Events

The Chooda is a centuries old Hindu Punjabi tradition in which the maternal uncle adorns the bride with the Chuda. The Chuda is a set of 21 bangles that represent her first ornaments of being a bride, symbolizing a blessing of prosperity, health, and matrimonial longevity. Kaleeras, ornamental chains of gold, flowers, or beads, are hung to the bride’s chuda by her family and friends as a symbol of luck and a new beginning.

The Baraat is the groom’s arrival procession with his friends and family surrounding him. The groom's family and guests are expected to walk him in towards the bride's side of the family with songs playing as a celebration of his entrance to the venue. The “Reception of Baraat” is the meeting of the families. The male members of each side will exchange garlands signifying the joining of the families as one. The mother of the bride welcomes the groom with a prayer before the Hindu wedding ceremony begins. The Hindu wedding ceremony comprises the 7 steps taken around the sacred fire while taking vows--known as saath phera or saptapadi. Each vow and step signify a stage in the marriage that the couple will encounter. These vows are part of the Vedic rituals and sanctify the union between the two souls with the sacred Agni (fire), family, and friends as witness.

The Vidaai is a ceremony signifying the bride leaving her family and joining the groom’s. As she walks away from her family, she throws handfuls of coins and rice over her shoulders. This ceremony signifies that even though she is leaving her childhood home, she is leaving behind happiness and prosperity for her family as she joins another.