*Reception for close family and friends will be held on November 24th at 4:00 PM

Please RSVP by October 1st, 2024!

9:30am: Barat arrives and Milni is conducted

• Barat: is the entrance and procession of the groom’s family and friends being hosted by the bride’s family and friends at the Gurdwara. When the groom is ready, the “Baraat” departs for the actual wedding venue (the gurdwara).

• Milni: Milni means “to meet.” Milni is the meeting of two families. The bride’s family welcomes the groom’s family. The members of the two families meet and greet each other formally. This is usually conducted outside of the Gurdwara.

10:00am: Tea and Breakfast in the langar (mess) hall

• After the Milni, everyone is directed to the langar hall, which is a mess hall where breakfast and tea are served. Breakfast is buffet style. Guests are able to socialize.

11:00am: Anand Karj (Sikh Marriage Ceremony)

• Anand Karj: This is the actual wedding ceremony that takes place inside the temple (Gurdwara). Guests must remove their shoes and cover their heads with their own scarves. Head coverings are also offered at the gurdwara’s entrance. During this ceremony, everyone sits on the floor (physical ability permitting). This symbolizes equality irrespective of class, religion, color, creed, etc. Women traditionally sit on one side and men sit on the other side. However, it is acceptable for men and women to sit together if they desire.

  • Kirtan: After the reception of the barat, the groom and his party are seated inside the congregation hall. The relatives and friends of the bride are also able to go inside and sit in the congregation hall. Each person walks down the center of the aisle to greet and bow in front of the Guru Granth Sahib which is at the altar in the front of the congregation hall and then they take their seats on the floor. All parties sit and listen to the “Kirtan” (musical hymns) performed by the Raagis (musicians).

  • Seating of the Bride and Groom: The groom is seated first in front of the Guru Granth Sahib and waits for the bride. The bride enters, escorted by her party (usually her family). She sits to the left of the groom.

  • Prayers (Ardaas): The groom, bride and their parents stand to receive prayers from the granthi (priest) while the rest of the congregation sits.

  • Hukamnama (Order of the Day): The Guru Granth Sahib is opened at random and a verse is read.

  • Advice to the Bride and Groom: The granthi address the bride and groom individually and explains to them their duties in the new life in which they are about to enter.

  • Pallae di Rasam (Tying of the wedding knot): The brides father gives the hand of his daughter by placing the end of the groom’s long scarf into the bride’s hand while a short hymn is sung. Holding the scarf in her hand, the bride follows the groom during the main ceremony while they circle the Guru Granth Sahib.

  • Laavaan (The marriage hymn): The groom and bride walk around the Guru Granth Sahib four times while four different “Laavaan” are sung.

    • First Laavan (The promise to love eternally)

    • Second Laavan (The promise to merge completely)

    • Third Laavan (The promise to be faithful)

    • The Fourth Laavan (The promise to be together in both joy and adversity)

  • THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE OFFICIALLY MARRIED!!!

  • Anand Sahib, Ardaas, Hukamnana and Karah Parshaad: After the completion of the Laavan, other hymns are sung followed by Anand Sahib (Song of Bliss). Then ardaas (a standing prayer) involving the entirety of the congregation is conducted. Another verse is read at random (hukamnama). Then Karah/Parshaad (a small amount of sweets that are blessed is served while everyone is seated. This concludes the ceremony and everyone is invited to go to langar (lunch) in the langar (mess) hall. Guests may socialize with the bride and groom who remain seated for a little while.

12:30pm: Langar (lunch) in the langar hall

• Around 12 or 12:30, lunch is served. Lunch is buffet style. Guests are able to socialize with the bride and groom and each other. Guests may leave at any point after this.

Feel free to visit these websites to learn more about the Sikh Wedding and the definition of the four “Laavaan:”

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/images/e/e5/Sikh_Wedding_-_Anand_Karaj.pdf

https://www.sikhiwiki.org/images/1/1b/Detailed_Wedding_Program.pdf

INFORMATION ABOUT THE WEATHER

Historically the temperature has been in the sixties during the daytime with the nighttime being in the forties. There is a small possibility of rain, please prepare accordingly.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECEPTION:

The reception will take place the following day. It will be a smaller event with family and close friends. The reception will allow more time and freedom for the bride and groom to mingle with guests. The reception will begin at 4pm with a cocktail hour, followed by musical performances by Nick and Navneet and Nick and his band. Please try to take photos with the couple as your arrive! Toasts, cake and dinner will be followed by dancing.

Wedding Schedule:

Barat and Milni - 9:30 AM
Tea and Breakfast - 10:00 AM
Anand Karj - 11:00 AM
Langar (lunch) - 12:30 PM