About
Day 1:
Sangeet
A sangeet is a joyful and colorful pre-wedding celebration where family and friends from both sides come together for music, dancing, and performances to honor the couple. This is not a religious ceremony, but instead a cultural one! Sangeet translates directly to "sung together" in Sanskrit, and will serve as a social ice breaker for both sides to come together and get to know one another. All are welcome to join us in the singing and dancing! The celebration will last approximately 5 hours and there will be food and drinks for our guests to enjoy. No gifts are traditionally brought to this event.
Day 2:
Anand Karaj
In the Sikh religion, the wedding ceremony is referred to as the Anand Karaj and takes place in a religious temple known as a Gurdwara (aka Home of Guru). Sikh wedding ceremonies typically begin in the morning to honor tradition. The morning hours are associated with the rising sun, symbolizing new beginnings, light, and enlightenment, which mirrors the couple’s journey into a new chapter of their lives, guided by the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib, our holy scripture. Once you enter the central room, you will walk to the front to pay homage, which is usually $1, and bow to touch your head to the ground. Men will take their seats on the right and ladies on the left. Welcome and breakfast will be at 10 AM, ceremony starts at 11 AM, and lunch will be served after the ceremony. Meals in the Gurdwara are vegetarian only and there will be no alcohol allowed. The four Lavaa are hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib that guide the couple through the spiritual journey of marriage during the Anand Karaj. Each lav represents a distinct stage: 1st Lav: Committing to a righteous, disciplined life centered on remembering and walking in the path of the Divine. 2nd Lav: Deepening love and devotion to God, strengthening the couple’s spiritual connection. 3rd Lav: Cultivating detachment from ego and worldly desires, fostering inner peace and spiritual growth. 4th Lav: Achieving a state of spiritual bliss and union with the Divine, symbolizing the couple’s complete harmony and oneness.
Day 3:
Civil Wedding & Reception
This day is more traditional to what most Western weddings are like. We will have the Civil Wedding Ceremony begin promptly at 5:30 pm, followed by Cocktail Hour 6 pm - 7 pm, ending with the Reception until 12 am. We will implement Greek tradition as well, so come prepared for an unforgettable night!