Parmjot & Harold
Anand Karaj Program | English
1. BARAAT ARRIVAL & MILNI
GROOM'S ENTRY & EMBRACING OF FAMILIES
Groom arrives at the venue with his family & friends in a fun procession full of music and dance. The "Milni" is the start of the ceremony and will take place at the Gurudwara entrance. Bride's family welcomes Baraat & a short prayer (Ardaas) is recited. The two families exchange garlands as a symbol of them joining.
2. ANAND KARAJ
THE WEDDING CEREMONY
Groom will come forward & be seated facing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book! Bride will enter escorted by her family & will be seated next to Groom. During this time, the Sikh religious musicians (Raagi) will be singing traditional hymns (Kirtan).
3. ARDAAS
A TRADITIONAL PRAYER
An “Ardaas” is always done before any significant event. Bride, Groom & their families will stand as the Raagi’s recite the hymn invoking the blessings of the Almighty & giving thanks for those blessings already bestowed. This symbolises the consent of the Bride, Groom & their parents in the presence of family & friends.
4. PALLE DI RASAM
GIVING AWAY OF THE BRIDE
Bride’s father will symbolically ‘join’ Bride & Groom by placing one end of Groom’s scarf (Palla) over his shoulder & into brides hand. This signifies the fathers blessings to the couple as he gives his daughter away.
5. LAAVAN
THE FOUR SACRED CIRCLES
Laavan literally means ‘circling’, describes marriage as a rite of passage into higher & higher circles of existence. Bride & Groom circle around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib four times, with each nuptial round (Laav), the couple vows to be together - mind, body & soul. Bride’s brothers, her protectors, guide her along the process FIRST LAAV: The promise to love forever and let go of the past. SECOND LAAV: The promise to be devoted completely to one another. THIRD LAAV: The promise to be faithful to one another. FOURTH LAAV: The promise to be together & united with God.
6. KARAH PRASHAD
A SWEET OFFERING
After the Laavan, other hymns are sung that express the overwhelming joy of experiencing union with God. They are followed by Ardaas in which all guests take part. The Karah Prashad is distributed to the entire congregation.
7. SAGAN & LANGAR
GIFTS TO NEWLYWEDS, FOLLOWED BY A MEAL
At the end of the ceremony, family & friends line up behind Bride & Groom to congratulate them. Afterwards, everyone share a traditional meal on the floor of the community kitchen to symbolise equality.
8. DOLI
THE BRIDAL FAREWELL
The Doli celebration marks the bride's final departure from her paternal home. The bride throws rice grains over her shoulders and into her mother's outstretched hands, wishing her parent's eternal prosperity.