Pheras

In Punjabi weddings, the Pheras are the heart of the entire event. The Pheras – where the bride and groom circle a sacred fire seven times – mark the formalisation of the marriage, with each step representing a sacred vow. This ancient ritual, rooted in Vedic scriptures, is a visual spectacle and a deeply meaningful spiritual practice that solidifies the couple's commitment to each other in the presence of their families and the divine. The seven circumambulations around the holy fire (Agni) form the crux of the wedding. The sacred fire is considered a witness to the marriage, with each step around it signifying a vow of love, fidelity, and partnership between the couple. Before the Pheras begin, the priest performs the Havan, a fire ritual invoking blessings from the Gods. The groom usually leads the first four rounds, followed by the bride for the final three, symbolising an equal partnership. Each round has a specific meaning and prayer associated with it. In the first Phera, the couple prays for nourishment and well-being, asking for enough food and strength to sustain their future family. In the second Phera, they vow to grow together in mental, physical, and spiritual health, supporting one another through every stage of life. In the third Phera, the couple prays for wealth and prosperity, vowing to work together to build a stable future. In the fourth Phera, they ask for happiness and family harmony, promising to care for their loved ones and nurture their home. The fifth Phera is about the welfare of future children, with prayers for their health, education, and well-being. In the sixth Phera, the couple seeks blessings for a life of longevity and fulfilment. In the seventh Phera, which is the final round, the couple pledges undying loyalty, love, and eternal companionship, asking for divine grace to uphold their vows. Each step represents the couple’s evolving responsibilities towards each other and their families. These promises form the spiritual foundation of the marriage and are considered unbreakable by both parties. After the Pheras, the groom ties the Mangalsutra (sacred necklace) around the bride’s neck and applies Sindoor (vermillion) to her hair parting, symbolising her new identity as a married woman.

Jewellery & Accessories

For brides, the Maangtikka, worn on the forehead, signifies the third eye or chakra and is a symbol of wisdom and intuition. It rests where the hairline meets the forehead, marking the bride’s transformation into a married woman.

The Nath (nose ring), another key piece, symbolises a bride’s purity and devotion to her husband. Traditionally, the larger and more ornate the Nath, the more it signifies family wealth and status. The Chooda, a set of red and white bangles, is a gift from the bride’s maternal uncle and is worn as a symbol of marital happiness and good luck. In many traditions, the bride continues to wear the Chooda for weeks or months after the wedding.

The bride’s neck is adorned with multiple layers of necklaces, from the Rani Haar (queen’s necklace) to the shorter Mangalsutra, which is tied by the groom during the Pheras. The Mangalsutra is particularly significant as it is meant to protect the marriage and serve as a symbol of the bride’s new status as a married woman. 

Payal (anklets) and Bichwa (toe rings) also hold significance, with the former representing femininity and marital joy, while the latter is worn by married women to signify their status.

Though the bride’s jewellery often takes centre stage, grooms also wear a significant amount of accessories that carry deep cultural meaning. The Kalgi (brooch) on the groom’s turban is often a family heirloom or a specially crafted piece, symbolising royalty and valour. Grooms may also wear a Kantha (necklace), made of pearls or gold, adding to their regal appearance. Another key accessory is the groom’s Kamarbandh (waist belt). Grooms also wear a Sehra, a floral veil tied to their turban.