A sangeet is a pre-wedding night of music, songs and dancing. The word is Hindi for music, संगीत. Families sing, dance, perform rehearsed routines and gently tease the couple, and it is often the most energetic night of the wedding week. It is also where many families first mix properly.
Say it "sun-GEET".
Which traditions use it
The sangeet is most common at Punjabi and North Indian weddings, both Hindu and Sikh. A UK Punjabi heritage project, Apna Virsa, describes a sangeet hosted by the bride's family, where they "play the dholak drums and sing songs in which they tease the groom and his family", adding that many families now hire DJs and have a dance party.
Other communities have their own versions. Gujarati families often hold a garba or raas night with circle dances. Pakistani and many Indian Muslim families have the dholki and mehndi, which fill a similar place with songs and the dholak. Families from different backgrounds often borrow from each other, so you will find sangeets at mixed and Muslim weddings too.
When it happens
Usually in the days before the wedding, often the night before or two nights before. Many UK couples merge the sangeet and the mehndi into one evening to save a venue booking, with henna in the early evening and performances after dinner.
Vendors involved
A modern sangeet can need as much as a reception:
- a venue or hall with a dance floor and a stage;
- a DJ, dhol players or live singers, and a sound system;
- a choreographer if the families are performing routines;
- decor and lighting;
- a caterer;
- a photographer and videographer.
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Common spellings
Sangeet is standard. You will also see sangit, sangeeth (in South Indian usage) and "ladies' sangeet" for a women-only version.
Planning tip. If the families are performing, set rehearsal dates early and keep each act short. A running order shared with the DJ and the photographer stops the night from dragging.
Questions
The mehndi centres on applying henna to the bride. The sangeet centres on music and dancing. Many UK families combine them into one evening, with henna early on and performances later.
The word is mostly used at Hindu and Sikh weddings. Pakistani Muslim families usually hold a dholki or mehndi instead, which play a similar role with songs, the dholak and dancing.
Traditionally the bride's family, with the groom's close family invited. Today many couples host one joint sangeet for both sides.
Related terms: mehndi · jaggo · dholki · haldi
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