Among the many pre-wedding events that occur prior to the Hindu, Punjabi, and Gujurati wedding ceremonies, the Sangeet is where the party begins. The word Sangeet translates to ‘sung together’ from Sanskrit. ‘Gaun’, another word used to describe the event, means ‘songs’ or ‘to sing’ in Hindi. Traditionally celebrated in the Punjab regions of India, this ceremony has been adopted by many other regions as a form of celebration for the wedding to come. The event is formally known to comprise of only female attendees from both sides of the family, however modern times allow for men to join in on the fun too. Unlike religious ceremonies such as the Haldi or portions of the wedding ceremony, the Sangeet is solely conducted to relish in the happiness and joy surrounding the couple.
Significance of the Sangeet
In earlier times the Sangeet would last for 10 days, celebrating up until the wedding day – however over time this tradition boiled down to a one day function in order to fit all of the wedding events into one week. The Sangeet ceremony takes place two or three days prior to the wedding, before the Mehndi ceremony. This celebration includes dances performed by relatives and friends of the Bride and Groom, songs by the elder female members of the family sung in unison with the bride as the focal point, and an open dance floor to commemorate the festivities for the following days. The event takes place at the Bride’s home or a separate banquet hall, where the Bride’s family welcomes the Groom’s family by singing Suhaag, a traditional folk song, to the tune of the Dhol.
Sangeet Song & Dance
The female members from both sides of the family congregate together to sing traditional songs pertaining to the bride and groom. The elders of the family lead the pack as they dictate which songs to sing for the Sangeet. This singing tradition occurs mostly in Punjabi culture. Songs include ‘jokes’ about in-laws, about the bride leaving her parents’ home, and on how to have a successful marriage. The premise of the Sangeet is not only to rejoice but to join the families so that they familiarize themselves with one another prior to the big wedding day. Relatives and friends of the Bride and Groom choreograph dance numbers to perform for the couple adding to the jubilation of the event. The song and dance portion of the Sangeet is a social bond connecting the two families to each other and to the bride and groom. Check out these Indian Wedding DJs who would be perfect for hosting any Sangeet.
Tips for Having an Unforgettable Sangeet
With years of experience capturing incredible Sangeet celebrations, we’ve gathered some of our best tips to help you make yours unforgettable.
Have Fun But Pace Yourselves
The Sangeet is all about joy, laughter, and connecting with loved ones before your wedding day. Soak up the excitement and let loose, but keep in mind that the main event is still ahead. Have an amazing time, but pace yourself to ensure you’re ready to fully enjoy the wedding day festivities.
Consider a Quick Couples Photo Session
While your wedding day will feature plenty of photos, consider carving out a little time for a quick couple’s photo session during your Sangeet. Whether it’s before your guests arrive or during a short “sneak out” during the celebration, these photos will add variety to your collection and beautifully capture you in your Sangeet attire. See some examples below:
Schedule Your Photographers and Videographers Early
To truly preserve the magic of the Sangeet, schedule your photographers and videographers to arrive early. This gives them time to document the details of the decor (the centerpieces, florals, and other elements) before the guests arrive, showcasing the design as envisioned by your talented wedding team. These shots will allow you to relive the elegance and thoughtfulness behind your celebration for years to come.
Showcase a Surprise Performance
Elevate the excitement of your Sangeet and give your loved ones a stage on which to shine by planning a surprise performance. Whether it’s a choreographed dance, a heartfelt song, or even a fun and personalized skit, these fun and personal moments can bring the house down and leave your guests talking about your celebration for years.
More Images of the Sangeet
For your inspiration, here are more images of different Sangeet celebrations over the years.
