pre-Engagement

Roka / Thaka

ਰੋਕਾ / ਥਾਕਾ

The first formal step. Both families agree to the match.

1–2 hours, usually afternoonRead

Engagement

Mangni / Kurmai

ਮੰਗਣੀ / ਕੁੜਮਾਈ

Rings exchanged, often with an ardaas at the gurdwara.

Half day: morning ardaas, lunch, ring ceremonyRead

Pre-Wedding

Akhand Path

ਅਖੰਡ ਪਾਠ

A 48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib for blessings.

48 hours of continuous reading + 1-hour bhog ceremonyRead

Pre-Wedding

Chunni Ceremony

ਚੁੰਨੀ

The groom’s family welcomes the bride with a red dupatta.

2–3 hours, usually afternoon or early eveningRead

Pre-Wedding

Shagun

ਸ਼ਗੁਨ

Cash, sweets, and symbolic gifts pass between households.

Embedded inside another ceremonyRead

Pre-Wedding

Sahee Chithi

ਸਹੀ ਚਿੱਠੀ

The formal written invitation that locks in the date.

30 min visitRead

Pre-Wedding

Ladies Sangeet

ਸੰਗੀਤ

An intimate ladies-only evening at home: dholki, suhaag songs, and chai.

Evening, 7 PM to 11 PMRead

Day 1

Mehndi

ਮਹਿੰਦੀ

Henna, live music, food. A relaxed evening with close friends.

Late afternoon to evening, 4–8 hoursRead

Day 2 · Morning

Haldi / Maiyan

ਮਾਈਆਂ / ਵਟਣਾ

A cleansing turmeric ceremony. The very first maiyan is started by the mother.

Morning brunch, 2–3 hours. Most families are done by early afternoonRead

Day 2 · Night

Jaggo

ਜਾਗੋ

‘Wake up!’ The loudest, most chaotic night of the wedding.

Late evening into 2 AMRead

Day 3

Choora

ਚੂੜਾ

Red and white wedding bangles placed by the maternal uncle.

2–3 hours, mid-morning or early evening the day before the weddingRead

Day 4 · Morning

Sehra Bandi & Ghodi Chadhi

ਸਿਹਰਾ ਬੰਨਣ / ਘੋੜੀ ਚੜ੍ਹਨਾ

The groom’s turban is tied, sehra placed, and he mounts the mare.

1.5–2 hours, mid-morning before the baraatRead

Day 4 · Late Morning

Milni

ਮਿਲਣੀ

The two families formally meet at the venue gate, garland by garland.

30–45 minutes at the venue gateRead

Day 4

Anand Karaj

ਅਨੰਦ ਕਾਰਜ

‘Blissful Union’, four laavaan around the Guru Granth Sahib.

Morning ceremony: baraat ~9 AM, Anand Karaj 1–2 hours, langar after; many families carry on to a same-day party at a second venue (bride’s prep from 5–6 AM)Read

Day 4 · Evening

Doli / Vidaai

ਡੋਲੀ / ਵਿਦਾਈ

The bride’s farewell, a handful of rice thrown over her shoulder.

30–45 minutes after the post-ceremony lunchRead

Day 5

Reception

ਰਿਸੈਪਸ਼ਨ

The grand finale, couple’s first public appearance as a married pair.

Evening, 6 PM through 1 AMRead

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