If you are planning or attending an Indian wedding, there’s one celebration you’ll want to know all about: the Sangeet Ceremony. This joyous event is one of the most memorable and fun parts of a multi-day Indian wedding.

 

Whether you want to include a Sangeet night in your own wedding, or are lucky enough to land an invitation to this fun event, you’ll need to know what a Sangeet Ceremony is and prepare for a fantastic time. 

What Is a Sangeet Ceremony?

A Sangeet ceremony is a night of partying and dancing before the wedding. It’s a custom in Punjabi and North Indian weddings that typically occurs a day or two before the marriage ceremony and reception. While some Indian wedding events are religious, the Sangeet Ceremony is purely for celebration. 

 

It often serves as a sort of welcome party, allowing everyone to get together for joyous singing and dancing before the couple officially weds. 

Sangeet’s History

A Sangeet ceremony has its origins in the Punjab region of India. The event typically lasted two weeks and included only females from both sides of the family. 

 

Today, the Sangeet has extended beyond northern India and is included in many South Asian weddings. As many modern Indian weddings condense their celebrations into a single week or weekend, the Sangeet is now typically a one-night party.  

 

Another big change for the Sangeet ceremony? Both men and women now attend. This makes it a larger event to mark the beginning of the wedding festivities.

 

What to Expect at a Sangeet Ceremony

Are you new to planning a Sangeet? You’re in for an incredible night. In fact, many people will look back at the Sangeet as the most significant part of the wedding weekend. While each Sangeet is unique, here is what your guests generally expect from one:

 

• Guests will wear traditional Indian attire like kurtas, Jodhpuris, or sherwanis for the men; and lehenga, sari, or salwar for women. They’ll be in bright colors, but not overly formal. 
• Many couples combine the Sangeet ceremony with the Mehndi night. If so, a henna artist will be onsite. 
• Lots of food is served, in a buffet line or as appetizers. It may be Indian food or other types of food.
• Most Sangeet nights involve lots of alcohol. 
• Family and friends will perform choreographed dances. 
• A DJ or MC will guide everyone through the festivities and introduce the groups performing. 
• After the choreographed dances, the dance floor will open for everyone. 
• The Sangeet will last several hours, similar to a wedding reception. 
• You’ll want to hire professional Indian wedding photography and videography for your Sangeet.  

 

Sangeet Night VS. Indian Wedding Reception

Today’s Sangeet ceremonies are incredibly similar to Indian wedding receptions in that they include dancing, food, and lots of merriment. But the Sangeet ceremony occurs before the wedding (typically the night before) and will feature more traditional dances and songs. 

 

You’ll also see more vibrant colors at a Sangeet night, since it’s a purely festive event. 

 

The Sangeet involves a similar planning process as the wedding reception. You’ll book a venue, plan a theme and decor, serve food, hire a DJ, and organize the performances. 

 

 

Hiring a Sangeet Photographer and Videographer

The Sangeet is one of the most memorable events of a South Asian wedding, and you’ll definitely want to ensure it’s expertly documented. 

Booking a photographer and videographer experienced in South Asian weddings will allow you to fully enjoy the event while knowing your memories are in good hands. 

 

At Dgass Photography, we can assist with a Sangeet photography timeline to capture the moments and details that mean the most to you. Booking your Desi wedding photography and videography with us allows for a seamless and relaxed experience as you enjoy your Sangeet night and full wedding events. 

 

 

Sangeet Ceremony FAQ

Ready to learn more about a Sangeet night? Read on for the most common questions people have about this South Asian wedding custom. 

 

Do Western guests wear Indian attire at a Sangeet?

It’s typically acceptable for Western guests to wear traditional Indian attire to a Sangeet night. However, western semi-formal wear is acceptable too. Guests are encouraged to contact the host if they have questions about their attire. 

 

What kind of food is served at a Sangeet?

A Sangeet is a fully catered celebration, and it likely involves an array of Indian food, including Chicken Tikka Masala, lentils, and samosas. Sometimes, Italian or Mexican dishes will be served at a Sangeet, depending on the couple’s preferences.

 

What kind of venue is best for a Sangeet?

Sangeets are big celebrations, just like the wedding and reception. Most couples will invite hundreds of guests, so they need a big venue. Banquet halls, hotel ballrooms, and large-scale event spaces work best for South Asian weddings because they can accommodate an extensive guest list. 

 

You can host your Sangeet at the same venue as your reception, or have it in a different place. 

 

Who do I invite to the Sangeet?

Anyone you want! The Sangeet typically includes all friends and families. It’s also common to invite people only to the Sangeet, but you should check with your families to see if this will be acceptable for your group. 

 

Who dances at a Sangeet, and who coordinates the dances?

The couple’s closest friends and families perform choreographed dances at the Sangeet. The bride often coordinates the Sangeet dances, but you may also delegate the task or leave it to a skilled Indian wedding planner. 

 

Create groups of guests and assign them a song and choreography. You may opt to hire a professional choreographer to make for a polished performance. Rehearsals can also occur virtually if needed. 

 

Is a Sangeet like a Western rehearsal dinner?

Sangeets and rehearsal dinners are both pre-wedding celebrations that bring together the bride’s and groom’s families. But the Sangeet will be more elaborate and large-scale than a rehearsal dinner. 

 

Your Sangeet Night

Ready to begin planning your Indian Wedding? A festive, beautiful Sangeet ceremony will likely be the most talked-about part of your nuptials. We recommend working with a professional Indian wedding planner and hiring a skilled photographer and videographer to make sure the event is the celebration you and your family dream of. 

Contact Dgass Photography to learn more about our South Asian wedding photography and videography wedding packages.