Anand Karaj
9:45am - Guest Arrival
10am - Ardaas (Beginning Prayer)
10:15am - Snacks & Tea
11:30am - Anand Karaj (Ceremony)
1pm - Lunch
"Gurudwara" means the literal home of the "Guru" or teacher. The Guru Granth Sahib is the living Guru of Sikhs in the form of their written word.
Please be respectful of the Gurudwara premises by always keeping your head covered. If you do not have one, fret not, we will provide plenty of bandanas for you to use and take. Remove your shoes before entering any buildings and wash your hands.
The ceremony is a silent event, unlike all the other celebrations. Please silence your cell phones and refrain from talking while inside the main prayer hall.
Anand Karaj Ceremony
A Sikh wedding is a beautiful representation of elegance, purity, and serenity. The Sikh wedding ceremony called "Anand Karaj" takes place in a Sikh temple called "Gurudwara" in the presence of "The Guru Granth Sahib". During the ceremony the groom followed by the bride circumambulate the Guru Granth Sahib. This is called "Lavan"and the ceremony is complete after four Lavan. Lavan is a spiritual word used for the union of Atma (soul) with Parmatma (the supreme being).
First Lavan
The bride and the groom take a solemn pledge by going around the Guru Granth Sahib to remain with each other for the rest of their life and stay on the path of Dharma (Righteousness).
Second Lavan
They take a vow to leave all ego and vices and commit to be pious.
Third Lavan
They promise to act in synergy like two bodies and one soul filled with divine love.
Fourth Lavan
The couple has found peace and equilibrium of their mind as they have reached a divine place with great ease. Now they are blessed to begin their life togteher.
Ribbon cutting
The bride's sisters and friends stop the groom from entering the ceremony space in a fun way. They ask for gifts or cash from the groom before they can let him cut a ribbon to enter (aka a heavy entry tax).It brings moments of jokes, laughter and hearty negotiations.
Joota Chupai
The bride's sisters and friends playfully steal the groom's shoes as he removes them to enter the wedding ceremony in exchange for cash or rings given to them after the wedding ceremony. The groom's brothers and friends attempt to thwart the bride's side from taking the shoes. The shoes are held at a ransom until the groom can negotiate and avoid paying up.
This shoe stealing mission starts as soon as the groom arrives and continues on until the both parties come to an agreement and the shoes are returned to the groom (but before he leaves the Gurdwara)
This is meant to show the acceptance and open hearts of both sides of the family and how willing they are to share a lifetime of laughter and fun together.