Sikh Wedding Ceremony
Sikh Wedding Ceremony
In the rich tapestry of Sikh tradition, the marriage ceremony, known as 'Anand Karaj' or 'Blissful Union', is a profound celebration of unity. The ceremony is underscored by the Four Lavan, sacred hymns composed by Guru Ram Das, initially introduced by Guru Amar Das. Punjabi weddings, embellished with vibrant, meaningful rituals, often span several days, capturing the essence of commitment and familial bonds.
Pre-Wedding Rituals
Roka and Thaka
The foundation of a Sikh marriage is parental blessing, considered paramount for the bride and groom’s union. Two significant pre-wedding rituals, Roka and Thaka, emphasize this, as parents give their blessings and approval. The bride's father visits the groom's home to place a tilak on his forehead, offering gifts like sweets and clothes. Mirror rituals are performed by the groom’s family at the bride’s residence.
Kurmai
This formal engagement unfolds either at the groom's home or a Gurdwara. A short prayer by the priest precedes the ritual. Gifts are exchanged, including a ceremonial ring from the groom to the bride, and a symbolic Kara and Kirpan from the bride’s family to the groom. A red scarf adorns the groom, and dried dates are part of the ceremonial offerings.
Shagan
The bride’s family sends elegantly decorated trays of gifts to the groom’s family, featuring fruits, sweets, and clothing, as a gesture of goodwill.
Chunni Chadana
A few days before the wedding, the groom’s female relatives visit the bride with gifts, including bridal attire and a blessed headscarf, a symbol of acceptance into the groom's family.
Maiya
A cleansing ritual observed within five days of the wedding. Both the bride and groom are anointed with oil and turmeric paste, as female relatives sing traditional songs.
Vatnaa
Married women apply a special paste of turmeric, barley, and mustard to the bride and groom, celebrating joy and optimism.
Karahi Chadana
Five days prior to the wedding, a meal is prepared in a large wok (Karahi) to serve guests visiting during the days leading up to the ceremony.
Warna
This ritual involves waving money around the couple to ward off negative energies before donating it to charity.
Gaana
Red threads are tied on the wrists of the bride and groom, signifying protection from ill omens.
Mehndi
Two to three days before the wedding, intricate henna designs are applied to the bride’s hands and feet, involving the participation of gathered women from the family.
Chura and Kalire
The bride’s uncle presents her with blessed red and white bangles (Chura), followed by Kalire ornaments tied to her bangles as a gesture of blessing.
Wedding Attire
Sikh grooms traditionally wear a white Kurta with an Achkan or sometimes a Sherwani adorned with intricate embellishments. A beard and red/maroon turban complete the attire. Brides typically wear a deeply embroidered Salwar Kameez, Lehengas, and traditional jewellery, with the customary red as the predominant colour.
Wedding Rituals
Sehra Bandi
Before leaving for the bride’s home, the groom’s turban is tied by his father, and a ceremonial sword is given. The Sehra, a garland of ribbons or pearls, is placed over his face by his sister.
Soorma and Kalgi
The groom’s sister applies kohl for protection, and a piece of jewellery is tied to his turban, amid light-hearted negotiations for gifts.
Baraat
The groom, mounted on a horse and accompanied by his family and friends, makes a grand procession to the bride’s home, celebrated with music and dance.
Milni
The bridal family welcomes the groom’s procession with hymns, as introductions and garlands are exchanged among family members.
Anand Karaj
Held at the Gurdwara, the ceremony revolves around the Guru Granth Sahib. The priest underscores the significance of union, commitment, and a spiritual lifestyle. The couple circles the holy book, symbolizing their newly forged bond, as the Lavan are recited.
Lavan Pheras
In this sacred ritual, the couple circling the Guru Granth Sahib symbolizes their perpetual union, guided by the priest's recitation of the Four Lavan.
Anand Sahib
Concluding the ceremony, hymns of Anand Sahib are sung, followed by the distribution of Kada Prasad.
Langar
A vegetarian meal is served to guests at the Gurdwara, with the 'Roti' ceremony marking the bride’s first meal with her in-laws.
Post-Wedding Rituals
Sadaa Suhagan
The bride changes into attire gifted by the groom’s family, receiving blessings for an everlasting marriage.
Reception
The groom's family hosts a lavish reception to welcome the new couple, filled with merriment, music, and dance.
Doli
Marking the bride's departure to her new home, the Doli ceremony signifies a heartfelt farewell, with rice offerings symbolizing blessings for her family.
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