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The grandeur of Punjabi weddings is not just in their scale but in the intricate rituals. Among these, the Chooda ceremony holds a special place. This vibrant and emotional pre-wedding ritual celebrates the bride’s transition into married life. Generally held on the morning of the wedding day or a day prior, this ritual involves the bride’s maternal uncle (mama) and aunt (mami) gifting her a set of red and ivory bangles, known as the Chooda. These bangles symbolise fertility, prosperity, and the beginning of a new journey. The ritual usually takes place in the presence of close family members, adding a sense of intimacy and warmth. The day begins with a purification ritual, where the Chooda is washed with a mixture of milk and rose petals to cleanse and bless it. This act imbues the bangles with good fortune and spiritual protection. Family members gather around, praying for the bride's happiness and prosperity in her new home. Before the bride wears the Chooda, her eyes are often covered with a cloth or blindfold. This act is rooted in tradition and prevents the bride from seeing the bangles before the wedding. As her maternal uncle slips the bangles onto her wrists, the family showers her with love and blessings, marking an emotional moment in the ceremony. Some families also tie Kaleere – hanging ornaments made of gold or silver – onto the bride’s Chooda, signifying blessings for a happy married life. After the Chooda ceremony, it’s customary for the bride’s friends and unmarried female cousins to gently tap the Kaleere over their heads. Tradition has it that if a piece of Kaleera falls on one of the girls, she will be the next to marry!
The Chooda ceremony is much more than just a ritual; it holds deep cultural and emotional significance in Punjabi weddings. Traditionally, the Chooda is meant to be worn for a period ranging from 40 days to a year after the wedding. In earlier times, it was believed that the longer the bride wore her Chooda, the more blessed her married life would be. While the time frame has shortened in modern times, the symbolism remains unchanged.
The red and ivory bangles of the Chooda carry specific meanings. Red symbolises love, passion, and strength – qualities that a bride brings into her new role as a wife. Ivory, on the other hand, represents peace and tranquillity, attributes that help balance and harmonise the marriage. Together, the colours of the Chooda reflect the duality of a successful marriage: passion and peace.
Beyond the symbolism of the bangles themselves, the act of the bride's maternal family gifting her the Chooda is an emotional moment. It signifies the bond between the bride and her maternal relatives, as they send her off with blessings and hopes for a prosperous future. In many ways, this ceremony is a rite of passage, marking the bride’s final moments in her parental home before she embarks on a new journey with her husband and his family.
Traditionally, brides wear vibrant colours like red, orange, or yellow during the Chooda ceremony, which are considered auspicious and signify joy and celebration. Many brides opt for a Salwar Kameez, a comfortable yet elegant outfit that allows for ease during the rituals. The Salwar Kameez is often heavily embroidered with gold thread, adding a touch of grandeur to the ceremony. Some brides also choose to wear a Lehenga or Anarkali, which, though modern, still retains the traditional essence through intricate embroidery, embellishments, and the use of bright, festive colours.
In recent years, brides have also embraced pastel shades for their Chooda ceremony attire, blending modern trends with traditional customs. Light pinks, lavender, and mint greens are becoming popular choices, particularly for daytime ceremonies. While the ritual itself remains deeply traditional, the clothing choices reflect the evolving tastes of the modern bride, who seeks to honour her heritage while expressing her individuality.
The groom, although not directly involved in the Chooda ceremony, often attends this event with family members dressed in a traditional kurta-pajama.
Earrings, or Jhumkas, are an integral part of the bridal ensemble. These intricately designed earrings, often adorned with pearls and stones, frame the bride’s face and add a touch of elegance to her overall look. Gold and Kundan Jhumkas are popular choices, as they look regal and are believed to ward off negative energy. Bracelets and bangles, beyond the Chooda itself, are also important. Brides often wear gold bangles alongside the Chooda. The Kaleere, hung from the Chooda, are small metallic ornaments shaped like leaves or flowers.
Ramit Bhatra | Royal Matrimonial Web | Pinterest | Youtube | The Wedding Knot | Facebook | The Wedding Wire | Weddings Online | Ambar Jewels | Wedding Documentary