Pakistani Wedding Traditions

What are the traditions of a Pakistani wedding?

Pakistani weddings are joyful events filled with many traditions. It is not only a beautiful union of the couple but also of the families. 

Even the simplest form of Pakistani wedding takes about three days.

These three events are usually on different nights, and you may not be invited to all three events. 

For example, most Pakistani people keep the Nikkah private for the close family only.

At the longer end of the celebrations, a Pakistani wedding can take up to a week. 

Week-long Pakistani Wedding Traditions Include:

Usually, this event is held a few days to a week before the wedding. Close friends and family members come together to play the Dholki (drum), sing, and dance.

Mayun Tradition –

The first thing to know about a Mayun is that it is a women-only event.

Mayun is also a pre-wedding ceremony. At this event, all the women from both sides of the family, along with friends of the bride, come together to apply ubtan and oil to the bride.

Ubtan is a homemade paste made from natural ingredients such as gram flour (besan), turmeric (haldi), sandalwood powder (chandan), rosewater, and milk. 

This tradition starts with guests taking turns placing tiny amounts of oil in the bride’s hair. Next, they spread ubtan on the bride’s face, arms, and feet to enrich her beauty.

Lastly, Mayun is a tradition that is sometimes skipped or combined with the mehndi night ceremony or has a whole night dedicated to it. This solely depends on the bride’s family.

Mehndi Ceremony (Henna Night) – 

Traditionally, mehndi night (henna) is an event for the bride; however, the tradition has grown to include the groom and family as well.

The mehndi ceremony starts with guests applying oil to the bride’s head and some mehndi (henna) to the palm of her hand. This ceremony blesses the happy couple for the future. 

At some events, a mehndi (henna) artist may be available to apply henna to guests’ hands. 

After this ceremony, all the singing and dancing begin with performances from both the bride and groom sides. 

After all the singing and dancing, there will be a medley of Pakistani food to enjoy. 

Nikkah Ceremony – Pakistani Wedding Traditions

The Nikkah ceremony is usually at a masjid (mosque) or a private home. 

Exchanging vows and promises is usually a simple event with guests wearing pastel colors. The bride usually wears a white suit with a red dupatta (scarf) over her head, and the groom wears a shalwar kurta with a waistcoat.

Barat Ceremony – 

Pakistani Barat ceremony is the total opposite of Nikkah. 

The Barat ceremony is huge, with bright-colored clothing, loud music, dancing, colorful décor, and traditional fun games with the groom. Games like doodh pilai and joota chupai. 

Traditionally, the groom comes on a horse with his family and takes the bride to his home.

Nowadays, the Barat includes booking a hall with many guests, singing, dancing, professional video, and photography. 

You will also enjoy lots of traditional Pakistani food and wedding cake.

The Holy Quran is held over the bride’s head as she leaves. This symbolizes that she is going within Allah’s blessing and protection.

Guests from both sides attend, and there are speeches, music, dance, and tons of great food.

When it comes to Pakistani weddings, there is no one correct way to do things. Traditions can differ depending on family or what region of Pakistan the couple is from.