Freedom and Leela, world music singers of Indian Music, perform Punjabi Folk, Ghazals, Qawwalis and Kirtan music.

Freedom and Leela have performed music for Indian Wedding and Sikh Wedding ceremonies and receptions around the globe.  They offer their services in Punjabi Hindi and English.

We are able to perform uniquely suited music for any or all stages of the Indian wedding event, from the engagement party, to welcoming the guests, the ceremony, or the reception.  We work closely with bridal couples, and prominent wedding and event planners locally and throughout North America to provide that perfect touch.

 


Pre-Wedding Rituals
Rokka: In this ceremony the boy and the girl commit to enter wedlock, and will not consider any more matrimonial proposals.  Ardaas is done, followed by the exchange of gifts.
Mangni: The engagement,  usually very high profile, is when the boy’s side of the family goes to the girl’s side with gifts, jewellery, and other goods to confirm the engagement, and often  an exchange of rings also takes place.
Shagan:  This is the main engagement with  the bride's family going with gifts to the groom's home.  These gifts are called shagan, i.e. lucky presents.
Chunni Chadana: This ceremony consists of  when the boy’s side goes to the bride’s home, a day or two before the wedding.  They take a red chunni and place it on the bride’s head, and also bring makeup, jewellery, mendhi, red nail polish, bindi and other accessories to symbolize her new life with her in laws. A pooja may also be performed.
Sangeet: The Sangeet can be one day or many days before the wedding ceremony and is usually held at a  high profile banquet hall.  The ceremony consists of ladies singing traditional Indian songs, it is the Indian version of the Western bridal shower.
Mehndi: The Mehandi ceremony takes place in the atmosphere of a party. The bride and other ladies get mendhi (henna designs ) done on their hands and feet (most ladies get it done only on their hands, but the bride gets it done on both her hands and feet). For the bride the mendhi is sent by the future mother-in-law.
Chuda Ceremony: This ceremony is performed by the maternal uncle and aunt (mama - mami) of the bride. The chuda, which is a set of red and cream ivory bangles, are touched by all present to signify their blessings and good wishes for the bride.
Vatna: This ritual demands that the bride-to-be stays at home in her old clothes for a couple of days before her wedding before her bath, vatna (a paste of powdered turmeric and mustard oil), which is applied on her body by female relatives and friends.
Jaggo: The Jaggo ceremony is where the family dances and sings on the road in front and around the beautifully decorated wedding home. The Jaggo happens in the last few hours of the night before the wedding. The  copper vessels called "gaffers" are decorated with divas (clay lamps), filled with mustard oil and then are lighted. The bride/bridegrooms maternal aunt (mammi) carries this on her head, and another lady carries a long stick with bells which she shakes.

Wedding Rituals

Milni: (means "Introductions") The Ardas is performed by the priest (Giani) followed by the formal introductions of the main male players in the families. Example is both eldest Chachas (father's younger brother) will come together and exchange garlands of flowers and money.

Lavaan: There are different rituals depending on whether  it is Sikh, Punjabi or Hindu Wedding.  The bride and groom walk in tow around the Guru Granth Sahib four times at the set intervals if it is a Sikh or Punjabi wedding.  If it is a  Hindu wedding, the couple walks around the Agni, a sacred fire, seven times.

 

Post-Wedding Rituals

Vidaai/Doli: Vidaai marks the departure of the bride from her parental house. As a custom, the bride throws phulian or puffed rice over her head. The ritual conveys her good wishes for her parents.  The bride’s brother or cousin accompanies her when she goes to her husband’s house.       
Reception:  A dinner, music and dance party in held to celebrate the wedding ceremony.