Bride’s side
This is traditionally the bride’s ceremony. Her maternal uncles present and place the choora, while close relatives help with the kaleere, gaana, blessings, and songs.
All ceremonies
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 wedding
An intimate morning ceremony. The bride’s mama (maternal uncle) places the choora, 21 red and white bangles, onto her wrists, then attaches the kaleere (hanging gold ornaments). The bride covers her hands and doesn’t see the choora until the wedding ceremony itself. Before the mama slides the bangles on, the choora is passed around so every relative present touches it and adds a blessing, then it is dipped in a milk-and-water (or lassi) mixture. The kaleere are traditionally tied by the bride’s friends, and at the end milk is offered to the uncles and aunts to drink.
Read the full guide: the Choora ceremonyA little history
The choora is traditionally worn for 40 days after the wedding (or up to a year). 21 bangles is the customary count: 11 on one arm and 10 on the other. Kaleere were originally functional. The bride would shake them over unmarried girls, and whichever fragment fell on someone meant they’d be married next.
Who attends
Closest family only: bride’s parents, mama-mami, siblings, grandparents.
Typical guests
15–40 people
Family roles
Bride’s side and groom’s side
The religious meaning stays the same, but household roles can differ. Use this as a conversation starter, not a rigid rulebook.
The groom’s family usually has no direct ritual role and often does not attend. Their parallel getting-ready tradition is Sehra Bandi and Ghodi Chadhi.
Plan together: Keep the Choora intimate unless both families explicitly want otherwise. The couple normally reunites later for the wedding-day ceremonies.
What to plan
- Choora set (book 2 months ahead, ivory or imitation, both fine)
- Kaleere (lightweight gold-plated)
- Lassi + milk for the choora dipping ritual
- Rose petals for the thaal
- Sanger booklet (traditional choora songs)
- Speakers + playlist as backup
- Lunch for the family (15–40)
- Bride’s suitcase packing for next day
- Consider an heirloom outfit. A mother’s own wedding lehenga is a beloved choora-night tradition
- Early dinner and an early night. Wedding-day prep starts 5–6 AM
Samaan checklist
21 choora bangles (red + white)Kaleere setThaal with lassi and rose petalsRed chunni to cover the bride’s handsSanger booklet
Tick these off as you shop with the free interactive samaan checklistAvoid these mistakes
- Get wrist measurements TWICE. Bangles can’t be resized easily
- Don’t let the bride see the choora before the Anand Karaj
- Sleep early. Day 4 starts in the dark
- Stack a backup pair of kaleere. They break easily
Real wedding inspiration
Use these real-wedding references to discuss the atmosphere, details and moments you want with your family and suppliers.
Common questions
What is the Choora ceremony in a Punjabi-Sikh wedding?
An intimate morning ceremony. The bride’s mama (maternal uncle) places the choora, 21 red and white bangles, onto her wrists, then attaches the kaleere (hanging gold ornaments). The bride covers her hands and doesn’t see the choora until the wedding ceremony itself. Before the mama slides the bangles on, the choora is passed around so every relative present touches it and adds a blessing, then it is dipped in a milk-and-water (or lassi) mixture. The kaleere are traditionally tied by the bride’s friends, and at the end milk is offered to the uncles and aunts to drink.
Who attends the Choora?
Closest family only: bride’s parents, mama-mami, siblings, grandparents.
How many guests come to a Choora, and how long does it last?
Typically 15–40 people. 2–3 hours, mid-morning or early evening the day before the wedding.
What are common mistakes to avoid at the Choora?
Get wrist measurements TWICE. Bangles can’t be resized easily Don’t let the bride see the choora before the Anand Karaj Sleep early. Day 4 starts in the dark Stack a backup pair of kaleere. They break easily
What do the bride’s side and groom’s side do for the Choora?
Bride’s side: This is traditionally the bride’s ceremony. Her maternal uncles present and place the choora, while close relatives help with the kaleere, gaana, blessings, and songs. Groom’s side: The groom’s family usually has no direct ritual role and often does not attend. Their parallel getting-ready tradition is Sehra Bandi and Ghodi Chadhi. Together: Keep the Choora intimate unless both families explicitly want otherwise. The couple normally reunites later for the wedding-day ceremonies.
What samaan do you need for the Choora?
Key items: 21 choora bangles (red + white), Kaleere set, Thaal with lassi and rose petals, Red chunni to cover the bride’s hands, Sanger booklet.
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