Pakistani wedding glossary
Rukhsati
رخصتیRukhsati The emotional farewell of the bride from her family's home at the end of the baraat, when she formally departs with the groom's family.
The rukhsati is the emotional crescendo of the wedding day. The bride has signed her nikkah, eaten with both families, and is now formally leaving her parents' home as a married woman. Family members exchange tearful goodbyes and the bride is escorted to the wedding car (often a decorated luxury vehicle) for the journey to her new home.
What happens during the rukhsati
Quranic verses are read over the bride. Her brother typically helps her into the car — symbolic of the transition between families. The decorated car (rented for the occasion in many modern Pakistani weddings) drives off with the wedding party in tow. Photographers and videographers focus heavily on this moment — it's traditionally the most emotionally raw footage of the day.