In a Pakistani Muslim marriage, specific customs are observed. These encompass the Arsi Mushaf and Nikah ceremonies. Additionally, there are ceremonial practices that precede the wedding which must be adhered to.
Pre-wedding rituals
During the pre-wedding rituals, bride and groom sign the religious marriage contract. The contract contains the terms agreed upon by both families. This is followed by Nikah Nama, where the groom's and bride's duties are recited as per the Quran.
The bride is smeared with turmeric paste. She is then adorned with flowers and jewelry. The bride is usually dressed in a red sharara. The family also presents the bride with a gold coin wrapped in silk. This is an important part of the ceremony, as it signifies the acceptance of the bride into the family.
The bride and groom are also bathed in holy water. Then, they are smeared with turmeric paste and sandalwood paste, which wards off evil eyes. The bride and groom are also given gifts. They also receive a cash gift, called Mehr.
The bride's family is called up to the stage for pictures. The groom is given a turban, which symbolises his status as a man. This is also called Dastar Bandi.
The bride's family also showers the groom with gifts. This includes jewelry and sweets. The family also carries a water pot, called Karah.
The bride and groom are also given a gift, called Choor. The Choor is a scarf that is filled with sweets and healthy food for the bride. It is also used as a symbol of wealth.
The bride and groom are invited to the baraat. They are escorted by male friends. The baraat is a procession of the groom's family and close friends. This is the most important event of the day. The baraat is also accompanied by a horse-carriage. It is a fun-filled event.
The final event is Rukhsati. This is the departure of the bride from her family to her new life. It is very emotional for the bride's family.
The nikah ceremony
Traditionally, the most important part of a Muslim wedding is the Nikah. This is a formal marriage ceremony where the bride and groom promise to marry each other and join their lives together.
The Nikah is performed by a religious scholar. This may be a sheikh, mullah, or an imam. It is usually performed at a mosque. There are various symbolic rituals associated with the Nikah. The Mehar (also known as the Mahr) is a monetary present given by the groom to the bride. It is a symbolic gesture aimed at securing the bride's financial future.
The Mehar is usually monetary, but the bride and groom have also been known to make a gift of jewellery. This may be in the form of gold jewellery, or precious stones.
Before the Nikah, the bride's family hosts a baraat. The baraat consists of gift-money exchange, entertainment, photographs, and a Nikah. The bride and groom have to be present to witness this.
Another ritual is the mehndi. This is a temporary tattoo. This is done to celebrate the couple's coming together. It is also a good opportunity to give the bride the gift of love from the groom's family. This can be a long and drawn out affair, but the bride and groom must be present to see the results.
The nikah is a major event in a Pakistani wedding. The ceremony can take place before or after the barat.
The first look is a ritual where the bride and groom have to look in a mirror to see their reflections. The bride is usually veiled after the Nikah. It is a good opportunity for the bride to show her new family who she is.
Arsi Mushaf ceremony
Among the many Muslim wedding traditions, Arsi Mushraf is a ritual that is celebrated during a Muslim wedding ceremony. It is also referred to as the "first look" ritual. This ritual involves the couple seeing each other's reflections in a mirror. It also symbolizes the importance of togetherness.
During this ritual, the groom's mother visits the bride's house and brings gifts. She also wraps a silver coin in a silk scarf to signify formal acceptance of the bride into the groom's family.
On the wedding day, the groom wears a traditional salwar and kurta. The bridal gown is called Sharara and is usually long and flowing. She also wears a dupatta to cover her head. Her mother-in-law also brings food and cosmetics. The family then gathers together to serve a meal.
Before the wedding, the couple's family and friends set meetings to discuss their plans. The religious heads of the community are also made aware of the discussions. They are also expected to pray for the couple.
A few days before the wedding, future in-laws visit the bride. These relatives also send jewelry and clothes for the bride. They may also apply henna on the bride's hands. The bride's father also asks the groom to take good care of his daughter. The father then hands over the bride to the groom.
The family also brings a copy of the Holy Quran for the bride. This ceremony is symbolic of the bride's new responsibilities as a wife. It also serves as a reminder of the couple's duties after the wedding.
After the ceremony, the bride and groom head to their new home. The couple is then introduced to their family and friends. The guests shower the couple with gifts. The newlyweds are also treated like royalty. A lavish spread is served for the couple and their guests.
Laylat Al Henna
Traditionally, a Muslim wedding celebration is broken up into three different stages. The first ceremony is called Salatul Ishtikara. Traditionally, the ceremony takes place in the mosque, though many weddings take place in the bride's home.
The second part of the wedding celebration is called Valima. It is a colorful event, and it can be held in the presence of all family members, or in a small, exclusive circle. It includes traditional food, dancing and music. Usually, the groom holds the Valima.
The wedding celebration can last for several days. Guests are not allowed to attend the evening party. During the night, a video projection is used for viewing program in closed off areas.
After the ceremony, the couple spends the first night together in the bride's home. The couple is greeted by the groom's mother and father. The mother then ties a silk scarf with a coin around the bride's wrist. This symbolic gesture is meant to welcome the bride into her new family.
During the night, the couple and their guests are introduced to their family and friends. They are then treated like royalty. They are served a meal and gifts. They are also given a chance to relax and unwind. They can also dance and listen to the wedding band play their favorite show tunes.
The wedding ceremony is normally supervised by a mullah. The mullah is a learned Muslim man who is trained in Muslim law. He is also the judge of the marriage. He will officiate the nikah, recite Quran verses, and give a sermon on the significance of marriage in Islam. He will ask the guests to pray for the couple.
After the wedding, a reception is held. This is a great opportunity for the couple to relax and get to know their family and friends.
Joota Chupai
During a Pakistani wedding, there are a number of traditional rituals and events. These events take place over a period of two weeks. The bride is given away by her parents with Allah's blessings.
The most important event of a Pakistani wedding is the Nikkah. The bride and groom are married by signing a religious marriage contract. They wear a sherwani (traditional Indian dress) and have a turban placed on their heads.
A traditional Pakistani wedding lunch includes rice, curries, salads and desserts. The food is based on affordability and the menu varies depending on the family's tastes.
The bride wears a red wedding dress which is adorned with heavy gold jewelry. This dress signifies love and warmth. This red dress is often used by bold brides.
Joota Chupai is a fun tradition at Pakistani weddings. It involves hiding the groom's shoes. This is meant to show that both sides of the family are open and ready for fun.
The Barat is another wedding reception that takes place after the nikkah. It is a big event and is usually attended by a large number of family and friends. Modern day Barat arrangements include a wedding hall, photography and food.
The Gharoli is another ceremony that takes place the night before the Barat. The ceremony involves the groom getting prepared for the wedding by dressing up in a fancy outfit.
The Ghodi Chadna is a ceremony that takes place in the groom's home. It involves dancing by the family. The ceremony is filled with joy.
There are many other traditional wedding ceremonies and rituals. Some families celebrate the wedding for a week or more. Some families opt to have a grand dinner for all their friends and acquaintances.
