Chooda and Kalire Ceremony in Punjabi Weddings
What Is the Chooda and Kalire Ceremony?
The Chooda ceremony is a sacred Punjabi wedding ritual where the bride’s maternal uncle gifts her a set of red and ivory bangles (chooda). Kalire — decorative dangling ornaments — are then tied to these bangles as a symbol of prosperity and happiness.
When Is It Held?
This ceremony is usually performed on the morning of the wedding day or a day before, before the bride leaves for the wedding venue.
Who Typically Celebrates It?
Chooda and Kalire are primarily celebrated in:
- Sikh Punjabi weddings
- Hindu Punjabi weddings
It is one of the most important bride-centric rituals in Punjabi culture.
What Happens During the Ceremony?
The bride’s maternal uncle presents the chooda, which is ceremonially blessed. Female relatives tie kalire to the bangles. Traditionally, the bride shakes her kalire over unmarried friends — and whoever a kalira falls on is believed to marry next.
The ceremony is emotional and deeply symbolic.
Is It Optional or Regional?
Chooda and Kalire are region-specific to Punjabi weddings. They are essential in traditional Punjabi families but not practiced in most other Hindu communities.