Tied to tradition

Jasmine Singh

 Chura, maiyan, vatna, jaggo, varna, kurmai, nani shak, soorma, kalgi, milni, laavan...for some these are unheard names, not making any sense. Unless, an elder in the family explains how these words define the traditional-rural Punjabi wedding! While in North India, the big fat Punjabi wedding bloats in proportion, traditional ceremonies and customs can now be seen and enjoyed only in Punjabi films. What is interesting here is that the Punjabi films too have taken fancy to the rural marriages of Punjab.

The latest offering is upcoming Punjabi film Manje Bistre, starring Gippy Grewal and Sonam Bajwa, and a battery of actors. The film actually derives its name from the old custom of collecting beddings (Manje Bistre) at a marriage ceremony in a village. Does this mean that now we have to turn to Pollywood’s silver screen to know about the traditional marriage customs and ceremonies of Punjab? Well, is there any harm?

Wedding bells

Off late, three-four Punjabi films in a row have been made in the backdrop of a rural Punjabi wedding. Amrinder Gill-starrer Angrej had an explicit display of the rural and forgotten marriage ceremonies; the same boliyan and fanfare was seen in other Punjabi films like Bambukat and Nikka Zaildar, reminding us of old marriage traditions. This observation makes actor, director and producer Gippy Grewal remind us about the role of cinema. “Films certainly are all about entertainment, at the same time they also serve the role of highlighting issues in society or taking people back to their roots. Our Manje Bistre does this; it will remind every mature person in Punjab about the marriage ceremonies and connect the younger generation to their roots,” says Gippy.

While marriage scenes with hero and heroine dancing or an odd mehndi scene has always been a must-have in Punjabi films, the shift to the rural marriage customs is something that has also found appreciation from Punjabi scholars and researchers. Assistant professor of Punjabi, Jatinder Singh, from Post graduate Government College, Chandigarh, loves to pick up the topic of old and unforgotten traditions of Punjab. And when he cites examples of Punjabi films depicting the same, Jatinder Singh is more than happy. “It is encouraging to see our own cinema doing the job that Punjabi researchers have been trying to do — connecting us to the roots.” Jatinder also writes for a popular Punjabi journal wherein he dissects Punjabi films in terms of what good they serve or don’t. “More Punjabi directors recently have focused on rural marriage ceremonies that used to happen in Punjab. I can vouch that most Punjabi youngsters only know marriage as Dj, gaana, vajaana and daaru. But these films show so many forgotten traditions, which, I, as a professor of Punjabi, appreciate it a lot.” 

Need of the hour

For Punjabi cinema, recreating traditional marriage scenes could just be a phase, however, filmmakers call it the need of the hour. Says director Hardev Singh, “Haven’t we taught our kids all about jatt, badla, gandasa and more? Now is the time to familiarise them with our customs and traditions. A rural marriage theme encompasses all elements of entertainment; it has scope for more traditional songs, subtle romance, emotions and even fights. Have you heard of Shareeka fighting in old Punjabi weddings? If not, check out Manje Bistre.” 

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