Palanquin, the bridal carriage tradition where a Pakistani/Indian bride sits at the end of the wedding. She is carried outside of the wedding venue by the groomsmen to her groom’s home. A very emotional wedding experience and tradition, this grand way of presenting the bride to her groom is steeped rich with Indian cultures and has appeared in other cultures throughout the years. The palanquin is also referred to as palki,
In the old days of Indian culture, a Palanquin, also called a Doli and , was used to carry the bride to the groom’s residence. Often seen as the traditional way of welcoming the bride to her new groom in an elaborate way, the bride may seek blessings at a shrine, following with an escort to the wedding stage by the bride’s mother and father to present her to a loving groom.
In some wedding traditions and cultures such as Sikh weddings, you must prepare for the Doli or Palanquin. The Doli ceremony traditionally takes place after the wedding, between 2 – 4 p.m. Materials required include:
Money for the bride’s sisters from the groom.
Money to give sagan to the couple.
Rice for the bride to throw.
A Ring for the bride’s sister.
Kalicharan, or silver rings, for female cousins as a gift from the groom.
Oil in a small bowl, such as mustard oil or baby oil.
Palanquin Variations include the Chinese Bridal Carriage
Palanquin, the bridal carriage tradition, is presented with the same principles in mind of grandeur. The entourage of wedding guests, and/or the wedding party, carry the Chinese bridal sedan chair along with a tray of good wishes for the couple’s happiness and prosperity – all written in Chinese Calligraphy. After the very grand ceremony, the bride is often carried to the groom’s house in this traditional sedan chair. The groom then kicks the sedan chair to symbolize having successfully married his gorgeous bride.
Give Jo Ann at Apropos Creations a call today at 480-216-4630 to assist you plan a traditional Hindu, Pakistani or Chinese Weddings.
Photo Credits:
Aaron Eye Photography
Manish and Sung Photography via Maharani Weddings
Magica by Rish Agarwal via Maharani Weddings
Visit Around China
