A Lavish Sikh Wedding at Clevedon Hall - a blog written by Isha Lakhani from Guides for Brides.

Arjun and Amariese tied the knot in a breathtaking celebration of their love at the magnificent Clevedon Hall in Somerset. This grand event spanned over two vibrant, ritual-filled days, with an elegant blend of tradition, family, and festivities that honoured their cultural heritage. The ceremonies, infused with deep symbolism and heartfelt moments, were followed by joyous celebrations that included music, dance, and feasting.

The Venue

Clevedon Hall was chosen as the setting for Arjun and Amariese's multi-day wedding. This exclusive use venue offered a stunning backdrop for the couple's vibrant celebrations as well as complete privacy for them to celebrate with their friends and family. The venue provided the perfect setting for a multi-day wedding celebration, with 25 beautifully appointed luxurious rooms, that ensured that every wedding guest could relax throughout the festivities. The heart of the celebration unfolded in the Great Hall, an expansive, elegant space that effortlessly accommodated the gala gathering. For the wedding ceremony itself, the enchanting Gazebo nestled in the lush gardens offered a truly magical, picturesque backdrop, perfect for creating unforgettable memories amidst nature's beauty.

The Fashion

Amariese's bridal looks for each ceremony were nothing short of stunning. For the Maiyan, Choora, and Chunni ceremonies, she wore a beautiful blue salwar-kameez that was simple yet elegant, perfectly capturing the traditional spirit of the events. As the evening festivities of the Jaggo approached, she transformed into a vibrant and colorful lehenga, ideal for twirling across the dance floor. On the wedding day, she took everyone's breath away in a dazzling red bridal lehenga, radiating timeless beauty. For the grand finale at the wedding reception, Amariese opted for a gorgeous white lehenga, setting the tone for her fairytale ending.

Arjun's style choices were equally impressive, with each outfit thoughtfully selected for the occasion. For the Jaggo ceremony, he kept it simple with a subtle shirt and pants, allowing him to dance freely and enjoy the celebration. On the wedding day, he perfectly complemented Amariese in a striking golden sherwani, exuding regal charm. As the celebrations came to a close, he chose a sharp black suit, giving a sophisticated finish to their unforgettable wedding journey. The wedding guests embraced the vibrant spirit of the celebrations, donning a beautiful mix of traditional Indian attire, from elegant sarees to colorful kurtas and cholis, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Let's take a closer look at the key rituals that made their wedding so memorable.

Day One: A Beautiful Journey of Pre-Wedding Rituals

Maiyan Ceremony: A Cleansing Start

The festivities began with the Maiyan ceremony, a traditional cleansing ritual. Family and friends gathered around the bride and groom as they lovingly applied yellow turmeric paste to their skin. This symbolic paste not only represents purification but also marks the start of their wedding journey.

Overhead, a red chunni (scarf) was held at each corner by four guests, creating a beautiful canopy for the couple. The laughter and warmth of everyone rubbing the turmeric paste on Arjun and Amariese symbolised the family and friends' support and blessings for their new life together. The ceremony concluded with a red thread tied around the couple's wrists, symbolising protection and the blessings of all present. If you can, it is tradition to keep this on until it falls off.

Choora Ceremony: Blessings of Red Bangles

The second ceremony was the Choora, a touching moment shared between Amariese and her maternal uncle (Mama). He gently placed the traditional red bangles on her wrists, which are traditionally to be worn for five weeks.

Chunni Ceremony: Welcoming the Bride

The Chunni ceremony followed, where Arjun's family "officially" welcomed Amariese into their lives. The groom's family placed a vibrant red chunni on her shoulders, along with gifts, symbolising their acceptance of her as their daughter-in-law. It was a tender moment that united the two families with love and tradition.

Jaggo: The Party Begins!

Once the ceremonial rituals concluded, the party truly began with the Jaggo - a vibrant and energetic celebration! The maternal side of both families danced in with drums, bright colours, and pots with lit candles balanced on their heads. The Jaggo, meaning "stay awake," symbolises the beginning of the wedding celebrations, inviting everyone to join in the music and dancing, and that's exactly what happened! Family and friends took turns passing the Jaggo between them, dancing with pure joy and anticipation for the big day ahead.

Day Two: The Wedding Day

Baraat: The Groom's Grand Arrival

The wedding day started in grand style with Arjun's Baraat; he arrived on a white horse, accompanied by his family and friends. There was also an Ardas (a short prayer) in which all guests bowed to the ground at the end. The Baraat is not just a visual spectacle, but a lively event with drums, music, and dancing, showcasing how well the groom's side can celebrate! Upon arrival, Arjun and his family were warmly received by Amariese's family, marking the start of the union.

Milni Ceremony: Uniting the Families

The Milni ceremony followed, where key members from both families officially met. This symbolic gesture represents the coming together of two families and the joining of their lives through the marriage of their children.

Anand Karaj: The Sikh Wedding Ceremony

The heart of the celebration was the Anand Karaj, the traditional Sikh wedding ceremony. Under a beautifully adorned gazebo, the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) was placed, and guests were invited to remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering. Guests then proceeded down the aisle and bowed down to the floor, placing money in the box at the front. Traditionally this goes towards the development of the temple. However, the wedding 'priests' were volunteers and every penny donated was to develop the Bebe Nanaki Charitable Hospital and Diagnostic Centre in India.

Ladies then sat on the floor to the left, and men on the floor to the right, as you look towards the front. The religious ladies on the stage sang prayers throughout, and the first ceremony was the Karmai on the groom.

BLOG CREDIT: Isha Lakhani from Guides for Brides

Read the full blog here: A Lavish Sikh Wedding at Clevedon Hall