What is a sangeet night in an Indian (desi) wedding?
The word “Sangeet “ means music, but when it is used as a term to describe a celebratory event during an Indian wedding it translates to Music Night or Musical party. This musical night is a celebration of the union of not only the couple but the bonding of both families. It is here that both sides bring down their barriers and mingle in a fun environment. It is a celebration that can be as lavish or as toned down as the families can afford. It’s usually held a day before the wedding. It may be held in a huge hotel room to accommodate all wedding guests, or it may be a small affair at the bride’s home. In some events men and women get separated due to their interests, for example men –booze, women- henna, younsters-dance. But most of the sangeet parties are huge and loud and every bit like a reception but super fun.
The 5 major elements of a sangeet according to me are:
1) Dance performances by family members:
This is the time that every talented cousin, friend and relative who wants to be in the limelight will try to give a dance performance, Bollywood shtyle (Slang for style)
2) Food:
The food is always the best part of Indian weddings. Every event has an array of dishes to choose from catered by the best in the industry.
3) Booze:
This is probably the only reason why men show up to the sangeet and also the only reason why they can let loose and dance without inhibition.(Just kidding) But yes no Indian wedding is complete without a free flowing bar.
4) Henna:
Henna is a very important part of the sangeet night, it’s the night when the guests are given an opportunity to dive into the culturally rich art form of henna or traditionally called mehndi/mehendi which is paid by the host or hostess. Every guest whether 2 years old or 90 years old (mostly women) will indulge their senses in this traditional form of natural herbal body art, which stains the skin a burgundy brown for a week to 2 weeks. The guests usually get a 3 to 5 minute quick design.
To find the henna artist at a sangeet you just have to follow the long line/ large crowd of women gathered in a group.
The bride on the other hand has most probably gotten her elaborate and intricate henna done a day before the sangeet, so that she has her hands and feet available to rock the house with her moves and give enough time for her henna to mature for the wedding.
5) Dance for everyone on the open floor:
This is a time to go crazy and release all your stress and pent up energy to the funkiest and loudest Bollywood music. I guarantee when you leave the sangeet party your ears will be hearing impaired for a few hours, but who cares as long as you enjoyed to the fullest.
The best way to blend in at a sangeet is to wear your most colorful and blingiest clothes and jewelry. And if you want to proudly say you survived an Indian wedding with all the ceremonies and celebrations, you need to truly experience the sangeet. And to experience the sangeet you need to join in on the dance floor and move your hips to the desi beat.
Written by –
Bhavna Naik of Bhavna’s Henna & Arts
The word “Sangeet “ means music, but when it is used as a term to describe a celebratory event during an Indian wedding it translates to Music Night or Musical party. This musical night is a celebration of the union of not only the couple but the bonding of both families. It is here that both sides bring down their barriers and mingle in a fun environment. It is a celebration that can be as lavish or as toned down as the families can afford. It’s usually held a day before the wedding. It may be held in a huge hotel room to accommodate all wedding guests, or it may be a small affair at the bride’s home. In some events men and women get separated due to their interests, for example men –booze, women- henna, younsters-dance. But most of the sangeet parties are huge and loud and every bit like a reception but super fun.
The 5 major elements of a sangeet according to me are:
1) Dance performances by family members:
This is the time that every talented cousin, friend and relative who wants to be in the limelight will try to give a dance performance, Bollywood shtyle (Slang for style)
2) Food:
The food is always the best part of Indian weddings. Every event has an array of dishes to choose from catered by the best in the industry.
3) Booze:
This is probably the only reason why men show up to the sangeet and also the only reason why they can let loose and dance without inhibition.(Just kidding) But yes no Indian wedding is complete without a free flowing bar.
4) Henna:
Henna is a very important part of the sangeet night, it’s the night when the guests are given an opportunity to dive into the culturally rich art form of henna or traditionally called mehndi/mehendi which is paid by the host or hostess. Every guest whether 2 years old or 90 years old (mostly women) will indulge their senses in this traditional form of natural herbal body art, which stains the skin a burgundy brown for a week to 2 weeks. The guests usually get a 3 to 5 minute quick design.
To find the henna artist at a sangeet you just have to follow the long line/ large crowd of women gathered in a group.
The bride on the other hand has most probably gotten her elaborate and intricate henna done a day before the sangeet, so that she has her hands and feet available to rock the house with her moves and give enough time for her henna to mature for the wedding.
5) Dance for everyone on the open floor:
This is a time to go crazy and release all your stress and pent up energy to the funkiest and loudest Bollywood music. I guarantee when you leave the sangeet party your ears will be hearing impaired for a few hours, but who cares as long as you enjoyed to the fullest.
The best way to blend in at a sangeet is to wear your most colorful and blingiest clothes and jewelry. And if you want to proudly say you survived an Indian wedding with all the ceremonies and celebrations, you need to truly experience the sangeet. And to experience the sangeet you need to join in on the dance floor and move your hips to the desi beat.
Written by –
Bhavna Naik of Bhavna’s Henna & Arts