3. Sikh Ceremony

The Sikh ceremony is also called Anand Karaj meaning 'Blissful Union". The ceremony usually takes place in the morning at the Sikh place of worship, the Gurdwara.

1. Baraat
Close family and friends arrive at the Gurdwara together. The groom may arrive by horseback.

2. Milni
Prayers are invoked and the families greet each other by exchanging garlands. The groom then distributes Karah Prashad (ceremonial sweets) to his family.

3. Kirtan
The ragies perform a simple ceremony and sing hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Book) as people enter the Gurdwara.

4. Gurdwara
Guests of the Gurdwara traditionally remain seated with men and women sitting on opposite sides of the hall. Sri Guru Granth Sahib is at the focal point of Gurdwara.

5. Ardas
The couple and their family and guests stand up for Ardas (prayer). After Ardas the couple sits down and the officiate gives a lecture on the significance of marriage. The couple indicates their agreement to these guidelines and principles by bowing down before Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

6. Tying of the Scarf
The Father of the Bride places one end of the scarf worn by the groom over the bride and groom's shoulders and into his daugher's hands. This signifies the start of the bride's new life with her husband.

7. The Lavans
The officiate then reads the Lavan hymn composed of four stanzas. After the completion of each stanza, the groom, followed by the bride, walks around Sri Guru Granth Sahib in a clockwise direction, while the Ragis sing the recited stanzas. The stanzas signifiy the progression of the marriage ceremony and union with the Lord as follows:

1. The Lord sets out His Instructions for performing the daily duties of married life.
2. The Lord leads you to meet the True Guru, the Primal Being.
3. The mind is filled with Divine Love.
4. We have found Eternal love with the Lord.

8. Anand hymn
Following the Lavans, this hymn by Guru Amar Das is recited. This is followed by lectures and kirtan. The religious ceremony is formally concluded by the entire congregation standing for the final Ardas of the marriage.

9. Hukamnama
A random hymn from Sri Guru Granth Sahib is read as a proclamation of the days order from the Guru for the occasion (hukamnama).

10. Karah Prashad
Sweets are distributed to celebrate the completion of the ceremony.

11. Langer
After congratulating the couple, Friends and Family share a traditional meal in the community kitchen.