FAQs

Question

What is Sikhism?

Answer

The word Sikh (pronounced "sickh") means 'disciple' or 'learner.' The Sikh religion was founded in Northern India in the fifteenth century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and is distinct from Islam and Hinduism. Sikhism is monotheistic and stresses the equality of all men and women. Sikhs believe in three basic principles; meditating on the name of God (praying), earning a living by honest means as well as sharing the fruits of one’s labor with others. Sikhism rejects caste and class systems and emphasizes service to humanity.

Question

What is a Baraat?

Answer

A baraat is a celebratory wedding procession for the groom involving live music and dancing. The baraat is meant to bring the groom to the wedding venue with much pomp and fervor and is a custom that originated in North India but is adopted by other Indian communities as well today. The groom, decked in traditional Indian finery, is usually seated on a ceremonial horse (or an elephant, chariot, or vintage car) as his guests lead the way, dancing. At destination weddings where all functions take place within a hotel, the baraat typically starts at the hotel entrance and ends at the lobby or banquet hall entrance.

Question

What is a Milni?

Answer

Milni is an Indian wedding tradition where the Bride’s family is introduced to their counterparts from the Groom’s family. This process on average takes about 15 mins which may vary depending on the number of family members introduced. In Sikh weddings, there will be prayer, known as Ardas, before the Milni begins. In Hindu weddings, Aarti is usually done by the mother of the bride. In this wedding tradition, the bride’s mom or aunt will welcome the groom and lead him into the ceremony which takes about 10 mins.

Question

What is an Anand Karaj?

Answer

Anand Karaj means “ceremony of joy” and takes place in the gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship. “It entails singing from Guru Granth Sahib. Members of the family or congregation will be invited to select shabads, or religious musical compositions, from the scripture to share with the community". The ceremony is rooted in kirtan, which is sung recitations of shabads. With today’s technology, wedding parties will often have an overview of what is happening in English or scripture translated in English. It’s a nice way for people who are attending the ceremony to have a sense of what’s going on and be active participants in the program.

Question

What is Ardaas?

Answer

During the ardas, or the congregational prayer, everyone stands together to reflect on their inner values. The wedding shifts from something more familial and celebratory to something more religious that marks the time for the official ceremony. During this time, the couple prepares to be officially wed and initiates a major life moment together. It notifies the couple that they are about to form a promise between one another and the guru that this is the lifestyle they intend to live together. There is one ardas at the beginning and one at the end, right before langar.

Question

What is the Laavan?

Answer

When everyone finally makes their way inside the gurdwara, the bride and groom sit on the floor next to each other in front of Guru Granth Sahib. The Ragis, or Sikh musicians, begin to recite and sing each verse of the laavan (marriage prayer), signifying the couple to walk around Guru Granth Sahib four times. This practice of walking around signifies to themselves and the community the importance of a Guru-centered life and is a public promise that it is something we intend to do as a couple. The laavan is the most crucial part of the ceremony that unites the couple together through four verses of scripture and religious messaging. It’s also important because laava means to break away or enter a new stage in life.

Question

What is Sikhia?

Answer

Sikhia is another major aspect of the Anand Karaj, in which a community member with wisdom and experience will sit before the couple. They will offer guidance on what the religious tradition teaches and what marriage means from a Sikh perspective. This is significant because life experience is personal, yet someone giving wisdom can actively help the couple chart a stable future forward together. At the ceremonial closing of Guru Granth Sahib, langar and kara prashad, sweet wheat pudding, is served.

Question

What is Haldi?

Answer

A Haldi Ceremony [also referred to as Maiyan, Batna or Vatna], is a traditional ceremony taking place a few days prior to your wedding. This ceremony consists of friends and family rubbing a paste on the bride and groom; the traditional meaning of Maiyan is to cleanse the skin and create a glow!

Question

What is a Gurdwara?

Answer

The term Gurudwara means “Guru’s Door”. The Gurudwara is a holy place for Sikhs, where they go and worship. The Gurudwara teaches how you can live spiritually and morally in this modern world with the blessings of the Guru. Visitors of any background can seek shelter, comfort, and food through the institution of langar, a free community kitchen open to all. The Sikh scripture is at the center of Sikh life, and it is also placed at the center of the gurdwara space. The entire Guru Granth Sahib is written as poetry and music, so the majority of a worship service is conducted in song. Community members and musicians lead the congregation in singing and chanting, and often community leaders will take a few moments to explain basic ideas and lessons from the selections. After the ceremony, the congregants gather for a meal together that is called langar. Everyone sits on the floor as a sign of equality, and people of all backgrounds and identity groups are welcome to join.

Question

Does my head and hair need to be covered to enter the Gurdwara?

Answer

Before entering the Gurdwara, please cover your head with a scarf that will cover your entire forehead. If you are having difficulties, please see out someone from the wedding party to assist you!

Question

Are shoes allowed in The Gurdwara?

Answer

Out of respect for entering the Gurdwara, please leave your bags and shoes at the deposit counter. Please note that you will need to wash your feet and hands before entering. After the Anand Karaj (wedding ceremony), you will be able to retrieve your belongings.

Question

What should I wear to the Gurdwara?

Answer

Please wear clothing that fully covers your arms and legs. Like any other sacred space, you will want to plan on dressing modestly when visiting a Sikh temple. It’s best to wear loose-fitting clothing as you may sit with others on the floor in the main prayer hall. Unfortunately, shorts, skirts and midriff revealing tops are not allowed within The Gurdwara.

Question

Do I need to wear traditional Indian clothing?

Answer

While it's always thoughtful to wear something that reflects the occasion, traditional Indian attire is not strictly required.elegant and festive outfits that suit their personal style. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and celebrate the couple's special day with them.