One of the most
entertaining functions in a Punjabi wedding is the sangeet night, when
excitement for the Big Day is expressed through song and dance! This is usually
allocated as the Mehndi night too.These were typically celebrated by only the families but, nowadays, event managers have taken over the activity. They make the it more lively and the families can enjoy the event hassle free!
Procedure
Generally,
the sangeet night takes place two days before the wedding day. It is usually
held in the evening at the wedding home – although many people opt for function
venues for larger capacity.
There
tend to be more women and children on this function. The evening begins with
traditional folk songs; called kori’s (if you’re on the groom’s
side) or suhaag (if you’re on the bride’s side). A
good explanation of what these traditional Punjabi songs, and other lok
geet mean
can be found here. If you would like copies of common kori or suhaag folk songs then get in touch with Epic Events!
Once the night has opened
with these traditional songs, the wedding guests are free to be as wild and fun
as they please by singing mischievous lyrics, usually aimed at the close
members of the family. This is accompanied by dancing.
Having
a DJ is not uncommon, and is usually appreciated by the younger guests! We work
in collaboration with Soul Sounds Music, who cater for all functions.
During
the singing and dancing, food is provided and mehndi is applied. Although some
people book professional mehndi artistes, it can also be applied by any
creative member of the family. For the recipe, checkout this video.
Purpose
In
some communities, mehndi is applied to both the bride and groom. It is
traditionally applied in intricate designs on the hands and feet, although it
is not restricted to just these areas. Some wedding guests like to get creative
and apply it to the upper arm, stomach or even their back!
For a bride, the longer the mehndi is
kept on, the stronger the love between her and her husband is thought to be.
And likewise, if the groom applies it too. Although, some communities believe
the darker the mehndi turns out, the more the mother-in-law will like her
prospective daughter-in-law!
In India, Memndi is worn by women for
many functions and festivals. It is considered auspicious and a symbol of
celebration.
*Epic
Events Tip*
To enhance the colour of the mehndi,
it should be kept on for as long as possible. To prevent it from crumbling off
when it dries, dab a mixture of lemon and sugar on to it with cotton wool. This
should only be done when the mehndi is dry. This sticky mixture helps to hold
the mehndi in place for longer.
When you want to remove it, avoid
washing it off with water. Instead rub your hands together. Then apply mustard
oil. This oil can be applied several times to enhance or maintain the colour of
the mehndi.
Check
list
§ Mehndi cones – can be bought readymade or made at
home
§ Lemon, sugar and cotton wool – for the locking
agent
§ Mustard oil – for post-maintenance
§ Kori or suhaag songs – booklets will help if your
guests don’t know the words
§ Music!
So
this was the Mehndi and Sangeet night. Next week, we’ll be finding out what
happens on the Jaago night! You an know more about
