About
Muslim Family Marriages in Pakistan:
A Muslim Wedding in Pakistan
is a bond that is created between a man and a woman in the
presence of the guardians, law abiders and relatives who act
as witnesses. At this time a particular amount of money known
as Haq Mehar, is decided by the two parties which are to be
paid by the groom to the bride at the time of marriage.
Tradition/Customs adopted in usual
weddings of Pakistan.
Wedding ceremony in Pakistan is usually based on 3/4 days
events.
Engagement:
The rituals of a Muslim Wedding start with the 'Mangni' in
which rings are exchanged.
Maayun:
Day 1
Maayun is the very first
ceremony of Pakistani Wedding after the engagement. From this
day on Bride is proscribed from groom's eyes till the day
of marriage.
Mehndi
/ Rasme Hinna/ Henna: Day
2
Mehndi is usually celebrated
the night before main wedding. Mehendi (hina) designs are
used to decorate the hands of the bride. The ceremony is performed
usually with songs by the female friends and members of the
family along with dances and dholkee (drum beating). Bride
is usually dressed in yellow and green color. Usually Mehndi
is celebrated separately on different venues by Bride and
Groom families, however currently in most of the Urban areas
of Pakistan, now Mehndi is celebrated together. In some cases
the venue decided is the same but seating arrangement for
Bride and Groom's family is separated. In some cases, males
and females are seated separately irrespective of family side.
The groom's family delivers the wedding dress along with sweets
to the bride's family, and then her family takes the groom's
wedding attire to his family. This event is quite colorful
and full of traditional events. Depending on family, this
event could last more than one day.
Baraat/
Rukhsati / Departure Day : Day
3
This is the actual wedding
day. Groom's friends and family all together come to the bride's
house or decided venue. Nikah is then performed by Imam/nikkah
khawan / Muslim priest in the presence of the guests. After
the Nikah is signed and dua/prayer is said, the bride and
groom are declared to be a husband and wife. Dinner is served
by bride's family.The bride's gown is very elaborate, as are
her veil and jewelry. Some interesting rasam's are fulfilled
before seeing off Bride. The departure of the bride with her
husband is called Rukhsati. The Holy Quran is held over the
new bride's head as she joins her husband's family.
Valima
/ Valeema Party: Day
4
On the fourth day, the
couple hosts their first dinner as husband and wife. The groom's
family invites all of the guests to their home for a feast.
Valima is called the welcome party given from groom's side
in order to welcome the bride to her new home.
Questions about wedding in Pakistan
What
is Haq Maher / Haq Mehar / Haq Mahar?
The Meher, a particular amount
of money that is to be given by the groom to the bride, is
decided by the elders from both the sides.
What
is dowry?
The family or sponsor of Bride
pays a dower to the bride according to their capacity. Considered
to be a major social evil in Pakistan by educated and respectable
families. Among the many things that need to be revamped in
the mainstream Pakistani society dowry would probably be one
of the major ones.