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Sangeet Sandhya
The Sangeet Sandhya at a Gujarati wedding is one of the most anticipated events. ‘Sangeet’ means ‘music’ or ‘sung together’ in Gujarati. The event is typically held one to three days before the wedding with the bride, groom, family, and friends. Since the main focus of the Sangeet is simply to have fun, it provides a welcome break from hectic wedding preparations. It’s an evening event usually hosted at the bride’s home or another venue like an event hall. The traditional Sangeet Sandhya includes the guests playing Garba, a folk dance style originating from Gujarat. Initially a devotional dance dedicated to Goddess Durga, Garba evolved into a dance performed at poojas, festivals, and weddings. The traditional dance is usually done in a circular formation, around a lamp or an image of the goddess representing the cycle of life. It is an animated dance filled with claps, swirling movements, and synchronised steps. As the rhythmic beats of classic and new Garba songs begin, everyone, young and old, joins in on the dance floor. Guests wear folk attires from Gujarat — women in colourful chaniya cholis embellished with mirror work and embroidery and men in kurtas with dhotis or kediyu paired with kafni pyjamas — enhancing the cultural beauty of the festivities. Another fun tradition in Sangeet Sandhya is when female relatives from both families gather to sing age-old folk songs that often revolve around themes like a bride leaving her home, the marital journey, and lighthearted teasing about in-laws. These songs, handpicked by family members, bring a mix of sentimentality to the evening. The highlight of modern Sangeet Sandhya is undoubtedly the dance performances by the bride, groom and their close friends and family. Sangeet performances and themes are often intertwined, with couples choosing a theme that mirrors their personalities and interests. The couple also performs with their friends and family. Apart from dancing, various games and other activities are weaved into Sangeet ceremonies to entertain guests and elevate the evening's spirit.
Cultural Significance
The Sangeet Sandhya represents the happiness and festivity that come with merging two families. The traditional Garba and Dandiya dance performances are steeped in Gujarati wedding tradition.
Garba involves clapping and circular movements, while Dandiya is performed using sticks, both important dance forms for the people of Gujarat. These dances act as a way to honour customs and rejoice in the community's legacy.
Fashioning Tradition
For the Sangeet Sandhya, the bride wears an elevated Garba outfit called a chaniya choli, which is similar to a lehenga set. This gorgeous ensemble consists of three pieces: a flared panelled skirt (chaniya), a fitted blouse (choli), and a dupatta or odhani. The skirt is made from silk, brocade, georgette, crepe, or net. What makes it stand out is the meticulous hand embroidery on it, such as zari, gota patti, mirror work, and sequins. Traditional embroidery adorns the silhouette, featuring motifs like peacocks, elephants, parrots, flowers, and geometric patterns.
Traditionally, the choli is a midriff-baring blouse with a low neckline and half-sleeves fitted tight to the arms. With fashion evolving, the blouse may feature variations such as a boat neckline, tulip sleeves, ruffles, and backless cutouts — the options are endless. The dupatta adds the finishing touch by draping over one shoulder or around the arms. Adorned with matching embroidery and sequins, it adds a layer of grace and refinement to the look.
Since there’s a lot of dancing involved, bride’s ensemble is lightweight yet glamorous. The chaniya choli — inked in reds and regal blues to vibrant yellows and greens — ensures that the bride stands out efforleslsly. Besides a chaniya choli, brides often opt for ensembles like lehenga sets or Anarkalis. Modern brides also prefer easy-to-dance-in attire such as jumpsuits or Indo-Western sets, which blend tradition with a contemporary touch.
The groom also dresses in traditional Gujarati attire, such as a kurta paired with a churidar or dhoti. The kurta is normally made from silk and features embroidery, mirror work, or sequins akin to those seen on the bride's chaniya choli. He can elevate his look with an embroidered Nehru Jacket, Bundi, or Sherwani. Modern grooms have also embraced contemporary ensembles such as Jodhpuri suits, Indo-Western fits, and Tuxedos.
Jewellery & Accessories
The jewellery a Gujarati bride wears for her Sangeet ceremony tends to range from dainty pieces to heavy adornments. A statement necklace or a combination of layered necklaces creates a focal point in her look. Common choices include Ranihaar, a long layered necklace, choker necklaces, and bib necklaces. Double-strand and multi-strand pearl necklaces are also popular with contemporary brides.
Popular earring options include jhumkas, bell-shaped earrings, chandbalis, crescent-shaped earrings, and dangler earrings. The earrings are typically made with kundan polki, pearls, and gemstones, which feature Gujarat’s authentic craftsmanship.
Image Credits
Everyday Blogs | Desi Wedding Bells | The Knot | Wedding Photography by Shivani | Indiamart | Instagram | Medium | Shaadiwish | Exporters India | Sangeet Photographer | Cultural India | Hamara Event | Alfaaq Photography | Ptaufiq Photography