A decision that I was very confused about at the initial stages turned out to be one of the best decisions of my stay in India so far.
The decision to attend a wedding in Amritsar was not a drastic decision that changed my life, but definitely a decision that provided exposure and buckets of memories and experiences that I’ll cherish throughout my life.
Since I arrived in India, I eagerly waited to be invited to a wedding just like the ones in Bollywood movies and of course, get a chance to wear a designer lehenga.
And just so, one of the girls from my hostel had her brother getting married and invited me.
Oh! Boy was I extremely excited, like a child getting a candy.
The journey started with a midnight bus ride from Delhi to Amritsar.
The scenery of harvested rice farms, ponds, and rivers and clean water rather than grey or black water which I often got to see in Delhi.
One of the surprising things that I witnessed was houses having the most weird yet attractive rooftop sculptures.
One had a structured model of an aeroplane, others had creatively designed water tanks, but the most bizarre was the rooftop of sculptured army personals standing in a row.
It was very fascinating so I decided to dig in the internet to find the reason behind it and it was interesting to discover that it often represented the aspirations of their owners, along with some elements of their personal history.
I have always admired Punjabis and their jolly spirited vibe.
Like in the movies. I believed that their joyful company never makes anyone sad or depressed in life and this trip bares testament to that.
The welcome we got from my friend’s family was incredible.
We reached the ‘golden land’ at around 8am before she took us to her family.
We were treated to a special breakfast and ate the famous Punjabi Kulcha.
We were then invited to the groom’s residence in the evening.
It was a delightful sight to witness the love and excitement that filled the air as the families came together to rehearse dance performances for the reception day.
Punjabi weddings are known for their vibrancy and exuberance — I was captivated by the rich cultural heritage, lively festivities, and warm hospitality that surrounded me throughout the entire experience.
One of the striking aspects of a Punjabi wedding is the pre-wedding rituals and celebrations that take place before the main wedding ceremony.
The mehndi ceremony is another integral part of Punjabi weddings.
This event is dedicated to the application of intricate henna designs on the bride’s hands and feet.
Most of the small events took place at the farmhouse and mehndi was one of those functions.
We were awakened to loud music on that Saturday morning which pushed us out of bed to get dressed and witness the mehndi done.
It was unlike any other wedding I’ve attended.
As I entered the venue, I was greeted by vibrant colours, melodious music, and the fragrant aroma of henna.
It was fascinating to observe a young skilled henna artists, who looked like she was still in high school, create stunning patterns that’s suppose to reflect a person’s unique personality and style.
The Sangeet ceremony is an evening of music, dance, and celebration.
It serves as a platform for both families to showcase their talent and revel in the joy of the impending union.
The venue was transformed into a lively stage, with beautifully decorated sets and colourful lights.
The beats of traditional Punjabi folk music resonated through the hall as relatives and friends performed energetic dances, displaying their enthusiasm and love for the couple.
I knew instantly this was a big fat Punjabi weddings.
Almost everything looked really expensive.
In the excitement of witnessing a Punjabi wedding, we stayed up until 4am — just so we could witness the couple visit the gurudwara to declare their lifetime scared union.
Throughout my experience at the Punjabi wedding, I was struck by the warm hospitality and inclusiveness of the Punjabi culture.
From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms and treated as part of the extended family.
The sense of community and unity that permeated every aspect of the celebrations — left a lasting impression on me.
I was moved by the genuine love and support that the families and friends showed for the couple, reinforcing the importance of relationships and bonds in Punjabi culture.
Along with attending the wedding functions, I toured around Amritsar and explored the famous Golden Temple and Partition Museum and of course, tried their non-veg dishes.
The kindness of Punjabis was shown in how we were treated at every place.
From getting to cook our own pieces tandoori chicken at a restaurant to discovering the sorrowful reality and story behind the partition over 75 years ago — every aspect reflected the richness of the beautiful state.
Attending a Punjabi wedding was an enchanting and immersive experience that allowed me to appreciate the richness of the Punjabi culture and its traditions.
It was truly an honour to be a part of this magnificent celebration of love, and I will forever cherish the memories.
WANSHIKA KUMAR is a former journalist of The Fiji Times studying in India. She writes about her experience in India.
