Celebrating Pakistani Culture: How to Host a Traditional Pakistani Wedding in USA (2023)

A traditional Pakistani wedding is a joyous celebration that brings together families and friends to celebrate the happiness of two individuals who are beginning a new journey of their lives. Pakistani weddings are enriched with tradition, and there are various festive events that take place before, during, and after the wedding ceremony. In this blog post, we will discuss the different events that take place in a traditional Pakistani wedding and what makes them so special.

Engagement Ceremony

The engagement ceremony is usually the first formal step towards marriage. The groom's family visits the bride's family and bring a ring, sweets, often times sent a Pakistani Engagement Dress ahead of time and gifts as a token of their commitment and love. This ceremony is also known as Mangni or Sagai. During the engagement ceremony, both families get to know each other, and the couple is officially engaged.

Mehndi Ceremony

The Mehndi ceremony is a pre-wedding ritual where the bride's hands and feet are decorated with intricate henna designs. It is usually a fun and festive event uplifted with music, dance, and food. The bride and her female family members often wear yellow bridal mehndi dresses or green-colored clothes, and the groom's family also attends the ceremony. This event is usually held separately for the bride and the groom.

Baraat

The Baraat is the groom's wedding procession, which typically includes the groom's family and friends, riding horses or decorated cars, proceeding to the bride's house. The groom is traditionally accompanied by a band playing traditional wedding music, and the atmosphere is very festive. The bride often times wear a traditional bridal lehenga or gown outfit. Once the Baraat arrives at the bride's house, they are welcomed with flower petals, rose water, and a traditional welcome dance.

Nikkah Ceremony

The Nikkah ceremony is the actual wedding ceremony, where the bride and groom sign the marriage contract in the presence of witnesses, an Islamic religious figure, and family members. During the ceremony, the groom is asked three times if he agrees to marry the bride, and the couple exchanges rings. Once the Nikkah is completed, the couple is officially married and a reception is held to celebrate the occasion.

Rukhsati

The Rukhsati is the formal departure of the bride from her family's home to her husband's home. It is an emotional moment for the bride's family, and the bride usually receives gifts and lots of blessings from her family. The car in which the groom's family brings the bride to her new home is beautifully decorated with flowers. Before leaving her parent's home, the bride throws her bridal dress dupatta over her head as a sign of respect for her parents.

Walima Reception

The Walima reception is the wedding feast hosted by the groom's family. It is usually a formal event where the bride and groom are presented as a married couple. Wearing traditional pakistani walima dresses for brides and sherwani or 3 piece suit for the groom. When the bride and groom make an entry, a beautiful song is played and everyone pays attention to them. The event usually takes place a day or two after the wedding, and it is often less grand than the wedding ceremony. The groom's family usually invites close family and friends to the reception. This event is filled with love, joy, and food.

In addition to these traditional events, Pakistani weddings often feature vibrant and colorful clothing, delicious food, and music and dance performances. Pakistani weddings are a celebration of family and community, and the festivities can last for several days. The events of a Pakistani wedding are a perfect mix of Islamic and Pakistani cultural traditions, and they showcase the beauty of both.

In conclusion, a traditional Pakistani wedding is a beautiful and joyous celebration that brings together families and friends to celebrate the union of two people in love. The events of a Pakistani wedding are steeped in tradition and showcase the rich culture of Pakistan. From the engagement ceremony to the Valima reception, each event is unique and special, and they all come together to create a memorable wedding experience for the bride and groom.