Pakistani Wedding

Pakistani wedding is quite different from wedding of other cultures’ wedding. That’s because it consists of many small and big parties, functions, and get together. If you want to see the real spirit of Pakistani culture, then just attend Pakistani wedding. That’s because wedding in Pakistan is like a function or a set of functions, where Pakistani culture speaks for itself. Let’s have a look on the main events of the Pakistani wedding that all together forms a “complete Pakistani wedding”.

Dholki

It is the first event that takes place few days earlier from the main event of wedding. Dholki is a very lively event that involves the participation of girls and women only. All the female cousins, friends, and relatives of bride are invited in this event. They play “Dhol” (English – Drums), they supposed to dance and sing wedding songs. In this event, bride spends time with her friends and boys are not allowed. This event takes place for 1 or maximum 2 hours. Dholki is not celebrated by all Pakistani, but in recent few years it has gain popularity and majority of Pakistanis celebrate it.

Mayun or Ubtan

It is day, when bride and groom are not supposed to meet and see each other till their wedding day. Celebrations are held in both bride and groom’s houses. Their families gather and apply “Ubtan” or “Turmeric” on bride and groom body parts, such as hands and face. Bride wears yellow dress at this event and all the other decoration also done with yellow colors. Groom wears white colored clothes. This event involves the dancing, singing, drum beating, and small feasting. It takes place for 2 to 3 hours.

Mehendi

It is the next event of the celebrations of wedding in Pakistan. This function involves the dancing, singing competition, DJ music, and feasting. On this day, the family of bride and groom draw “Mehendi” or “Henna” on the hands of bride and groom. Family members bring wedding attire for bride and groom, such as bride’s family hand over the groom wedding attire to groom’s family and vice versa. But still bride and groom are not supposed to meet and see each other. This event takes place for 2 or maximum 3 hours.

“Wedding Day” or Barat & Nikah

It is the main day of the entire ceremony. At this main event, all the arrangements are done and look after by the bride’s family. Nikah is done either in masjid or at the venue of wedding. Groom’s family comes to bride’s house to take the bride with themselves.  Bride wears red colored dress and groom wears black, fawn, or any other color. Dinner is served for all the guests from bride’s family. Relatives, friends, and families take photos with bride and groom, they bring gifts for them, and they wish them good luck for their new life. With the prayers and good wishes, bride’s family sees off bride under. The farewell moment of bride is the most spectacular moment in entire wedding, as at this moment she leaves her family for forever to live with new family and in new place.

Valima

This is the final day of wedding celebrations. This is the reception day from groom’s family, when they invite the groom’s side guests to their home. The newly wed couple welcomes all the guests and says thanks to them to attend their wedding. At this day, the newly wed couple mingles with guests and introduces them with guests.

The things that remain consistent through out the wedding ceremony are laughter, dancing, signing, traditional cuisines, get together, and cheerful moments.