Sikh · Pre-wedding

Maiyan / Vatna

A turmeric paste (vatna) is applied to the bride and groom at their own homes before the wedding.

Also known as: maiyan, vatna, sikh haldi, turmeric

What it means

Like the haldi in Hindu weddings, the vatna is applied for an auspicious glow and to bless the couple. From this point the bride and groom traditionally stay home until the wedding day.

What happens

  1. 1A paste of turmeric, flour, and mustard oil is applied by relatives.
  2. 2Often accompanied by the singing of traditional boliyan and ghorian.
This explanation is under review by a religious authority — a companion to, not a replacement for, your granthi.

More Sikh rituals

Kurmai (Sikh engagement)
The Sikh engagement, often held in a Gurdwara, formalising the match between the families.
Chunni Chadana
The groom's family welcomes the bride into their family with gifts and a chunni (veil).
Milni (Sikh)
The two families formally meet at the Gurdwara before the Anand Karaj, beginning with Ardas.
Anand Karaj (Laavan)
The Sikh marriage ceremony — the couple takes four rounds around the Guru Granth Sahib as the Laavan hymns are sung.
← Chunni ChadanaMilni (Sikh) →
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