What is a sangeet ceremony? To put things in perspective, the sangeet, which used to be a traditional Punjabi and North Indian ceremony primarily, has now taken the whole world by storm. Countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK are celebrating pre-wedding sangeet ceremonies in the Indian style. Even the dance category now has a dedicated Bollywood section.
A musical night encouraging everyone to “sing together" has become an international phenomenon. Now you know how important your sangeet ceremony is, especially if your wedding is right around the corner.
Sangeet Ceremony Tradition, Meaning, And Significance
Look at Punjabi and Gujarati communities; this is where the sangeet ceremony originated. While Punjabis are known to perform Bhangra and Gidda, Gujaratis are known for their colorful Garba nights. The aim is to sing and dance together and rejoice in the union of the lucky couple. Its significance is quite deep-rooted and the entire procession has a very unique aspect of inclusivity that brings families and the community together. There was a time when these sangeet ceremonies used to last for 10 days. However, over time, things changed and modern weddings comprised just 1 or probably 2 days of sangeet ceremonies organised by both the groom and bride brides.
Bringing Generations Together - How The Punjabi Sangeet Night Ceremony Evolved
The Punjabi wedding in particular emphasizes family values of togetherness, sharing happiness, dancing to the same tunes, celebrating with your extended family, and forgetting all your egos and differences. A Punjabi wedding and its sangeet ceremony in particular is incomplete without neighbors teasing the happy couple, family members trying to best one another at dance feats, and friends coming together to sing and spread joy. There was a time when local folk music, musical fables, and Boliyan used to be a staple on these sangeet nights. Now it has become more modern, digital, and instant after the advent of bluetooth tech, real-time streaming, and several apps. All in all, what we see is a more glamorous and Bollywood-inspired version of the sangeet ceremony today.
Did You Get The Sangeet Ceremony Invite Yet?
Usually, the bride's family is the one to organize a Sangeet ceremony. However, couples nowadays across the US and Canada look for excuses to become a part of a traditional Punjabi Sangeet ceremony. It brings families together and keeps the ancient tradition of pre-wedding sangeet ceremonies alive.
Deciding Upon The Date Of The Sangeet Ceremony
Nothing is set in stone. The couple may choose to organize a Sangeet ceremony two nights before the wedding or just one night before the big day. It can last for 2 days or probably 3 days as per their whims and fancies. Some couples prefer to entertain their families, friends, and relatives for 3-4 days, especially if there are many rituals in tow.
Digging In Deep - Sangeet Ceremony And Its Punjabi Cultural Roots
As pointed out, these sangeet night celebrations used to last for 10 days at least. They spanned over the mehndi ceremony, the haldi ritual, the actual wedding day, and the post-wedding day celebrations for both the bride and groom. The celebrations always included dance performances by relatives, friends, and family. It still happens today where the family of the bride welcomes the family of the groom by singing "Suhaag" which is a traditional Punjabi folk song. Another ritual is to bring focus to the bride where all the elder female members sing for her in unison. This is the night when family bonds become stronger.
Music, Beats, & Moves – Bhangra, Gidda & More To Bring Families Together
It is not just Bhangra, Gidda, Sangeet Jaago, or Boliyan but several other types of dance performances as well that have seeped into this beautiful pre-wedding sangeet ceremony. A very popular trend is that of both families getting together to perform choreographed dance performances. Friends of both the bride and groom participate in dance competitions and this is gaining popularity across the US and Canada. Also, there is a separate intricately choreographed segment for the elderly couples in both families.
A Few Fiery Dance Numbers That Couples Across Canada And The US Groove To
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Kala Chashma From The Movie Baar Baar Dekho
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Kar Gayi Chull From The Movie Kapoor And Sons
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Nachde Ne Saare From The Movie Baar Baar Dekho
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London Thumakda From The Movie Queen
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Bole Chudiyan From The Movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham
The list is practically endless and then numerous sangeet ceremony games keep you entertained all night. The festivities at a typical Punjabi wedding scene are limitless. Games like charades, freeze frame, juta chhupai (wedding day), passing the parcel, and many more have always been an inseparable part of a typical Punjabi sangeet ceremony.
What Is A Sangeet Ceremony Without Gifts?
And yes, there are so many gifts that are showered both on the bride and the groom. There are gifts for wedding guests as well. From designer parandis to handcrafted bangles and kadas, and beautiful decor pieces, there is so much to explore at these traditional Punjabi weddings. The sangeet ceremony and other rituals are what make a Punjabi wedding unique. The flavor is unmatched and the vibe is infectious, wouldn't you agree?
