FAQs

Question

What kind of weather is expected in Tehachapi?

Answer

Average temperatures for July in Tehachapi are in the mid to upper 80s

Question

What will occur during the Gurdwara Ceremony

Answer

The Sikh wedding ceremony is known as the "Anand Karaj" Please reference the following link to see what transpires during the ceremony if interested: https://www.thoughtco.com/anand-karaj-sikhism-wedding-ceremony-2993016

Question

What should I wear for the American Ceremony?

Answer

Cocktail attire/Dressy casual. This will be an outdoor wedding located at a family vineyard. There is pavement to walk on, but there will also be walking on gravel and woodchips to get from the ceremony site to the reception area. Therefore please be mindful if you choose to wear heels. We recommend flats or wedges

Question

What customs should I be aware of at the gurdwara (Sikh temple) if I have never been to one?

Answer

Please dress conservatively and comfortably. In the gurdwara, expect to be sitting on a carpeted floor during the service unless physical limitations prevent you from doing so. Men sit on one side while women sit on the other. On first entering the large prayer room, a small bow to the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) shows respect. Backs should not be turned on the Guru Granth Sahib or the soles of the feet pointed towards the Sikh holy book when sitting on the carpet. It is normal to sit cross-legged yoga style. Visitors will be offered Parshad (sweet flour and oil based food offered as a gift), which is usually given in cupped hands and eaten with the right hand. If you are uncertain about your ability to eat this food – Say “very small portion” to the volunteer serving the Parshad. You should take a small plastic bag (or ask for one from the volunteer serving the Parshad) to save your Parshad if it is not to your taste – Please do not refuse it or throw it away.

Question

What should I wear to the Gurdwara Ceremony (Sikh Temple)?

Answer

During the Anand Karaj (Sikh ceremony) please wear the following: - please dress comfortably enough to sit on a carpeted floor unless physical limitations prevent you from doing so - please remove shoes before entering the gurdwara -please also cover your head before entering the gurdwara. Men can wear bandannas and women can wear a scarf or "chunni." We shall be providing head coverings if you do not have one -if you have Indian clothes this could be the time to wear them! However please dress conservatively. A sari for example may not be appropriate for this setting, since it would be difficult to sit on the floor. A salwar kameez would be more appropriate (loose pants and a long shirt). -If you don't have any Indian clothes, men can wear dress pants and a dress shirt. Women could consider a floor length skirt with a top or dress pants and a dress shirt

Question

Can I bring kids?

Answer

Absolutely!