Sukhmani Sahib Path is a peaceful and deeply spiritual prayer in Sikhism, often recited during important life events—including Punjabi weddings—for blessings, peace, and well-being. Composed by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Sikh Guru, Sukhmani Sahib consists of 24 sections (Ashtpadis) and is usually read in the morning or early afternoon, either at home or in a gurdwara. In the context of a wedding, families organize this path (recitation) to seek Guru’s blessings for a harmonious and prosperous married life for the couple. The environment during the path is calm and devotional, with relatives and friends gathering in prayer, followed by langar or tea and snacks. It’s a beautiful way to begin the wedding festivities on a spiritually uplifting note.

In a Punjabi wedding, Sangeet is a vibrant and joyful pre-wedding ceremony filled with music, dance, and celebration. Traditionally held a day or two before the wedding, it brings together both the bride’s and groom’s families for an evening of performances, singing folk songs, and dancing to Bollywood and Punjabi beats. It’s a time for laughter, bonding, and showing love through energetic group dances like Bhangra and Gidda. Today, many families also organize choreographed performances, DJs, and lavish decorations, making it one of the most entertaining events of the wedding festivities.

Haldi is a sacred and joyful pre-wedding ceremony in a Punjabi wedding, usually held on the morning of the wedding day. In this ritual, a paste made of haldi (turmeric), rosewater, and sometimes sandalwood or mustard oil is applied to the bride and groom’s face, neck, hands, and feet by their family members and friends. The haldi is believed to bless the couple, ward off evil spirits, and give a natural glow to their skin before the big day. The atmosphere is fun and lively, often accompanied by dhol, traditional songs, and playful moments, with relatives sometimes smearing haldi on each other too. It symbolizes purity, auspiciousness, and new beginnings.

Jaago is one of the most energetic and fun-filled pre-wedding ceremonies in a Punjabi wedding. The word “Jaago” means “wake up,” and the ceremony is all about waking up the neighborhood to announce the upcoming wedding with loud music, dance, and celebration. Traditionally held the night before the wedding, relatives and friends gather at the bride’s or groom’s house, carrying a decorated “gaagar” (clay pot with candles or lights) on their heads. Women sing traditional Punjabi boliyan, and everyone dances to the beat of the dhol, going from house to house in the locality or dancing in the streets. Jaago is a way of saying, “Come celebrate with us!” It reflects the vibrancy, togetherness, and rich cultural roots of a Punjabi wedding.

Anand Karaj is the sacred Sikh wedding ceremony, meaning “blissful union”, where the bride and groom are united in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy scripture of Sikhism. The ceremony typically takes place in a Gurdwara or a home setup with Guru Granth Sahib Ji installed. It begins with the Ardas (prayer), followed by the Lavan—four hymns composed by Guru Ram Das Ji, which are sung as the couple walks around Guru Granth Sahib Ji four times, symbolizing their spiritual union and commitment. Anand Karaj is not just a legal or social bond but a spiritual journey, emphasizing equality, mutual respect, and shared responsibilities in marriage. The ceremony is simple, serene, and deeply meaningful, ending with Ardas and Hukamnama, and often followed by a langar or wedding feast.