FAQs
Question
What do I wear to the Sikh ceremony?
Answer
For the religious wedding ceremony at the Sikh temple, 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. If you choose to wear a dress, please keep legs covered. If you are interested in wearing an Indian outfit, feel free to contact the Bride or your Indian friends to borrow or to get help to purchase an Indian outfit.
Question
Covering your head/ removing shoes
Answer
At the Sikh wedding ceremony both men and women will be required to cover their head and requires everyone remove their shoes upon entry. There are plenty of shelves where your shoes can be stowed. Feel free to walk barefoot or in socks for your time at the temple. Gentlemen, you will be provided with a rumaal (bandana) or you may bring your own. Ballcaps and beanies are not considered acceptable types of headwear. Ladies, we ask that you bring a pashmina scarf or shawl, also referred to as a chunni or dupata, to cover your head and shoulders while you are at the temple.
Question
Entering the temple
Answer
When you enter the main prayer room upstairs (darbar hall), 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. Non-sikhs are not obligated to bow; you may simply offer a donation and take your seat. If you do wish to participate, you are most welcome to do so. Men and women sit on opposite sides of the Temple, so please be seated on your appropriate side. Children tend to roam between both sides. For the Sikh Wedding Ceremony, the Bride and Groom will be seated front and center of the altar.
Question
Sikh wedding ceremony
Answer
The ceremony starts similarly to a traditional American wedding with the Bridal party entering in succession. However, guests should remain seated when the Bride enters. The bride and groom, and their parents will stand with the Priest for a short prayer called "ardas". Following this prayer, the brides father will pass the groom's scarf to the bride, and she will hold onto it for the rest of the service signifying the two souls becoming one. The priest will prompt the couple to stand and circle the Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Sikh Book) a total of 4 laavan (rounds). An explanation of each laavan's significance will be provided at the ceremony. After the final laavan, the couple is considered husband and wife in the Guru's eyes. The priest will offer a lesson and the ceremony will conclude with the entire congregation standing in one last final prayer. After the final prayer is said, the priests and volunteers will pass out Prashad (blessed food) for all to partake in.
Question
Prashad (blessed offering)
Answer
At the end of the Wedding Ceremony, you will be given blessed food offering called 'karah prashad', which is made with flour, sugar and ghee (clarified butter). To respectfully receive parshad, remain seated and cup both hands together as the Priest approaches you. Parshad is very rich and buttery but don't worry, you will be provided a napkin. All guests, Sikh and non-Sikh alike, are welcome to enjoy prashad.
Question
Wedding lunch
Answer
At the end of the wedding ceremony, the guests and the attendees are served delicious vegetarian lunch at the Gurudwara's congregational hall.
Question
Wedding reception
Answer
For the Reception, you don't have to be so cautious. The dress code will be cocktail attire! If you're interested in wearing Indian outfits, contact the Bride or there are links provided below. The reception will begin with cocktails, appetizers, a full dinner, followed by dessert! It's a night to celebrate and dance; food will be in abundance as will happy spirits! Just be sure to bring your dancing shoes! mayasdesiboutique.com shopkynah.com perniaspopupshop.com
Question
Helpful links/tips
Answer
Don't worry too much about offending anyone's sentiments as everyone understands that you may not be aware of all the traditions…so no one will hold anything against you! They'll be honored that you attended and treat you like family. Feel free to ask questions about various aspects of the ceremony or about what is required of you. So relax and enjoy the colorful experience of being a part of a Sikh Indian wedding! The links below provide an easy overview of all the rituals and ceremonies for the day of the wedding: https://youtu.be/stIDGEgjGxA https://go.skimresources.com/?id=2866X1544542&xs=1&isjs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.ca%2F2014%2F04%2F09%2Fsikh-wedding-etiquette-_n_5113553.html%23gallery&xguid=295100a9fcb3dfea775288031276d822&xuuid=f831b4c36e428befff3c5c63006f2112&xsessid=&xcreo=0&xed=0&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theknot.com%2Fus%2Fpauli-dhillon-and-gurpreet-dulai-jun-2018%2Fsikh-wedding-ceremonies-what-you-need-to-know&xtz=240&jv=13.13.8-stackpath&bv=2.5.1