Meanwhile as per
the Sikh culture, at the bride’s house, the ’Choora’
ceremony is taking place. Here the maternal uncle takes the bride
to be put on a set of red and white ivory bangles. In modern times,
since ivory is banned, bone or plastic is used as an alternative.
Kaleeren, ornaments that dangle golden metal plates, are tied
to the bride's wrist.
The Sikh bride and the groom, as in other Indian matrimonials,
now begin to get ready in their wedding attire made of great finery
like embroidery. Just before the ‘Milni’, a Sehera
or a floral veil is tied on to the head of he groom. The groom
then mounts a horse and along with his relatives (the baraatis)
head for the brides home, with music, dance and gaiety ruling
procession.
The matrimonial ceremony of the ‘Milni’ takes place
at the bride’s house where the Shabd is read. True to the
Indian matrimonial style, the groom and the procession are welcomed
with a lot of warmth and love. The actual matrimonial ceremony
is performed in a Gurdwara or at the home where Sri Guru Granth
Sahib has been respectfully installed. This Sikh matrimonial ritual
is not to be held in a hotel or banquet hall. The bride and the
groom are made to sit together to attend the ‘Guru Granth
Sahib Kirtan’. Meanwhile the groom drapes around his neck,
a red or orange chunni, which is held by his father-in-law. The
bride holds the other end. Verses, hymns or lavans from the Guru
Granth Sahib, are then sung.
The matrimonial ceremony also involves the bride and the groom
to take circles (Pheras) round the Guru Granth Sahib. The bridegroom
walks ahead of the bride with a sword in his hand. The bride and
the groom taking their seat while bowing to the Guru Granth Sahib,
mark each phera. Four such pheras are taken very unlike the other
Indian matrimonials where seven pheras are taken. A sermon follows.
This explains in detail, to the bride and groom, their duties
towards each other and society, as man and wife.
The bride then changes into a new attire, which is presented to
her, by the husband’s side. She then leaves her parent’s
house. As she embarks onto a doli, she throws back grains of rice,
thereby wishing prosperity for the family she leaves behind. The
doli then takes the bride to her in-laws house. The post - matrimonial
ceremony is closed by a reception, which is normally held in the
evening, with great extravaganza.
