Sindhi wedding ceremony reflects the glimpses of Hinduism and Sufism. Sindhi people are basically Sanatani Hindus and do not follow Hindu rites strictly. Infact Sindhi weddings are based on Vedic rites. Their weddings usually take place on an auspicious day like the Satyanarayan Chandsi or the New Moon day. Read on to know about Sindhi matrimonial customs & traditions.

In this section, we will provide you information about traditional Sindhi marriage rituals:

Pre Wedding Rituals

    * Kachchi Misri & Pakki Mishri Ceremony
    * Berana Satsang
    * Mehendi
    * Santh Custom
    * Sangeet party
    * Saagri Tradition
    * Ghari Puja

Wedding Rituals

    * Thread Ceremony
    * Swagatam Custom
    * Hathialo Tradition
    * Wedding Ceremony
    * Kanya Daan

Post Wedding Rituals

    * Datar Ceremony
    * Chhanar Tradition
    * Sataurah Custom

Post-Wedding Sindhi Rituals

Datar Ceremony
It is a welcome ceremony for the bride in her husband's house. The arrival of the newly weds is declared by the beating of drums. At the house entrance, the groom's parents wash their daughter-in-law's feet. At the time when the bride sprinkles milk throughout the house; her in-laws cover her head.

The bride picks a handful of salt and places it in her husband's hand. He gives it back to her, without spilling any salt. This is carried out thrice. Similarly, the "datar" is done with other family members. The basic idea behind doing this is that like the salt blends well and gives taste to the food, the bride must also blend and become an integral part of the family.

Chhanar Tradition
The wedding becomes complete with the performance of Chhanar tradition, also known as Dev Uthana. In this custom, Devs (chakki installed as a totemic deity) is removed.

Sataurah Custom
In the Sataurah custom, the newly wedded couple visits the bride's home at an auspicious time as told by the priest.

Pre Wedding Sindhi Rituals

Kachchi Misri & Pakki Mishri Ceremony
Kachchi Misri or Kuchcha shagun is the first formal ceremony that takes place, after having the approval of the prospective bride and groom's family. In this ceremony, mishri and coconut is given to the girl/boy. It signifies that he/she is the one.

Pakki Mishri ceremony is the formal engagement that takes place one week prior to marriage. Close friends and relatives are present in this occasion to witness the exchanging of rings between the to be bride and groom.

Berana Satsang
A satsang called Berana is organized ten days prior to marriage. It is conducted in the name of the Sindhi God, Jhulelal. It signifies the beginning of the wedding ceremonies.

Mehendi & Santh Custom
The to be bride's hands and feet are adorned with beautiful mehendi patterns. It is during this ceremony that all the female members in the family get together and sing traditional wedding songs.

On this day, the to be bride and groom are asked to wear their old discarded apparels, after the mehendi ceremony is over. These clothes are then wrapped and thrown into the sea.

In the Santh custom, seven married ladies apply oil to the girl's head. This custom takes place on the night before marriage. An earthen pot is placed before the bride and she is asked to break its cover in one go. If she is successful in doing so, it is considered to be a good sign.

Sangeet party
Sangeet party is held at the bride's place, which she gives to her friends as a maiden. It is like a bachelor's party.

Saagri Tradition
Saagri tradition involves the showering of flower petals on the bride. This ritual takes place in the evening time, when the groom's married sisters and cousins visit the bride's house with the jewelry made from mogra flowers. They help her wear a silk sari. They prettify her with the flower jewelry. In the nighttime the bridegroom visits the bride's home, where he is welcomed with garlands. A special feast is prepared.

Ghari Puja
Ghari Puja is performed in the bride as well as groom's house by the priest. In this, prayers are done using rice, coconut, wheat grains, oil, betel nuts, turmeric and a number of other spices. Married women grind wheat, which symbolizes the prosperity of home. The bridegroom offers a handful of grains to the priest.

Sindhi Wedding Rituals

Thread Ceremony
Without the performance of thread ceremony, Sindhi wedding is considered incomplete. Turmeric powder and oil is applied to the bride and groom in their respective houses. From then onwards, they are not allowed to step out of the house. Haldi makes the bride and groom look beautiful on their special day.

Swagatam Custom
After the bride has dressed up in her wedding attire, her sisters or other female friends and relatives lead the groom to the bride's place. At the house entrance, the bridegroom places his right foot on the top of the bride's foot. This gesture signifies his dominating strength. Thereafter, he enters the bride's house. The girl's parents wash their future son-in-laws feet with milk and water, considering him to be a form of Lord Vishnu.

Hathialo Tradition
As a part of Hathialo tradition, the bridegroom's scarf is tied to one end of the bride's sari. Also their right hands are tied together with a sacred thread. The couple prays to the Lord to bless their union.

Wedding Ceremony
Wedding ceremony is conducted by the priest in the presence of family, friends and relatives. The bride and groom are made to sit in front of the sacred fire and the priest recites selected verses from the Holy scriptures. The family members are directed by the priest to give offerings into the holy fire. The couple takes four rounds around the fire taking vows.

The groom takes the bride's hand to his forehead. This gesture indicates that he accepts her as the better half of his life. The heads of the bride and groom are held together. It represents that from now on, they are one in body, mind and spirit.

Kanya Daan
In the Kanyadaan ceremony, the bride's parents hand over their daughter's hand to the groom and request him to take good care of their daughter.