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Explanation of the Ceremony
BARAAT
This term means the wedding party from Groom’s side. The Baraat is received by the Bride’s party. Singing, dancing and a live Dhol Player mark the joyous event. After the reception of the Baraat, a Priest will recite a Spiritual hymn from Shri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), but traditionally adopted to welcome the Baraat. This is followed by an Ardaas (Prayer) to join the two families.
MILNI
This means meeting of parents and close relatives of Bride & Groom. This is followed by light refreshments before starting the wedding ceremony (Anand Karaj).
ANAND KARAJ
Name given to the Sikh wedding involving Bride and Groom, performed in the presence of Shri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS). SGGS is the “Treasure of Words of Divine Wisdom” and held in Supreme Reverence by the Sikhs. Literally translated, Anand Karaj means “Blissful Ceremony”. Anand or Bliss is the state of mind attained through Spiritual process of uniting or wedding Human Conscience to Divine Conscience by empowering human mind with Divine Virtues. In Shri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS), the word “Bride” is for “Human Conscience (male and female) and the word “Groom” is for “Divine Conscience (or God)”. The hymns are recited from Shri Guru Granth Sahib (SGGS) to convey the spiritual messages towards ultimate Bliss from this union.
MUKH VAAK (First Hymn)
At this time the Granthi (wedding officiant) asks the Bride and the Groom to stand up with their parents and does Ardaas (a prayer) to seek God’s Blessing to start the ceremony. After this, the couple and the parents are seated again. The Granthi recites a verse from SGGS, called Mukh Vaak - a spiritual message for guidance for the day.
PALLA CEREMONY
During this ceremony the Granthi asks the bride’s father to take one end of Groom’s scarf (Palla) and place it in Bride’s hands. This is symbolic of Human Conscience committing to connect to Divine Conscience. A hymn is recited from SGGS during this ceremony, which means that I (bride and groom both) realize that attachment to the temporal materials and temptations is illusive and I seek Your Hand (The God) for everlasting inner Happiness.
LAVAAN
The Bride and the Groom walk around SGGS four times and each time a verse is recited from SGGS. Each verse is a spiritual message towards attaining ultimate Bliss. The essence of each LAAV is: LAAV 1: Realization that “God is Virtues” and “Virtues is God”. The focus of journey is to internalize, practice and become Virtues to dispell sorrows on account of my vices. LAAV 2: Realization that God is within me and hence I am fearless. My subtle ego, as a separate entity from God, is dismantled. I feel Oneness within me and around me. LAAV 3: I am joyfully awakened to detach myself from the demon thoughts,the illusive temporal attachments, pleasures and vices and to accept and embrace Divine Virtues. LAAV 4: The outcome of my Spiritual journey is Contentment, Tranquality and Eternal Bliss. I feel blessed to have everything that I need and am no longer at the mercy of unstable Mind on account of insatiable desires.
ANAND SAHIB & ARDAAS
At the end of Lavan, Verses of Anand Sahib from SGGS are recited and then entire congregation stands up for Ardaas, seeking Blessings of God for the couple and for All Mankind. The ceremony is now complete and Karah Prashad (made from Flour, Sugar & Butter) is served, symbolizing spirit of Equality, Love and Sharing.
LANGAR
This is followed by Langar (lunch) in the Langar Hall (Dining Room).