Brief account of Mangnee, Mayoon, Mehndi, Nikah and Valima
Mangnee
Pakistan is a land of thousand faces, a country simply overflowing with cultural richness. A blend of many languages, religions, traditions and cultures, Pakistan is one of the most culturally diverse countries on earth. In a land so varied, the possibilities for a marriage are endless, and customs vary according to religion, region and community. Whatever the preferences, a wedding in Pakistan is bound to be unforgettable – every marriage is the sign for an important family celebration. Although most of these celebrations do not necessarily fall in the boundaries set by religion and are heavily influenced by customs of neighbour and overseas countries, people participate in them with passion and enthusiasm.
Mayoon
It is usually the first event of a wedding. From this day on, the bride is proscribed from the groom’s eyes till the day of marriage. Yellow color symbolizes the day of upton, the other name of mayoon. To mold into the colors of upton, family and invited guests wear yellow garments. Starting of this day is with the recitation of Qur’an. After the religious formalities, family and friends bring the bride/groom for the ceremony. The friends and family sits in circle with their percussion equipments (Dholak and Duff) and sings through out the evening.
Mehndi
This event is very colorful and full of traditional songs and dances. It is spread over 2 days – one day over at the groom’s place to put Henna on groom’s hand and the second day over at the bride’s house to put Henna on her hand. Sometimes, both parties agree to have a single function on just one day and split the cost.
On this day, groom’s family delivers the wedding dress to bride’s family, and then her family takes groom’s wedding attire to his family.
Shadi (Nikah)
Nikah is the signing of official paperwork in the presence of a Moulvi (Islamic priest). After signing the papers and performing a religious ceremony, the couple is declared husband and wife. Shadi is the actual wedding ceremony and all guests are invited.
The ceremony is arranged by the bride’s family and Baarat (groom’s friends and family) come to the bride’s house. Red clothing symbolizes this day of Shadi. The bride’s gown is very elaborate, as are her veil and jewelry. Men wear a distinctive traditional turban. Dinner is served by bride’s family. Rokhsati (the bride leaves her parent’s home to start a new life) is the last event of the day.
Valima
hi, I have a quest. mu future fiance wants to marry me in Pakistan, and I am from the US, I have never been there and dont know the culture and custom. If we were going to get married there, what is the procedure and the cost for the wedding.’
thanks
The figures could differ vastly, depending on your taste and willingness to spend. You should get in touch with wedding planners to assist you. Your budget could be a few thousand rupees for a simple islamic style wedding or millions for an extravagant one…sky is the limit.
i hve my pkstni bf,and am frm dif. Plce,he’s going 2 get married in pk bcoz of fmily traditions,we luv each other,buT wat we cAn do?
Very interesting. I’m a wedding photographer from the UK and have shot a few asian weddings over here. Would love to shoot one in location in Pakistan though – I’m sure the weather is much better than it is over here now!