The sangeet ceremony is a musical pre-wedding celebration that is deeply rooted in Indian culture and marks an important step on the path towards a precious union that is meant to last forever. In Indian weddings, the sangeet is known for its cultural significance and the essential elements that make it a beautiful, memorable and entertaining event. Whether you’re a bride-to-be, groom-to-be or a guest eager to participate in this beautiful tradition, let's celebrate together.
The Sangeet: A Night Immersed in Culture, Music and Love
Sangeet ceremony, a celebration of music and dance, stands out for its pure, unadulterated joy. It is one of those unforgettable evenings when the air is filled with the irresistible beat of the dhol, the twirl of colourful lehengas and the harmonious voices of family and friends. So are you on the brink of planning a wedding or simply curious about this spectacular tradition? Our blog will guide you through all the facets of the sangeet ceremony, its incomparable significance, origin and all the exciting details you need to make the sangeet night a marvellous part of your Indian wedding journey.
What Is Sangeet Ceremony?
The word sangeet, originates from Sanskrit, and means “sung together.” It's a pre-wedding ceremony that prevails mostly in North India and involves a lot of festival dancing and celebratory songs. South Indian wedding traditions don't imply sangeet as one of their traditions, but now they are gaining popularity due to their rich, rhythmic ambience right before the wedding. Ceremonies like sangeet are not only the celebration of the union of the couple but also the bonding of both families.
Traditions in Sangeet
The sangeet ceremony is one of the South Indian wedding traditions vary from region to region. It's more popular in North Indian regions than in South Indian wedding traditions. The sangeet, which is held a few days before the wedding, is often hosted by the bride's family. The event usually takes place in a banquet hall or large venue with professional musicians, dancers and caterers. The way the Indian sangeet ceremony is celebrated varies but there are certain common elements found in most sangeets. These include:
1. Musical Magic
The heart of a sangeet ceremony is the enchanting music that captivates everyone present at the venue. Singing soulful songs accompanied by traditional instruments like tabla and harmonium, or playing classic love songs, including Bollywood chart-toppers, are a common practice. The music will create a magical atmosphere that unites families and friends.
2. Dance Extravaganza
The Sangeet is not solely about listening to music; it's about feeling the joy through dance. Traditionally, the dance performances in sangeet involve intricate steps that reflect the rich heritage of India. However, contemporary sangeet ceremonies often feature Bollywood-inspired choreography, where family members, friends and even the bride and groom themselves showcase their dancing prowess. The energy that you can feel on the dance floor is infectious, making it impossible for anyone to resist joining the festivities.
3. Decor and Ambience
The idea behind the decoration for sangeet is like any other wedding ceremony; go for the best possible decor and ambience. Bright and vibrant colours, fragrant flowers and traditional elements like diyas and rangoli create an ambience that is nothing short of captivating. This mesmerising ambience will create an environment that radiates warmth and happiness, setting the stage for creating a handful of unforgettable memories.
4. Bonding and Fun
One of the heartwarming things about the Sangeet ceremony is the coming together of both families. It's not just about the bride and the groom; the celebration unites both families through music and dance. The games and interactive sessions break the ice between them and strengthen newfound bounds.
What Is the Significance of the Sangeet Ceremony?
The sangeet ceremony is significant for a variety of reasons, as it is like a jewel that sparkles with melody, rhythm and celebration. It's a vibrant and cherished pre-wedding event filled with joy, music, dance and heartfelt emotions. Here are the reasons why sangeet in Indian weddings is something that has an enchanting significance among all the ceremonies.
1. Prelude to Togetherness
The sangeet ceremony is so much more than a night filled with a musical soiree; it is one step closer to the unification of two souls. The families of both the bride and groom will present in this ceremony and join hands to put on a spectacular performance for everyone. It's also a time when traditions and dreams converge, creating a profound sense of togetherness.
2. The Celebration of Culture
India is a diverse land and ceremonies like these point out the beauty of diversity. With a myriad of dance forms, folk music and traditional attire, the sangeet remembers how beautiful all our traditions before marriage are.
3. An Expression of Joy and Happiness
The Sangeet ceremony is a celebration of joy, happiness and, most importantly, love. Celebrations like these fill the minds of everyone with the purest euphoria. Although traditions like the Haldi Ceremony, Sangeet, Kanyadaan, Mehandi and so on mark their origin in traditional India, modern India also knows the significance of traditions like these.
4. Bridging Generations
Celebrations like these bring families together, and it can be a ceremony where you can bridge the generations. The family, including your grandparents, parents, and children, come together to dance, celebrate and create memories that can last forever.
When Does the Sangeet Ceremony Take Place?
Sangeet in India usually happens one or two days before the wedding. Most ceremonies like this take place before the wedding and if you're on a strict schedule and cannot plan it on a separate day, you can have it the night before the wedding. The typical order of all the ceremonies for a Hindu wedding in India is for the mehndi to take place, then sangeet, haldi and finally the wedding. As there are no rituals involved with sangeet, you can also do it as a post-wedding ceremony. But in the case of the haldi ceremony, it has to be celebrated a day before the wedding.
Who Receives an Invitation to Sangeet Ceremony?
The invitation can be given to people of your choice. Historically, it was a ceremony that included the females from both families who would come together to celebrate. With all the modern sangeet ceremony ideas, most couples love to treat their sangeet night as a wedding welcome party by inviting a larger group of people. It's your wedding and it's your call to action, so go for the traditions that best fit your priorities.
How Long Is the Sangeet Ceremony?
Earlier ceremonies, like sangeet, lasted for multiple days but over time, it became a one-day event so the wedding ceremonies can be boiled down to a week. But the modern sangeet ceremony has even become one that only lasts for four to five hours.
What to Wear to the Sangeet Ceremony?
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When looking for attire for the sangeet ceremony, colour and movability are the two factors that you have to consider. The colour for the sangeet ceremony is brighter than at any other wedding event and the most important thing in sangeet is, of course, dancing to the rhythm. This can only be possible when you are wearing comfortable and easy-to-move attire.
The salwar kameez, Indian wedding sarees and lehenga choli are the traditional options for women who are attending the pre-wedding function. For men, sherwanis, bandhgalas, or well-tailored suits paired with colourful turbans are the best choice. These garments for both men and women should have intricate embroidery, rich fabrics and vibrant colours that make you look like royalty. Apart from the garments, don't forget to accessorise the outfit with stunning blouse designs for sarees and jewellery pieces.
Look Your Best on Your Sangeet Ceremony with Khuuba Sarees
Among the most cherished pre-wedding events, the sangeet ceremony will always come first, as it is an event that embodies the spirit of love, joy and togetherness. It's a celebration where you can drown in the beauty of music, dance and the unbreakable bonds between families.
For a North Indian or South Indian bride, the sangeet ceremony offers a unique opportunity to showcase the rich heritage while also embracing the joyous and dynamic atmosphere of the event. You can flaunt the traditional Indian wedding dress to the sangeet ceremony, like salwar kameez, lehenga choli, silk sarees, sherwanis, suits, etc.
Khuuba, one of the best saree shops in Sydney for Indian wedding dresses, offers Kanchipuram sarees, bridal sarees, silk sarees for all special occasions. Get your best sangeet attire, which can mesmerise everyone with Khuuba sarees.
FAQs
1. What colors do you wear to a sangeet?
At a sangeet, vibrant and lively colors are preferred, such as bright pinks, oranges, yellows, blues, or rich jewel tones like emerald green, royal blue, or deep purple. These colors complement the festive and celebratory mood of the event.
2. Can I wear a saree in sangeet?
Wearing a beautiful Kanchipuram gold saree to a sangeet is a fantastic choice. It's elegant and traditional, fitting perfectly with the celebratory atmosphere. Choose a vibrant or beautifully embellished saree to add to the festivities.
3. How do I style a saree for a sangeet?
Opt for lightweight fabrics like georgette or chiffon for easy movement. Drape it in a modern way, like a dhoti saree or a pre-draped style. Pair it with a designer saree blouse, or experiment with a crop top. Add statement jewelry and a chic hairstyle to complete the look.