Nuptial Chronicles of Pakistan - Part 3

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Scads of people go together to bring one bride - such is the importance of her on the wedding day. (:

Some of those people might as well be seething over a petty issue like who didn't get enough protocol from the hosts; nevertheless, we see them all come with the Baraat.

Baraat is the actual wedding day - lunch or dinner is hosted by the bride's side for the Baraat-is (groom and all the people who come with him).

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I remember having goosebumps when Baraat came for me, 8 years ago. I thought it'd be different being on the other side; I'd act spoiled and be playful being the only sister of the groom.

Instead, I got emotional, seeing my brother H regally dressed as a groom, ready to be welcomed by a swarm of the bride's friends and family.

We booked a marching band of bass drummers, who filled the air with excitement by playing an authoritative beat (or so I felt), setting the tone for his grand entrance, as H stepped out of his car.

The bride was somewhere in the building, probably trying to have a peek at her husband-to-be from one of the hundred windows.

Along with H, we were all greeted and welcomed inside the wedding hall by the bride's family and friends.

H took his seat on the stage. Soon after, the imam (Islamic scholar / the officiant) and witnesses came for the Nikkah ceremony.

^{In Islam, the marriage contract is called Nikkah where the bride and groom, along with witnesses, agree to the terms of marriage in the presence of an officiant, typically an imam or a religious figure, by reciting vows and exchanging consent.}

The bride signed the contract privately but in the presence of imam, witnesses, and her wali (male guardian).

(It is customary in some families for the bride and groom to come face to face only after Nikkah.)

When the bride gave her consent and signed the contract, the imam and others asked for the consent of H.

And just like that my little brother was upgraded to the status of a protector, a provider, a partner - a husband.🥲 (happy tears).

I congratulated him and dashed off to distribute the favour boxes among all the guests.

^{Favour boxes are small gifts or tokens of appreciation to guests for attending the wedding/nikkah ceremony. These days, assorted dry fruits and candies are added to the boxes.}

^{Picture by vendor, design by me}

I took the responsibility of designing the stickers for the boxes. Since Baraat's theme is mainly red and gold, I chose a similar colour scheme which turned out pretty good. It's another fun activity to fill the favour boxes by all the family a few days before the wedding.

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As I handed over the last box, lights were dimmed and everyone started craning their heads towards the entrance, including me.

There came the bride...

She looked equally regal and stunning - the rightful queen of the king who was now standing on the other end of the aisle - pretending to be calm but I could tell he was awestruck. 😀

^{The couple}

H helped her sit down on the stage/platform with him. Guests started coming to them one by one, congratulating and giving gifts.

Meanwhile, the lunch was served.

Then there was the infamous "doodh pilai" ritual.

^{This tradition is observed at every wedding. It is the dream of every sister and a nightmare for every groom. Doodh pilai, which is typically performed on the Barat, adds a fun element to the wedding day celebration. The bride’s younger sisters give the groom a beautifully adorned glass of milk. He must drink and pay for it to take the bride home. The clever deal is anticipated by all of the bride’s sisters and cousins. src}

There were the bride's sister and cousins demanding money from H and on our side my mom and husband were the best bargainers or lawyers of H. He got to drink the milk as soon as both parties reached a consensus.

With that, it was time for "rukhsati" - time to take the bride and leave.

This is the most emotional time for a bride and her family. With teary eyes, her family sent her off with H and we the Baraat-is followed the couple back to their home.

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Back home, event organizers from the Mehndi night had decorated the couple's bedroom with flowers.

Once back, we all welcomed the new addition to the family. Since it was late and were all tired from traveling, we let the couple retire to their room soon.

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The wedding doesn't end here...
Stay tuned for more... :)

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^{How wedding bells ring in Pakistan - Part 1
How wedding bells ring in Pakistan - Part 2}