At Kimball Terrace, we’ve had the pleasure to host a wide range of parties and celebrations, but one of our absolute favorites has to be the Indian sangeet.
What is a sangeet?
A sangeet (pronounced san-GEET) is a traditional pre-wedding party that originated in the Punjab regions of India. Anciently, the sangeet ceremony lasted for ten days prior to the actual wedding. Held in the bride’s home, it involved only the female family members and was a way for them to become acquainted. In fact, the sangeet often marked the first time that the families would meet each other. The sangeet created a fun, relaxed, festive atmosphere to prepare for the uniting of two families.
While fun and festivity have remained at the core of the sangeet, a lot of other details have changed in modern times. For practical reasons, a sangeet typically lasts only one day now instead of ten, and it is usually held at a larger event venue rather than the bride’s home. Recently, men have been allowed to join the fun as well.
What happens at a sangeet?
The word “sangeet” comes from two Sanskrit words that mean “sung together,” which pretty well describes what happens at one of these joyous events. First, the bride's family welcomes the groom's family, often by singing the folk song “Suhaag.” This is followed by more singing, dancing, speeches, and tributes.
The bride (usually decked out in gorgeous traditional attire and adorned with ceremonial henna body art) typically performs a carefully choreographed dance number with her close friends and family. The groom and his entourage may respond with a dance of their own. There will also be an open dance floor for guests to get their groove on.
What should you wear to a sangeet?
Since the overall tone of a sangeet is informal and relaxed, you can get away with wearing semi-formal Western attire. A cocktail dress or a tailored suit are fine (as long as you can dance in them), or a blazer and slacks would even be acceptable. However, if you want to get into the spirit of the party and show some solidarity with your hosts, here’s how to dress for a sangeet:
For women, consider a stylish lehenga or sari, or, for a more comfortable fit, choose a salwar . Don’t worry about matching some specific color scheme; the more color and variety you add to the party, the better!
For men, sherwanis and kurtas are comfortable, semi-formal options. Or you can up your game with a formal jodhpuri.
What does one eat at a sangeet?
Because a sangeet is meant to be a casual and relaxed affair, you usually won’t see a formal plated meal. (Save that for the wedding.) Instead, you can expect to see traditional Indian finger foods, chaats, and sweet bites.
Paneer tikka skewers with cilantro yogurt chutney
Vada pav with chili garlic chutney and spinach coriander chutney.
Pani puri.
Gulab jamun.
Is the sangeet a religious ceremony?
No. A sangeet is about celebrating the occasion, not making any sort of religious vows or observances. Those may come later.
Who is invited to a sangeet?
Traditionally, the sangeet was a way for the two families to meet each other, and only women were invited. However, as we said, times have changed. Today, it’s really up to the new couple to invite who they want. Extended family, friends, or even neighbors may be included in the party if they’re lucky.
What should you say if you’re invited to a sangeet?
Yes!
Vendors for pictured sangeet
Venue: Kimball Terrace
Photographer: Elisha Braithwaite
Caterer: Culinary Crafts
DJ: Cooper Brown
Floral: Blooms and Company