Livun invitation card
An invitation for Livun, the ritual that begins the wedding celebrations.
Livun: the ritual that opens a Kashmiri Pandit wedding
Livun is the symbolic cleaning of the home that marks the start of the wedding preparations. It is performed by the married women of the family, separately at the bride's and the groom's homes, on an auspicious day fixed by the family priest. Traditionally, Kashmiri homes were cleaned and washed and the floors given a fresh coat of clay; the women who took part were thanked with gifts of money or clothes.
Some accounts call the ritual cleaning of the house garanavay. After Livun, many families perform krool khanun, decorating the doorway, and from then until the wedding the evenings fill with wanvun, the traditional songs sung in chorus by the women of the family.
Where Livun fits in the wedding
The usual sequence, which varies between families, runs roughly:
- Livun
- Ritual cleaning of the home, often a few weeks before the wedding.
- Wanvun evenings
- Relatives gather in the evenings for songs and celebration.
- Maenziraat
- The henna night before the wedding.
- Devgon
- The ceremony invoking the gods' blessings, at each home.
- Lagan
- The wedding ceremony at the bride's home or venue, ending with Posh Puza.
What to write on a Livun card
- A short invocation, the word 'Livun', and a line saying the wedding celebrations are beginning.
- Whose wedding it is, for example 'Chi. Aditya Kaul, whose wedding with Sau. Meenakshi Raina is on 21st March'.
- The date, time and address. Livun is usually a daytime gathering at home.
- The hosts' names and an RSVP number. Livun invitations are typically sent to close family and neighbours.
How to make your Livun card
- 1
Start from the example
The card opens with Livun wording ready.
- 2
Add names, date and place
Edit the names and the Livun date and venue.
- 3
Choose a design
Minimal and Chinar work well for a home gathering.
- 4
Share it
Download an image for WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
What is Livun in a Kashmiri Pandit wedding?
Livun is the ritual cleaning of the home that begins the wedding preparations. Married women of the family perform it separately at the bride's and groom's homes on a day fixed by the priest.
When is Livun done?
On an auspicious day before the wedding chosen by the family priest, often a few weeks ahead. The wanvun evenings of song follow until the wedding.
What is wanvun?
Wanvun are traditional Kashmiri songs sung in chorus by the women of the family during the wedding festivities.
Who is invited to Livun?
Usually close family, relatives and neighbours, since it is a gathering at home.
Is my information uploaded or stored anywhere?
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