A Pakistani wedding is unique in it’s own way. The nupitals are a family event, with the parents and the elders of the bride and groom involved in uniting the pair from the initial discussions, to the Walima, which marks the end of the marriage ceremony.
1. Inital Meetings
The prospective groom and his family will always approach the bride and her relatives first at a primary meeting. The groom’s parents will propose on behalf of their son and bring sweets and gifts for their future daughter-in-law. The bride’s parents must give their word that they honestly accept the proposal, also known as zabaan.
2. Engagement Party
The bride and groom’s families come together to throw a joint engagement party. It’s normally on a small scale, and the groom will formally ask for the bride’s hand and present her with a ring. The families will also decide on a date for the wedding and Nikkah, and the planning can officially begin.
3. Mayoon Ceremony
The Groom’s mother brings turmeric and this is applied on the bride’s skin to give it a healthy glow. The bride will usually wear a casual, salvwar kameez during the ceremony. It’s a small gathering for intimate family members, and traditionally just the ladies, to make the bride feel relaxed and pampered before her Big Day.
4. Bridal Nikkah
Away from the wedding hall, in a separate room, the bride sits with the imam (priest) for her Nikkah ceremony. The imam ensures that the bride understands the marriage contract, which is similar to a registry document. There must be at least two witnesses present at the bridal Nikkah - generally her father and another elder, sometimes her new father-in-law. These days it’s common for family and close relatives to also attend.
5. Groom’s Nikkah
The Groom makes his entrance into the wedding hall. When the imam arrives and the witnesses are present, verses from the Qur’an are read and the groom must agree to the contract by declaring ‘I accept’ or ‘qubool hai’ three times.
6. Bridal Entrance
Now the couple is officially married, the bride makes her way into the hall accompanied by her immediate family. Sometimes the bride is veiled when she sits next to the groom so that he can unveil her in a ritual called Munh Dikhai.
7. D’ua Prayers
The imam leads the couple, their families and the wedding guests in prayers calling for a happy and long marriage. Everyone bows their heads to ask Allah to bless the new union with health, happiness and fertility. D’uas are also said to fortify the couple’s faith as they start their new lives together.
8. Wedding Banquet
The lunch or dinner reception is typically rich Pakistani cuisine including traditional curries, biryani and meat. Once dinner is over, a couple will also cut their cake. Depending on the religious beliefs, there may be dancing and music, but orthodox Muslims will have Nasheed, religious hymns, playing during the feast.
9. Rukhsati
As the wedding winds down, the newlyweds hug and bid farewell to their guests. The Qur’an is held over the bride’s head as she walks from the stage to the exit in order to bless and protect her. This is a solemn moment for the bride’s parents as it marks the departure of their daughter from their home.
8. Walima
This is the final celebration, traditionally held by the groom’s side once the marriage is official. These days, both families tend to have an equal say in the style of each ceremony and may host the event together. Normally, it will be held in a lavish venue, with caterers, entertainment and décor companies booked to ensure an extravagant celebration.
Photography: Bilal Saeed Photography, Awais Javed Photography, Seemal Khan Bangash
As seen in Khush Wedding 25. Buy this issue here