In Sikh weddings, there are several ceremonies and rituals that typically take place in the days leading up to the actual wedding day. These pre-wedding ceremonies hold cultural and spiritual significance for the families involved. Here are some of the common pre-wedding ceremonies in Sikh weddings:

Engagement: The engagement ceremony marks the formal announcement of the wedding and the acceptance of the relationship by both families. It usually takes place at the bride's or groom's home and involves the exchange of gifts, blessings, and sweets.

Maiyaan/Maiyan: This is a cleansing ceremony where the bride and groom are traditionally bathed with a paste made from turmeric, gram flour, and mustard oil. It is believed to purify and beautify the couple before the wedding.

Chunni Ceremony: In this ceremony, the groom's family presents the bride with a set of clothes, usually including a Chunni (scarf) and other gifts. The Chunni is placed over the bride's head, symbolizing her acceptance into the groom's family.

Sangeet: The Sangeet ceremony is a joyful pre-wedding celebration filled with music and dance. Family members and friends gather to sing traditional folk songs and dance performances are held to celebrate the upcoming union.

Mehendi: The Mehendi ceremony involves the application of henna designs on the bride's hands and feet. It is a fun and colorful event where the bride, along with her female relatives and friends, gets her hands decorated with intricate henna patterns.

Jaago: The Jaago ceremony is a lively pre-wedding ritual where a decorated pot (Jaago) with a lighted diya (lamp) on top is carried by relatives and friends while singing and dancing. It symbolizes the announcement of the wedding and spreads joy and excitement in the community.

Akhand Paath: As mentioned earlier, the Akhand Paath is the continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, which typically begins a few days before the wedding day. Family members and friends take turns reading the sacred scripture in the Gurdwara.

These pre-wedding ceremonies serve to build excitement, foster community bonds, and spiritually prepare the couple for their union in the Anand Karaj ceremony on the wedding day.

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