The Soulful Celebration of Music, Dance, and Togetherness
Know about Ladies Sangeet
Indian weddings are known for their grandeur, traditions, and joyful festivities. Every ritual and function has a special meaning, but among them, the Sangeet Ceremony stands out as one of the most lively and entertaining events. It is a night of music, dance, and family bonding, where both sides come together to celebrate the upcoming union of the bride and groom.
The Sangeet Ceremony has its roots in traditional Mahila Sangeet, where women of the family would gather to sing folk songs, dance, and bless the bride before her wedding. Over time, this intimate gathering has transformed into a larger-than-life event, featuring choreographed performances, DJ nights, and even celebrity appearances.
In this blog, we will explore the historical significance of Mahila Sangeet, the modern trends of Ladies Sangeet, rituals, regional variations, and how this ceremony has evolved over time.
Mahila Sangeet: A Traditional Celebration of Women’s Voices
Traditionally, Mahila Sangeet was a women-centric gathering, where female family members and close relatives would come together to sing traditional folk songs, share stories, and bless the bride. This event was an emotional moment for the bride, as elder women imparted wisdom and sang songs about married life, love, and family responsibilities.
- Folk Songs and Their Significance
The songs sung during Mahila Sangeet often carried deep meanings and were passed down through generations. Some common themes included:
• Bidaai Geet – Songs about the bride’s departure to her new home.
• Sehra Bandhne Ka Geet – Sung for the groom as he prepares for the wedding.
• Ghudchadi Songs – Celebrating the groom’s journey to bring his bride home.
• Mehendi and Haldi Songs – Celebrating the beauty of the bride.
Women played dholaks (drums), clapped, and enjoyed a heartfelt musical gathering, creating an intimate and emotional atmosphere.
Ladies Sangeet: The Modern Extravaganza
Over the years, Mahila Sangeet evolved into a larger event, now popularly known as Ladies Sangeet. Unlike the traditional women-only gathering, modern Ladies Sangeet includes both men and women, turning into a full-fledged musical night.
- Professional Performances & Choreographed Dances
Families today take months to prepare choreographed dance performances for the Sangeet. From Bollywood-style dance numbers to fusion performances, the competition between the bride’s and groom’s sides adds excitement to the night. - DJ Nights & Live Bands
No Ladies Sangeet is complete without a DJ or a live band! Families dance to Bollywood hits, Punjabi beats, and regional songs, creating an electric atmosphere. Some even hire dhol players to add a traditional touch. - Themed Sangeet Celebrations
Modern weddings feature theme-based Sangeet nights, such as:
• Bollywood Night – Where guests dress as their favorite Bollywood stars.
• Royal Rajputana Theme – Inspired by Rajasthani traditions.
• Retro Night – Featuring old classic songs and vintage décor.
• Musical Concert Style – Featuring LED screens, stage effects, and a grand entry for the bride and groom. - Bride and Groom Performances
Unlike Mahila Sangeet, where the bride only observed the event, modern Ladies Sangeet often includes a dance performance by the bride and groom together. Their romantic duet performance is one of the most awaited moments of the night. - Fun Games and Storytelling
In addition to singing and dancing, families also include funny skits, storytelling sessions, and light-hearted games, like:
• “How Well Do You Know Each Other?” – Where the bride and groom answer questions about each other.
• “Guess the Song” – Where family members guess old Bollywood songs based on clues.
Regional Variations of Sangeet Ceremony in India
Although the Sangeet Ceremony is commonly seen in North Indian and Punjabi weddings, many other cultures have their own unique versions of Mahila Sangeet and Ladies Sangeet.
- Punjabi Sangeet Ceremony
In Punjabi weddings, the Sangeet function is grand and high-energy. It includes:
• Live dhol players and Bhangra performances.
• Gidha (a traditional women’s dance) performed by the bride’s family.
• Boliyan and Tappe, where women sing in a call-and-response style. - Rajasthani Mahila Sangeet
In Rajasthan, Mahila Sangeet is an important pre-wedding ritual. The women sing Marwari wedding songs, accompanied by traditional instruments like the Ektara and Matka. - Gujarati Sangeet (Garba and Dandiya Raas)
In Gujarati weddings, Garba and Dandiya Raas are performed during the Ladies Sangeet night. These traditional dance forms add a cultural essence to the celebration. - South Indian Sangeet Adaptation
Sangeet was traditionally not a part of South Indian weddings, but today, many Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada weddings include a musical night with Carnatic performances and film songs.
How to Plan a Memorable Ladies Sangeet Ceremony?
If you’re planning a Sangeet night, here are some tips to make it unforgettable:
- Choose a Fun Theme
Pick a theme that suits your family’s personality, such as Bollywood Glam, Royal Affair, or a Retro Music Night. - Plan Performances in Advance
Assign performances to family members early on and hire a choreographer if needed. Make sure the performances are well-rehearsed! - Set Up a Beautiful Stage and Dance Floor
Use LED screens, floral backdrops, fairy lights, and a proper dance floor to create a lively ambiance. - Hire a DJ and Dhol Players
A great DJ or live band can elevate the mood. Add dhol beats for an extra energetic touch. - Organize Fun Games and Activities
Keep guests entertained with interactive games, contests, and live music requests. - Arrange for Mehendi and Photo Booths
Set up mehendi corners, photo booths, and wedding props for guests to enjoy.
A Night to Remember!
The Sangeet Ceremony, whether called Mahila Sangeet or Ladies Sangeet, is a magical night that brings families together in celebration. From heartfelt folk songs to energetic Bollywood dances, this event marks the beginning of a joyous wedding journey.
Whether you prefer a traditional gathering or a modern extravaganza, the essence of Sangeet remains the same – love, laughter, and music!
So, get ready to dance your heart out, sing your favorite tunes, and make unforgettable memories at your next Ladies Sangeet!
