Coming from two very different backgrounds and cultures, my
husband who is Punjabi (East Indian) and I (Caucasian) instantly had a lot to
learn about each other’s culture and family traditions. After fifteen years of
insight, we have truly created a strong foundation for our children to learn
about both cultures and experience so many neat traditions from both families.
What is an Indian Ladies’ Sangeet?
One of mine and my daughter’s favorite traditions in the
Sikh culture is called a Sangeet cermony. A
few close members of the groom’s family are also invited. If you are on the
guest list for the Sangeet, a card will be inserted in your formal wedding
invitation (that is typically hand delivered). This occasion is the Indian
version of an American bridal shower, minus the gift registry. Generally
monetary gifts are given to the bride. Common gift amounts include $21, $51 or
$101. A $1 amount is often added to all round numbers for “good” luck.
Bright colors are commonly worn by all of the ladies in
attendance. Some of the outfits may include a Sari, an unstitched cloth that is
wrapped around the body and draped over the shoulders. A lehenga with a choli
is also worn by many ladies. A lehenga is a form of long skirt which is
pleated. It is usually embroidered or has a thick border at the bottom. A choli
is a blouse shell garment, which is cut to fit to the body and has short
sleeves and a low neck. No matter what outfit is chosen, there is always
matching bracelets and a jewelry set (that includes a necklace and earrings)
that accompanies it.
Like the majority of Indian functions, you arrive and are instantly
greeted by the bride’s immediate family. You drink Indian Tea (chah) and enjoy
various fresh and fried appetizers.
The bride’s family begins the Sangeet by singing traditional
songs about getting married, while clapping and dancing in a circle. Sometimes
one person will sing or there will be many singing at once. The bride’s family
will also play the dholki (an Indian drum) and dance to the beat while singing
songs that tease the groom’s family. The women will pass around a Jago (a
sequenced round holder that usually has lit candles or lights inside). These
days people hire professional DJs and have a dance party (after the singing by
the ladies) and serve a catered Indian dinner. This event can last several
hours!
If you have never been to a Ladies’ Sangeet you are missing
out! It is a very entertaining time of good food, singing and dancing. If you are not very sure about handling the event all by your self, you can always get professional help from Event Managers in Hyderabad.
