Sikh Weddings

Sikh Weddings

In Sikhism, The Sikh Marriage Ceremony Is Known As The ‘Anand Karaj’ Meaning ‘Blissful Union’. The Four Lavan, (The Hymns Which Are Sung During The Ceremony) Were Composed By Guru Ram Das. The Ceremony Itself Was First Introduced By His Predecessor Guru Amar Das.

Sikh Weddings Pre And Post Wedding Ceremonies Can Span Over Several Days.

Pre-Wedding Rituals:-

Roka And Thaka

A Fundamental Element Of A Sikh Wedding Is Parental Consent The Blessings Of The Parents Are Considered To Be Of Utmost Importance. The Consent Of The Parents Is Required In Order For The Union Of The Bride And Groom To Progress. The Roka And Thaka, Form Two Of The Most Important Pre-Wedding Rituals, They Both Celebrates The Involvement Of Parents And Their Wholehearted Support. The Father Of The Bride Visits The Groom’s Home In Order To Expresses His Approval Of The Union By Applying A Tilak On The Groom’s Forehead And Presenting Him With Gifts Of Sweets, Clothes Etc. The same rituals are conducted by the groom’s parents at the bride’s home.

Kurmai

The Formal Engagement Ceremony That Takes Place At The Groom’s House Or The Gurdwara. Prior To The Engagement Proceedings Kicking Off, The Priest Or Granthi Offers A Short Prayer. The Groom Presents The Bride With A Ring The Bride’s Family In Turn Presents Him With A Kara (Steel Bangle) And A Kripan, A Small Knife A Symbol Of The Sikh’s Heroic Heritage.

A Red Scarf Is Placed Around The Groom’s Neck Onto His Shoulders, And A Few Dried Dates Are Placed In His Hands The Bride’s Grandfather Then Feeds The Groom Dates, Once The Formalities Are Completed The Family Present Their Guest With A Meal And Drinks.