Pakistani Muslim marriage ceremonies are characterized by the customary practice of the rasam. This unique dish is made ahead of time and presented during the wedding festivities. A tasty treat, it is crafted by the sisters of the bride, consisting of rice, lentils, and a blend of spices.
Aarsi Mashuf is a pakistani wedding rasam
Aarsi Mashuf is essentially a religious ceremony that marks the union of a bride and a groom. The ceremony is performed by an imam (rabbi), who performs the religious ceremony. It includes rituals such as the exchange of rings and gifts, which are performed by the bride's family. This ceremony is traditionally held at the bride's home, but is increasingly held at hotels, restaurants, or marriage halls. There are considerable regional variations in the way these ceremonies are performed in Pakistan.
The groom's family is also expected to give the bride a small amount of money, which is exchanged by the groom's family. Other customs and traditions involved in the ceremony include the Dastar Bandi, which is a turban placed on the groom's head, and the naqqash, which is the customary payment by the groom's family for his bride's family's wedding food.
Manjha
The Manjha ceremony is one of the most important Hindu rituals that take place before a wedding. It consists of smearing the bride and groom with turmeric and sandalwood paste, and bathing them in holy water. The bride-to-be is then forbidden from leaving her house until the day of the wedding. The ceremony is followed by a series of celebrations.
The bride's relatives and friends feed her with food before applying mehndi to her hands. This ritual is supposed to bring her luck and longevity in marriage. The ceremony is also marked by elaborate performances. Traditionally, women were the only participants, but in recent years, men have been included in the festivities as well.
The Manjha ceremony is very similar to the Mehendi ceremony in Hindu culture. The bride's family prepares the Mehendi design by applying henna on her skin and the groom's family sends the bride's family clothes and ornaments. The wedding party is then welcomed by the bride's family and groom's family. The groom shares a sweetened drink with the bride's brother.
Paon Dhulai
Pakistani wedding rituals are based on Islamic belief. Rasm-e-Heena is one of these rituals. It is held before the wedding by both the bride's family and the groom's family. It is an important part of the ceremony, as it is the bride's tradition to throw rice over her head before leaving her mother's house and entering the life of a new family.
The ceremony is performed a week before the wedding. During this ceremony, the groom's family and relatives arrive carrying gifts for the bride in hampers. These gifts usually include expensive clothes, sweets and fruits. The groom's mother then presents the bride's mother with an earthen pot filled with Misri. Seven married women then join the bride mother and draw a picture of the God Ganesha on the pot. After this ceremony, the couple is allowed to court.
The groom is also dressed in traditional wedding attire. He would wear a turban on his head, which is symbolic of inclusion in the 'circle of men'. The bride's family would also present him with money and gifts. Guests at the wedding were asked to pay Nehndra, which is a customary payment towards the wedding.
Maklava
The wedding reception is the first major event of the wedding celebration. It provides the couple with time to unwind and introduce themselves to friends and extended family. It is also a time to shower the newlyweds with blessings and gifts. The couple also exchanges the 'walimah,' or final public declaration of marriage, in the presence of their loved ones and the community. This ceremony is followed by Chauthi, which takes place four days after the wedding. This is when the bride and groom visit the bride's family and are welcomed with gifts and food. Following this, the couple is brought to a dining room for a traditional wedding feast.
The groom and his family are welcomed by the bride's family with tea and fruits. The wedding rasams are accompanied by songs and dances by the bride's family. This ceremony is typically intimate and personal and has two witnesses.
Maklava is a traditional Punjabi custom
Maklava is an integral part of a Punjabi wedding. The groom's family also plays a role in the ceremony. It is an exchange ceremony, where the newlyweds exchange gifts from their families to the bridegroom's family. It is an important part of a Punjabi wedding, as it helps to bring people from different communities together.
Before the actual wedding ceremony, the bride and groom must sign the Nikahnama, a contract which states the marriage. This is usually done by the groom's family or a religious scholar at a mosque. The couple then spends the night in the bride's family and then attend a large family brunch.
The Groom's family will accompany him as he makes his way to the bride's home, carrying flowers. The Groom will be accompanied by his sisters, who will wave flowers and carry a water pot on their heads. Other family members will sing songs and call drummers to keep the momentum going.
Mehendi is a women-centric event
The Mehendi ceremony is one of the most important events for a Pakistani woman. It is a day of self-expression and celebration for a young woman. It also has an important social and cultural significance, as it celebrates the importance of women's rights. The tradition of Mehendi is very popular in Pakistan and is held throughout the country.
The Mehendi ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual that usually occurs one day before the wedding. Traditionally, only the bride and groom participate in the ceremony, though close relatives can also participate. The bride wears a light-colored dress and Kurta Pajama, and the groom is encouraged to wear a small design.
Women's rights in Pakistan have a long history. In December 1986, the International Commission of Jurists visited Pakistan and called for the repeal of the Hudood Ordinance, which discriminated against women. It also led to the election of Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to lead a Muslim country. Bhutto was assassinated while campaigning for the 2008 general election.
Mehendi is a tradition in Sindhi weddings
Mehendi is a traditional ritual for Sindhi brides and grooms. The ceremony is light-hearted with no religious connotation and focuses on the beauty of the bride to prepare her for nuptials. The ceremony is preceded by a traditional Navgrahi puja, invoking the balance of the planets. This is typically held the day before the wedding, and must be performed by the bride's family and relatives. In Sindhi weddings, the bride's family must be present, and her family must go to the groom's family's home first.
A Sindhi wedding involves many rituals, including sending sweets to guests and sending a mehendi to the bride. This ritual involves seven women applying oil to the bride's hair, and the bride is showered with rose petals. She is also adorned with lavender leaves, turmeric, and wheat. The Groom's sisters sing a traditional song called sehra around her head.
Barat is a modern-day version of a traditional pakistani wedding ritual
The Baraat ceremony is the highlight of the main wedding day, and is performed before the traditional wedding vows are exchanged. This ritual starts at an auspicious time, and can last for several hours, depending on the energy level of the group.
During this ceremony, the groom and bride wear traditional costumes. The groom wears a long jacket called a sherwani, which is usually red or gold and is made of brocade fabric. The bride wears a Lehenga, which is a long, embroidered gown. The bride is often adorned with gold jewelry and wears a richly-decorated Lehenga.
The Barat ceremony is one of the highlights of a Pakistani wedding. It takes place the day after the nikkah ceremony, and is a day when the bride and groom and their families are brought to the bride's house. The ceremony is typically attended by many guests, and the groom wears a traditional sherwani.
Arrangements of a modern-day Barat
The modern Baraat ceremony has a few changes compared to its traditional roots. Today, the Baraat is no longer a procession; instead, it is a few hours of dancing and singing. The bride and groom dance together in a joint baraat.
The two families involved in the marriage must agree on the marriage proposal. After the two families have decided, arrangements are made for the relatives from across Pakistan and abroad. While some people do not follow all the traditions, the three main events of the Baraat are the Nikkah ceremony, the Henna ceremony, and the Valima. These ceremonies may vary slightly depending on the region of Pakistan.
The ceremony is typically followed by a photo shoot. The bride and groom sign a Nikahnama, a contract that is signed by them in the presence of their families. A religious scholar from the mosque performs the ceremony, who is typically an Imam, Mufti, Sheikh, or Mullah. There must also be two witnesses.
