The Inside Scoop on Traditional Sangeet Ceremonies
Sangeet Ceremony
If you’re about to get married soon and are wondering what a Sangeet ceremony is or what its significance is according to Indian traditions, you’ve landed at the right place. A Sangeet ceremony is a huge part of the many traditions and customs of an Indian wedding and you should know everything about it if you plan one in the near future or are attending one soon. Indian Sangeet ceremony here, from what it means to its significance, who to invite to a Sangeet ceremony, when to throw one, Sangeet ceremony dress ideas and Sangeet ceremony decoration ideas.
Memorable Sangeet
Sangeet is synonymous with singing together. Typically, a Sangeet ceremony is a North Indian pre-wedding function that involves the bride and groom’s family singing and dancing throughout the evening to celebrate the oncoming wedding. Historically, the Sangeet ceremony used to only involve the ladies, who would sing folklore and play Dholak to tease the bride and celebrate her marriage. Today, the Sangeet ceremony has evolved into a full-fledged function where the bride and groom’s families and friends come together to sing and dance to Punjabi and Bollywood songs, give performances.
The Indian Sangeet wedding ceremony is one of the most vibrant and exciting pre-wedding events in Indian culture. Traditionally held a day or two before the wedding, the Sangeet is a lively celebration that brings together family and friends to honor the couple with music, dance, and joy. It has evolved into a major event that reflects the bride and groom’s personality and offers a chance to let loose before the wedding day. In this guide, we will explore the significance of the Indian Sangeet, its history, rituals, and tips for planning the perfect celebration.
How is the Indian Sangeet Ceremony Celebrated?
Traditional Songs and Music: The ceremony often begins with the singing of traditional wedding songs. These include Dholki songs (a type of drum-based music) or folk tunes that celebrate love and marriage.
Dance Performances: One of the highlights of the Sangeet is the dance performances. Both the bride and groom’s families usually prepare choreographed dances to surprise each other. These dances are performed to popular Bollywood tracks, traditional tunes, or even personalized songs dedicated to the couple.
Games and Activities: Fun games and activities, such as musical chairs, trivia about the bride and groom, or Antakshari (a singing game), often take place during the Sangeet to keep guests engaged.
Gifts and Blessings: The couple may receive blessings from elders, and gifts might be exchanged as part of the ceremony.
Feasts and Delicacies: Like any major Indian celebration, food plays an important role. Guests are treated to a lavish spread of traditional sweets, snacks, and multi-course meals.
Tips for Planning the Perfect Sangeet Wedding
Choose a Theme: The Sangeet can have a theme that reflects the couple’s personality or interests. Whether it’s a traditional, Bollywood, or modern theme, this will help set the mood and guide the event’s décor and performances.
Hire Professional Performers: To elevate the event, consider hiring professional dancers, choreographers, or musicians. A skilled choreographer can help both families learn their dance moves, ensuring a fun and smooth performance.
Personalized Playlist: Create a playlist that reflects both the bride and groom’s tastes. Include traditional songs, Bollywood hits, and some slow romantic songs to mix things up.
Dazzling Decorations: Use bright colors, fairy lights, and floral arrangements to make the venue come alive. Make sure the décor complements the theme of the Sangeet.
Catering: Offer a variety of delicious food items that appeal to a wide range of tastes. From Indian street food to traditional sweets like gulab jamun and jalebi, make sure the food is as memorable as the music and dance.
Engage Guests: Make your guests feel part of the celebration by involving them in the dances and games. You can even have a dance-off between the bride and groom’s families!
Hire a Professional Photographer: Capture the magic of the evening by hiring a photographer to document the performances, guest interactions, and overall vibe of the event.
Who to Invite to a Sangeet Ceremony?
As mentioned earlier, the Sangeet ceremony used to be an all-ladies event earlier. But now, it is a pre-wedding function where the bride and groom invite all of their family and close friends. If you’re soon getting married and are wondering who to invite to your Sangeet ceremony, you can either invite only your close friends and immediate family or all of the guests who you’ve invited to the wedding and the wedding reception. If you’re having an intimate wedding or a destination wedding, you should be sending the Sangeet invite to all of your guests staying at the wedding venue with you.
BeSangeet Ceremony Pic
Significance Of The Sangeet Ceremony
The sangeet ceremony presents an exciting and fun-filled concept for the two families about to be joined in matrimony to let their hair down and get to know each other in a less formal setting. Nothing better than this opportunity to connect with your new extended family. Not just that, it adds a lot of color and fun to any marriage ceremony. Earlier a sangeet ceremony used to serve respite from all the tension and seriousness of the wedding preparations.
The women of the house and the family would prepare the bride for her wife duties through simple songs, at the same time conveying their love to her.
Conclusion
The Indian Sangeet wedding ceremony is a blend of tradition, music, dance, and celebration, and it serves as one of the most exciting events leading up to the wedding day. Whether you’re the bride, groom, or a guest, it’s an unforgettable experience that showcases the joy, love, and unity of families coming together. By understanding the history, significance, and how to plan the event, you can ensure that your Sangeet celebration is a memorable highlight of your wedding festivities.