Mayian

The main ritual

The core event occurs at the parental home of the couple. The bride or groom sits on a wooden plank known as a patri. Four female relatives hold a red cloth above this seat. Married women from the family and community lead the process. They rub a mixture of turmeric, flour, and mustard oil onto the person's face, arms, and legs. Women sing traditional songs throughout this time. Guests receive gogley, which are special sweets made for weddings.

Bangles and gifts

On the morning before the wedding, the bride receives choora. These are ivory and red bangles given by her maternal uncle. He also provides clothes, jewellery, and cash called nankey-shak. The uncle places the bangles on her wrists while women sing about his role. She then bathes and dresses in these new items. The groom similarly receives a sherwani from his maternal uncle to wear later.

Night celebrations

Jaggo takes place late at night before the wedding. Families dance and sing outside their decorated homes. Copper vessels called gaffers hold clay lamps filled with mustard oil. The maternal aunt carries these lights on her head. Another woman shakes a stick with bells attached. They visit friends and neighbours, who welcome them with food and drinks. This part combines solemnity with joyous dancing and fireworks.

How Mayian is kept

The couple sits on a patri while relatives apply a turmeric paste. This happens at the home one day prior. The bride receives bangles and clothes from her maternal uncle. The groom gets a sherwani from his uncle. Night brings Jaggo, where families dance with lit lamps through the streets. Women sing traditional songs during all parts of the day.

When and where

It takes place one day before the wedding ceremony. The main application usually happens in the morning. Sometimes it occurs in the late afternoon or evening. Jaggo follows later that same night.

This tradition belongs to Punjab in India and Pakistan. It is performed at the homes of the couple's parents. The practice continues among Sikh communities in Britain as well.

What Mayian means

The paste cleanses and balances the body for married life. The bangles and gifts highlight the importance of the mother's natal family. These exchanges strengthen the bond between the two families involved in the union.

On the table

Flavours: Turmeric

Questions people ask about Mayian

See also

SaptapadiThe seven-step ritual that finalizes a Hindu marriage, observed across India.MatchmakingThe custom of using a trusted intermediary to introduce partners for marriageSvayamvaraAn ancient Indian noble assembly where a bride chose her husband among suitorsHindu weddingA traditional Hindu marriage ceremony involving sacred rituals and vows witnessed by fire.

Good reading and sources

• Mayian on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.