Bride’s side
The bride’s family usually hosts, helps her get ready, receives the visiting relatives, and arranges tea or a meal around the ceremony.
All ceremonies
Pre-Wedding
Chunni Ceremony
ਚੁੰਨੀ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਉਣਾ
The groom’s family welcomes the bride with a red dupatta.
2–3 hours, usually afternoon or early evening
The groom’s family arrives at the bride’s home with a red chunni (dupatta), jewellery, outfits, and shagun. The chunni is placed on the bride’s head by her future mother-in-law, a moment of ‘welcoming her into the family’. In many families the chunni itself is an heirloom, passed down the generations. The mother-in-law may dab a little henna on the bride’s palm for luck; women from the groom’s side dress her in jewellery while the groom’s father places handfuls of dry fruit in her jholi (lap). A sister or bhabhi traditionally helps the bride get ready, and many families exchange engagement rings here too, making the chunni the de-facto official engagement.
A little history
Before phone calls and FaceTime, the chunni ceremony was sometimes the first time the bride met her in-laws properly. It signalled that she was now considered a daughter of the new family.
Who attends
Hosted at the bride’s home. Groom’s parents, siblings, and a few close relatives travel over. Bride’s side keeps it small.
Typical guests
30–60 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 brings the red chunni, jewellery, outfit, dry fruit, and shagun. The future mother-in-law or another chosen elder places the chunni.
Plan together: Some families combine Chunni with Thaka or Mangni. Decide which rituals and gifts happen here so the same welcome is not planned twice.
What to plan
- Red chunni (heavy embroidery, ideally matching wedding palette)
- Bridal jewellery set (one piece minimum, usually a tikka or set)
- Outfit for the bride (suit or lehenga)
- Shagun cash + dry fruits
- Dry fruits for the jholi
- Henna cone for the palm dab
- Tea / high-tea spread for guests
- Photographer for the chunni placement
Samaan checklist
Red chunniJewellery boxOutfit suitcaseMithai + dry fruits
Tick these off as you shop with the free interactive samaan checklistAvoid these mistakes
- Confirm the chunni colour with the wedding palette early
- Don’t skip the photographer. This is one of the most photogenic moments
- Some families combine the chunni with the thaka or the mangni. Decide before sending invites
Common questions
What is the Chunni Ceremony ceremony in a Punjabi-Sikh wedding?
The groom’s family arrives at the bride’s home with a red chunni (dupatta), jewellery, outfits, and shagun. The chunni is placed on the bride’s head by her future mother-in-law, a moment of ‘welcoming her into the family’. In many families the chunni itself is an heirloom, passed down the generations. The mother-in-law may dab a little henna on the bride’s palm for luck; women from the groom’s side dress her in jewellery while the groom’s father places handfuls of dry fruit in her jholi (lap). A sister or bhabhi traditionally helps the bride get ready, and many families exchange engagement rings here too, making the chunni the de-facto official engagement.
Who attends the Chunni Ceremony?
Hosted at the bride’s home. Groom’s parents, siblings, and a few close relatives travel over. Bride’s side keeps it small.
How many guests come to a Chunni Ceremony, and how long does it last?
Typically 30–60 people. 2–3 hours, usually afternoon or early evening.
What are common mistakes to avoid at the Chunni Ceremony?
Confirm the chunni colour with the wedding palette early Don’t skip the photographer. This is one of the most photogenic moments Some families combine the chunni with the thaka or the mangni. Decide before sending invites
What do the bride’s side and groom’s side do for the Chunni Ceremony?
Bride’s side: The bride’s family usually hosts, helps her get ready, receives the visiting relatives, and arranges tea or a meal around the ceremony. Groom’s side: The groom’s family brings the red chunni, jewellery, outfit, dry fruit, and shagun. The future mother-in-law or another chosen elder places the chunni. Together: Some families combine Chunni with Thaka or Mangni. Decide which rituals and gifts happen here so the same welcome is not planned twice.
What samaan do you need for the Chunni Ceremony?
Key items: Red chunni, Jewellery box, Outfit suitcase, Mithai + dry fruits.
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