Anand Karaj - 23rd May, Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara East London

Anand Karaj (Punjabi: ਅਨੰਦ s ਕਾਰਜ s , anand kāraj) is the name given to the Sikh wedding ceremony, literally translated as "Blissful Event". 

The ceremony takes place in a Gurdwara, the Sikh place of worship. The ceremony is held in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture and the Sadh sangat, the holy congregation.

A few helpful things to note....

• Remove your shoes (can keep socks on) and cover your head
• When you arrive to the prayer hall you can walk to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (holy book), bow and touch your forehead to the ground. A small money offering is also given. Or you can enter and take a seat
• Sit on the floor with the 'sangat' (the congregation). Men and women are separated. 
• Do not point your feet in the direction of the Guru Granth Sahib
• You will be offered Prasad (holy food) at the end of the service. This is made of whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar and water. Please accept this with both hands. Don't worry if you do not want to eat this / cannot for dietary requirements, take some and pass it on to one of Kiran or Veeraj's family, or a helpful older 'auntie' / 'uncle'  ;) 

For Ladies 

• Traditional Punjabi attire (Churidar or Shalwar Kameez)
• English attire is totally fine too! Just be mindful of having to sit on the floor and being a little more conservative in your outfit choice. 

For men

• Formal suit and tie. 

09:00 - Baraat Arrival & Milni 

Veeraj  arrives at the venue with his family and friends.

The Milni is the start of the ceremony and will take place outside the gurdwara. Kiran's family welcomes Veeraj's family and a short prayer (Ardaas) is recited. The two families exchange garlands as a symbol of them joining. 

Breakfast 

We all move inside for some yummy traditional Punjabi food. All food will be purely vegetarian. Vegan options are available, please check with waiters if unclear. 

10:30 - Anand Karaj & Kirtan

All guests will now make their way upstairs to the prayer hall. 

Veeraj will come forward and be seated facing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. 

Kiran will enter and will be seated next to Veeraj. During this time, the Sikh religious musicians (Raagi) will be singing traditional hymns (Kirtan).

Ardaas (prayers)

An ardaas is a traditional prayer that is done before any significant event. Kiran, Veeraj and their families will stand as the Raagi's recite the hymn invoking blessings of the Almighty and giving thanks for those blessings already bestowed. This symbolises the consent of the bride, groom and their parents in the presence of family and friends.

Palle di rasam

Kiran's mother will symbolically 'join' Kiran and Veeraj by placing one end of Veeraj's scarf over his shoulder and into Kiran's hand. This signifies the mother's blessings to the couple.

Lavaan - the 4 wedding rounds 

Lavaan literally means 'circling', and describes marriage as a rite of passage into higher and higher circles of existence. Kiran and Veeraj circle around Sri Guru Granth Sahib four times, with each nupital round (lav), the couple vows to be together. 

First - The promise to love forever and let go of the past

Second - The promise to be devoted completely to one another

Third - The promise to be faithful to one another

Fourth - The promise to be together and united with God

Ardaas & Prashad

After the Lavaan, other hymns are sung that express the overwhelming joy of experiencing union with God. They are followed by the Ardas in which all guests take part by standing up. 

The Karah Prashad is distributed to the entire congregation.

12:00 Sagan & Langar

At the end of the ceremony, family and friends line up behind Kiran and Veeraj to congratulate them, and take a photo. 

Afterwards, everyone heads downstairs and shares a traditional meal in the langar (food) hall. All food will be purely vegetarian. Vegan options are available, please check with waiter staff if unclear.