The groom proceeds to the wedding venue accompanied by his friends and family members who dance along the way to the venue. Traditionally the groom's side dances and proceeds to the bride's family, but we invite everyone to partake in the baraat. The more the merrier!
The families meet and exchange garlands as they reach the wedding venue.
This refers to the main Sikh wedding ceremony. Anand Karaj translates to ‘blissful union’. Traditionally this is held in a Gurudwara, or temple. Shoes are removed and heads must be covered. We'll be providing ramals, or men’s head coverings, but we recommend that women bring a scarf or chunni/dupatta. Everyone sits on the ground (ground coverings, pillows, and canopies will be set up.) The Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book) is brought out and the priest recites ardas (a set of prayers) while the bride and groom are seated. The Laavan Pheras (when the bride and groom walk around the holy book four times together) is the most important part of the wedding ceremony. During the ceremony the bride’s sisters and friends attempt to steal the groom’s shoes.
The four prayers that seal the marriage. The bride and groom take four laps around the holy book. The final lap completes the marriage; guests throw rose petals at the couple.
Traditionally, as the bride and groom prepare to leave, they're met with lots of fun, fanfare, and haggling. The bride's sisters have stolen the groom's shoes in an effort to prevent them from leaving at the conclusion of the ceremony. Then traditionally the bride will bid farewell to her family, since this moment marks her leaving her family.