FAQs

Question

What is the Sikh Ceremony?

Answer

An Anand Karaj is the traditional Sikh wedding ceremony performed at a Gurdwara (Sikh Temple). Meaning: The name translates literally to "Act towards happiness" or "Act towards a happy life". It is also sometimes called the "Ceremony of Bliss" or "Joyful Union". Spiritual significance: The marriage is viewed as a spiritual journey, a bond that helps both souls unite with the Creator (God). Lavan hymns: The ceremony centers on the four lavan hymns from the Sikh holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib. The couple's journey: The lavan hymns guide the couple through four spiritual stages of marriage, with the ultimate goal of finding divine peace and unending happiness. Core concept: A key principle is that a true couple is "not said to be husband and wife who merely sit together. Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies"

Question

What is the Mehndi?

Answer

Mehndi (Henna) ceremony is done a few days prior to the wedding, where the bride and female friends/family of the bride will get mehndi/ henna done. Henna is a symbol of good fortune, love, and happiness for the bride. We will have music and food as well!

Question

What is the Sangeet/Jaggo?

Answer

We will be having a ring ceremony during this event. Traditionally a Jaggo ceremony is a vibrant pre-wedding celebration in Punjabi culture, where "Jaggo" means "wake up". It involves families and friends gathering to sing, dance, and play traditional music, often while carrying a decorated pot lit with candles or oil lamps. We will have appetizers, drinks, and a formal dinner as well.

Question

What is the Mayian ceremony?

Answer

Purpose: The main goal is to symbolically cleanse the couple's skin with a special paste, and to bring them good luck and a beautiful glow for their wedding day. Vatna paste: This is a paste made from ingredients like turmeric, chickpea flour, sandalwood, rose water, and mustard oil. Rituals: Family and friends gather to apply the paste to the bride and groom's face, arms, and legs. The couple is often seated on a stool or a low seat, sometimes under a canopy held by family members. Family members will often feed the couple sweets after applying the paste. A colorful rangoli (a traditional decorative pattern) is often made on the ground before the ceremony. After the ceremony, the couple often takes a shower and may not leave the house or see each other until the wedding.

Question

What is the Choora ceremony?

Answer

The ceremony involves the bride's maternal uncle (mama) and aunt (mami) bring the choora to the ceremony. Purification: The bangles are dipped in a mixture of milk and rose petals to be purified. Blessings: Family members, especially elders, touch the bangles to give their blessings to the bride. Putting on the choora: The maternal uncle places the bangles on the bride's wrists A bride typically wears a choora for a period of 40 days to 1.5 years.

Question

What does the wedding day look like?

Answer

Milni (Meeting of the families): We will meet in front of the gurdwara/ temple. The members of the family of the bride and groom will meet and exchange garlands. Ardas (Prayer): There will be an Ardas (prayer) in front of the gurdwara after the Milni Snacks/ Tea: We will have snacks/ tea in the tent outside of the gurdwara prior to ceremony. Entering the gurdwara: Once you're done eating, you can enter the Gurdwara. Guests will find an area to place shoes in the hall way. Shoes are required to be removed while in the Gurdwara The ceremony will occur in the Darbar Hall (main prayer room) upstairs. Head coverings are required while in the Darbar Hall out of respect. You will notice that members of the Sikh Community walk towards the altar at the front and bow before the Holy Book (Guru Granth Sahib). They then provide a small monetary donation for the Temple (usually a dollar). Non-sikhs are not obligated to bow. If you do wish to participate, you are most welcome to do so. It is a cultural norm that men and women sit on opposite sides of the hall, but couples and families may choose to sit together. There will be benches in the back for elderly. For the Anand Karaj, the Bride and Groom will be seated front and center of the altar. Lavan (Marriage hymns): The couple takes four rounds around the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) while the Lavan hymns are sung. Each round represents a stage of their spiritual and emotional journey. Ardas (Prayer): After the Lavan, a special prayer (Ardas) is performed, seeking blessings for the couple’s new life together. This prayer is recited by the priest and is an important part of the ceremony. Blessings: We will have someone speaking after the ceremony Karah Parshad (Blessed food): After the ceremony, blessed sweets is shared with everyone. This is passed around and normally accepted with two hands. Langar (Communal meal): A vegetarian meal is served to all guests after the ceremony in the tent.

Question

Head Covering/ Shoes Policy

Answer

At the Gurdwara both men and women will be required remove their shoes prior to entering the ceremony space (located upstairs) and to cover their heads. There are plenty of shelves where your shoes can be stowed (in the hall upon entrance) . Feel free to walk barefoot or in socks for your time at the temple. Gentlemen, we will be providing a rumaal (bandana) for you, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Please note that ballcaps and beanies are not considered appropriate headwear for the occasion. Ladies, we ask that you bring a scarf or shawl, also referred to as a chunni or dupata, to cover your head and shoulders while you are at the temple.

Question

What happens after the ceremony?

Answer

Sikh Doli: The Doli is a ceremony which will be done at the bride's home after the couple is done with photography. The Doli is a send off ceremony for the bride after the wedding, marking her departure from her parental home. Key parts of the Doli ceremony include the bride throwing puffed rice over her shoulder to symbolize prosperity for her family, and the farewell to her family. Typically close family/ friends and wedding party will go to this. Paani Varna ritual: This takes place after the bride/ groom leave the bride's home. Will be done at the hotel, where the groom's mother circles a pitcher of water or milk around the couple symbolizing her bringing prosperity to the new home. The couple will typically play games. The groom's family/ groom's wedding party can attend this.

Question

Dress Code:

Answer

Mehndi: Indian attire/ American semi-formal Sangeet: formal attire Maiyah/ Haldi: Please wear a yellow shade of clothing. Semi-formal/Indian attire Wedding: For the Anand Karaj at the Gurdwara, formal and conservative attire is required. Our guests will be required to sit on the floor during the duration of the ceremony, so please wear pants or a dress that would allow you to do so comfortably. The family colors will be Peach for the brides side and icy blue/powder blue for groom's side. Reception: Formal Attire

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

There will be parking available at the ceremony space and reception hall free of cost

Question

Are photos allowed during events?

Answer

Yes! However, please remain seated during the wedding ceremony. We will provide you with a QR code to upload photos.

Question

When to RSVP by?

Answer

We need all guest count completed by June 2026. QR code should be included with formal invite. If we do not hear from you, we will try and reach out! If we do not hear a response, we will not account for you in seating/plate count, so please let us know accordingly, as we need guest counts for our event halls/catering. Thank you so much!