Program & ceremonies

Three old Punjabi rituals rolled into one long, joyful afternoon. None of them are solemn — they are the family's way of preparing the couple for the wedding, and guests are part of all of it.

Maiyan — the opening. The bride and groom are seated on a low stool, and the elders take turns rubbing a little oil into their hair and touching their forehead with a blessing. It is the moment the wedding officially begins.

Haldi — the turmeric. A bright yellow paste of turmeric, sandalwood and rosewater is smeared on the couple by everyone who loves them. Turmeric is the old Punjabi cure-all: it makes the skin glow, and yellow is the colour of good fortune and new beginnings. Expect to get joyfully messy — that is the point, and nobody stays clean.

Mehndi — the henna. An artist draws fine henna patterns on the bride's hands and feet, and on any guest who wants them (it washes off in a week or two, and it is not a tattoo). The dye cools the skin and is said to carry luck; tradition says the darker the stain, the deeper the love — and that the bride does no housework until the henna fades.

Sangeet, in a way: there will be dhol, folk songs and dancing woven through the whole afternoon. Nothing is rehearsed, so just join in.

Jaggo means, literally, 'wake up!' In Punjab, the family parade with copper pots covered in lit oil lamps balanced on their heads, banging sticks, singing folk songs and waking the neighbourhood to announce that a wedding is here.

It is loud, joyful and one of the most Punjabi things you will ever witness. Live dhol, late dinner, dancing.

Drinks: there is a bar at Jaggo, so this is one of the two evenings where alcohol is served.

Anand Karaj means blissful union. It is the Sikh marriage ceremony and the spiritual heart of our wedding. If you come from a Western background, think of it as the equivalent of a church wedding.

A quick note on Sikhism: it is a monotheistic faith founded in Punjab in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, built on three simple ideas, remember God, earn an honest living, and share with others.

It takes place in a Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship, a place built around faith, community, equality and service. Anyone is welcome. Everyone sits together. Everyone is fed. Through langar, the free communal meal, rich and poor, Sikh and non-Sikh share the same floor.

The ceremony may feel unfamiliar. There will be live kirtan, devotional singing in Punjabi, heads will be covered, and everyone will sit on the floor. You probably will not understand much/anything of what is being sung. That is completely fine. There is nothing to memorise and no secret choreography. Sit, listen and take it in.

At the centre of the Gurdwara is the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh scripture and eternal Guru. During the wedding, four hymns called the Laavan are sung. After each one, we walk around the Sikh scripture together. The four rounds move through commitment, longing, letting go of ego, and finally harmony. On the surface, it is four circles. Underneath, it is two lives choosing to move through the world in the same direction.

You will see us connected by the palla, a long scarf placed between us by Viktoria's father, a simple thread joining two people, two families and, traditionally, two lineages.

And yes, Simerjit will be carrying a sword. The kirpan represents the duty to protect others, stand against injustice and use strength with responsibility.

One Sikh idea sits quietly beneath all of this: chardi kala, an ever-rising spirit. It is the belief that whatever life brings, you meet it with courage, gratitude and an optimism that refuses to disappear.

The ceremony ends with ardas, a standing prayer, followed by karah parshad, a warm sweet offering given equally to everyone. Take it with both hands and eat it.

A few practical things: cover your head, remove your shoes, wash your hands, and avoid pointing your feet towards the Guru Granth Sahib. There is no alcohol, tobacco or meat inside the Gurdwara. Most importantly, do not worry about getting everything right. Just be present.

A simple vegeterian lunch after the Anand Karaj — a chance to sit down and eat with the whole family. Out of respect for the ceremony that morning, no alcohol is served at the lunch; soft drinks, chai and lassi all day.

Please note: this is The Roseate on National Highway 8 — not Roseate House in Aerocity, where many of you will be staying. Two different hotels, about 15 minutes apart.

Once lunch winds down, the rest of Friday is yours. Rest at the hotel before Saturday, or head into Delhi — our Recommendations page has restaurants, sights and shopping ideas.

The big one. Dinner, drinks, music and the dance floor open until it gives out — a dhol player, and the whole wedding party in one room. No speeches, no program, just a long, joyful night of celebrating together.