If you want to witness tradition in all its glory, you must attend a Punjabi wedding. These weddings are loaded with ancient traditions and rarely-heard-of rituals. One of the most pious, romantic, and lovable traditions is that of the Sahe Chithi in Punjabi weddings. We say pious because it brings two families together. We say lovable because it sprouts from the love of the betrothed and that makes it even more special. There is so much to talk about here but before that, let’s talk about sahe chithi and how the word came into being.
So What Is This Traditional Punjabi Wedding Invitation Called Sahe Chithi?
Sahe chithi or ‘Saha Chithi’ it is. Saha is a Punjabi word meaning wedding, marriage, or “Vyah.” Chithi is literally a letter. This translates into a wedding letter. So this is an official wedding invitation that is crafted carefully by the bride’s side and it is then presented to the groom’s side of the family. This is to invite them to solemnize the wedding. A Sahe chithi in Punjabi wedding clearly mentions the decided day of the ceremony and includes all the other wedding details. Some may also decide to put in information about the people who are going to be a part of the wedding celebration. What used to be a stylish and almost royal or shahi tradition has lived on to become an even more fun and titillating affair in modern times. The so-ever-important Sahe Chithi still holds a very special place in most Punjabi weddings.
However, in the olden golden days, the responsibility for this adorable tradition was given to the designated Granthi of the Gurdwara. The gathering, often known as a Panchayat in a Punjabi village would prepare it with utmost care and precision.
The handwritten sahe chithi was sealed with the auspicious ੴ (Ik Onkar - A Sikh Gurbani Symbol). The paper would be adorned with this religious emblem in turmeric and the rest of the message would be in regular ink. Then the bride’s family would drop a few drops of saffron on the letter which is done to stain it in red (highly auspicious). It is a sign of new beginnings and the start of a new journey for the couple.
Sahe Chithi In Punjabi Wedding – How Traditional Wedding Invitations Changed Over Time
What used to be a big and time-consuming affair back in the day was traditionally handwritten by a Granthi. It has become instant and digital in Canada and the US now. People believe in finesse and professionalism and for all the right reasons. There is still a heavy influence of religion though and that is what keeps us connected to our roots. Now, numerous designers and calligraphers offer diverse designs and textures for unique Sahe chithi ideas. These days, sahe chithi designs and patterns vary depending on the region that families belong to and also the family traditions and personal preferences.
The modern-day sahe chithi sample variations make use of digital technology. What you get is beautifully designed papers with various textures. The couple can choose the color of their choice along with the font. They also get customizable templates that can be edited and modified as per the choice of the bride and groom in Canada. Then details like the names, dates, and other info can be added later by the professional if you don’t know how to write sahe chithi in Punjabi while living in the US or Canada.
Sahe Chithi In Punjabi Wedding Invitations - A True Sign Of Respect And Family Bonding
The most definitive part of this traditional ritual is how it pays respect to the families and their elders in particular. The Sahe Chithi tradition is not just a formal invitation but a symbol of respect. Its preparation, thought process, and design used to take days if not weeks. A lot of effort and care went into creating a sahe chithi and this is what sets it apart from other traditions. It brings together families and binds their traditions, values, culture, and rituals in the same thread.
Want to know what a traditional Sahe chithi in a Punjabi wedding looks like? Here have a look!
Why The Punjabi Wedding Is Incomplete Without The Sahe Chithi?
The Purpose Of Sahe Chithi Wedding Invitations
Do you know that the sahe chithi ritual was not just an invitation but a message to the groom and his family that they can start the wedding preparations? Back in the day, weddings used to take maybe a few weeks to arrange. Now, these wedding preparations start a year before.After receiving the Sahe Chithi, the groom and his family can dive into wedding preparations head-on. Then, invites are sent to far-off relatives and guests and numerous other customs and rituals begin as well.
Sending Out The Sahe Chithi
The Sahe Chithi set is sent to the groom usually a week or two before the wedding day. The customs related to the Saha Chithi include immediate family members and relatives only. Then what follows is a long string of festivities and rituals for every single day and they continue till the wedding day. Other formal wedding invitations to friends and relatives are sent only after the 'Sahe Chithi' is sent to the groom. And look who comes bearing gifts? The vichola is the person responsible for making sure that this chithi reaches the groom in time. It can also be a key member of the family who performs this ritual. He or she arrives at the groom's house with the invitation and gifts for all including sweets and dry fruits.
Conclusion
There are so many families in Punjabi villages that have kept this amazing and adorable tradition alive through modern sahe chithi ideas. You can revive it too if you have any wedding in your family or social circle in Canada or the US.
Reconnecting with your toots and age-old traditions is always enlightening and satisfying, wouldn’t you agree?
