Sikh Weddings
What is a Sikh Wedding?
- Anand Karaj – (the Sikh marriage ceremony) translates into English as ‘Blissful Union’ and describes the joyous union of two souls in an equal partnership.
- Sikh marriages are usually arranged, however the parents act as little more than introduction services with the ultimate choice being left to the son and daughter.
- Sikh weddings are legal under UK law, as long as the building in which the ceremony is held is registered for the solemnisation of marriages. If not, you will need to arrange a civil ceremony beforehand.
- Women will usually wear bright or deep colours, black and white are considered unlucky. Men may wear traditional dress or western suits.
Planning your Sikh wedding
The Reht Maryada or Official Sikh Code of Conduct specifies that there should be no consideration for the caste, race or lineage of any perspective spouse as long as both members of the union profess the Sikh faith and no other. The Reht Maryada also prohibits any dowry arrangement, as marriage is seen as a union of souls rather than a financial transaction. You can choose any day of the year for your wedding, as Sikhs are discouraged from consulting horoscopes or superstitions to determine a suitable wedding date.
The Anand Karaj can be performed in any Gurdwara (a Sikh place of worship) or in any home where Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) has been respectfully installed, and can be officiated by any respected Sikh man or woman.
There are no restrictions on what time the religious ceremony should begin or end, however they usually begin in the morning and last for a few hours, followed by feasting and dancing in the afternoon.
The Ceremony
An engagement ceremony known as the kurmai is sometimes performed around one week before the wedding ceremony at the Gurdwara or at the home of the groom. If performed in the Gurdwara, the ceremony involves Ardas (the common Sikh prayer), Kirtan (hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib) and langer (a meal). If performed at the groom’s house, the brides’ family will visit bringing a kara (bracelet), kirpan (ceremonial sword) or Indian sweets. The brides’ family are presented with an Indian suit and sweets for the bride.
In the east, Sikh marriages are typically three day affairs, beginning with the Braat (groom’s friends and family) arriving at the bride’s house in the evening of the first day. Following entertainment at the brides house the Braat will usually spend the night. The wedding ceremony will take place the following day, with songs, dancing and feasting for the remainder of the day in celebration. Wedding ceremonies are more commonly shortened to one or two day celebrations in the West owing to time constraints.
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