| Traditional
Pakistani marriage celebrations lasts for four days |
| |
First Day of
the Celebration |
| |
On the first
day, the bride and groom's families each dress in yellow,
and celebrate the upcoming nuptials separately. The couple
will not see each other from this day until the ceremony |
| |
|
| |
Second Day
of the Celebration |
| |
The second
day is reserved for a big celebration called Mehndi that includes
dancing and singing matrimonial songs. On this day, the groom's
family delivers the wedding dress to the bride's family, and
then her family takes the groom's wedding attire to his family. |
| |
The bride's
family string hundreds of colored lights over and around their
home, creating a vibrant announcement of their daughter's
forthcoming marriage. Here, the bride-to-be receives a traditional
henna staining of her hands and feet. This traditional Muslim
art form invokes intricately designs to create attractive
symbolic patterns. The bride-to-be is waited on by her family
while the henna stain dries overnight. |
| |
|
| |
Third Day is
the Marriage Ceremony |
| |
The wedding
rites and ceremony in Pakistan take place on the third day.
The Pakistani bride and groom who continue their traditions
usually wear garments of red. The bride's gown is very elaborate,
as are her veil and jewelry. Men wear a distinctive traditional
turban. After wedding vows are exchanged, the Holy Quran is
held over the new bride's head as she joins her husband's
family. The official paperwork is signed in the presence of
a Qazi and the guests |
| |
|
| |
Fourth and
Final Day of Wedding Program in Pakistan |
| |
On the fourth
day, the couple hosts their first dinner (Valima) as husband
and wife. The groom's family invites all of the guests to
their home for a feast. |
| |
|
