A baraat is the groom's wedding procession. He travels to the bride's venue with his family and friends, often with dhol drums and dancing, and sometimes on a decorated horse or in a special car. The bride's family then welcomes the party at the door.
In Hindi it is written बारात and in Urdu بارات. Say it "ba-RAAT".
Which traditions use it
The word is shared across faiths, but it can mean slightly different things, and customs vary by family, region and tradition.
- Hindu weddings: the procession ends with the bride's family welcoming the groom. The BBC's guide to Hindu weddings describes the bride's parents welcoming the groom and his family "at the boundary", where members of both families are formally introduced.
- Sikh and Punjabi weddings: the groom's family travels to the gurdwara or venue, and the families meet at the milni. The Apna Virsa heritage project describes the groom mounting a horse at home, the ghori chadna, before setting off.
- Pakistani and Indian Muslim weddings: "barat" often names the whole wedding-day event, hosted by the bride's family. The groom's party arrives, the nikkah may take place, and the evening ends with the rukhsati.
When it happens
On the wedding day. At Hindu weddings it comes before the ceremony at the mandap. At Sikh weddings it usually comes in the morning, before the anand karaj. At Pakistani weddings the barat is often an evening event, followed a day or more later by the walima.
Vendors involved
Dhol players or a brass band, a decorated car or horse, a photographer and videographer who can move with the procession, flowers for the groom's sehra, and the venue that receives the party. Check with the venue about arrival space, parking and noise before you book music. Our questions to ask your venue sheet covers this. Browse vendors by city from locations.
Common spellings
Baraat, barat, baarat and baraath are all used. Pakistani invitations usually say "barat"; Indian invitations often say "baraat".
Planning tip. Agree the baraat's arrival time with the bride's side and the venue together. A late baraat pushes back the ceremony, the meal and the finish time, and some venues charge for overruns. Share one timetable with every vendor.
Questions
Sometimes. It depends on the venue, the route and any council rules for the area. Ask the venue first, then book a horse provider with the right insurance and experience of crowds and music.
Usually the bride's family. The groom's family arrives as guests, the nikkah may take place, and the evening ends with the rukhsati. The groom's family then hosts the walima.
The procession itself is often short, from a car park or nearby street to the entrance, but the welcome that follows can take much longer. Build time for it into the venue booking.
Related terms: milni · rukhsati · vidaai · walima
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