Pakistani wedding glossary
Baraat
براتBaraat The wedding-day procession of the groom's family arriving at the venue, traditionally with music and dancing, where the nikkah (marriage contract) is signed.
The baraat is the wedding day proper. The word literally means "procession" — the groom and his family arrive at the venue together, often accompanied by dhol drummers and dancing relatives. In modern urban Pakistani weddings, the baraat is the most formally-decorated function, with the bride and groom in their wedding-day attire (typically red and gold for the bride, sherwani for the groom).
What happens at the baraat
The signing of the nikkah (marriage contract) is the religious and legal centrepiece. After the nikkah, the couple sits on the stage and receives blessings from family. The reception meal follows. The function typically ends with the rukhsati — the formal farewell of the bride from her family's side.
Also known as: wedding ceremony, barat