Baraat: The wedding procession commences with the arrival of the groom accompanied by his family and friends. Milni: The milni ceremony is the formal meeting/introduction of the two families, which showcases the acceptance of the marriage and the bond that the families have created. This is symbolized by the exchange of flower garlands with one another. Breakfast: Tea and snacks are served in the langar hall, which is located in the basement of the Gurdwara Sahib. After you are done eating, please make your way to the 2nd floor Darbaar Hall where the ceremony will take place. Kirtan and Ardaas: The Kirtania Jatha (religious singers) will sing shabads (hymns). The couple will walk in and sit in front of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj. The bride, the groom, and their parents will stand up for the first Ardaas (prayer), recited by the Granthi (officiator). This prayer seeks the blessing of Waheguru for the marriage and for all of the congregation. Palla: The groom brings a scarf (palla) to the ceremony, which is placed over his shoulder. The bride's father will take the end of the palla and hand it to the bride, which symbolizes the father giving his daughter away. The bride will hold the palla as she and the groom take laavan the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Maharaj as they take their laavan.
The Anand Karaj is the name given to the Sikh wedding ceremony, literally translated as "Blissful Event”. It is not merely a physical and legal contract but a sacrament - a holy union between two souls. The spiritual goal of any Sikh is to merge his or her soul back with God (Parmatma) and in marriage, the couple vow to help each other towards this goal. The 4 Laavaan are the prayers sung as the couple walks in a clockwise fashion around the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Each laav is a verse from Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji and describes the various commitments and stages of marriage. 1. The first laav or walk around the Guru Granth Sahib instructs the couple to follow the way of 'Dharma' (Dharma means the path of righteousness, proper religious practice and one's own moral duties toward God). The first laav announces the commencement of the marriage ceremony with emphasis on spiritual awakening and togetherness by meditating on God's name. 2. In the second laav, the couple is urged to seek the path of the true Guru. There is emphasis on freeing the mind of fear, removing the self of ego and filling the mind and space with soulful spiritual songs of joy. 3. In the third laav, the soul is said to be filled with divinity and love, by the good fortune of God. The heart and mind is filled with love for God, invoking the couple to fulfill their destiny by contemplating on the greatness of God. 4. The fourth and final laav implies a peace of mind and having found union with God. It proclaims the sweet and fruitful state of mind where the heart and mind is finally one with God. The bride and groom are now blessed with the grace of God to begin their life together.
Kirtan and Katha: The hymns sung after the laavan signify that the marriage is complete. One of the granthis will be asked to give katha at this time. Usually, the katha is when he go into deeper meaning of anand karaj laavan and Sikh way of life for a married couple. Ardaas: The final ardaas is recited as the entire congregation rises and asks the Almighty to bless the newlywed couple. Parshaad (sweet offering made from flour, butter, and sugar) is distributed at the end of the ceremony. Shagun and lunch: At the end of the ceremony, family and friends are asked to go downstairs to the main floor to line up and give congratulations and blessings to the newlywed couple. We ask that you please depart from the Darbar Hall in a quiet and respectful manner, as you are still in the presence of Shri Guru Granth Sahib Maharaj. You will have the opportunity to meet and congratulate the family and couple downstairs. Once downstairs, you will have the opportunity to take a picture with Amrita and Davinder. After this, you can go to the langar hall to enjoy a buffet style, vegetarian lunch.
Because the wedding takes place inside a Gurdwara (the Sikh place of worship), the dress code is modest. Please refrain from exposing shoulders, stomach, or legs. You are expected to cover your head at all times while inside the Gurdwara. Ladies, you can do so by using a shawl, scarf. Men, you can tie a bandana style head covering made available at the gurdwara.