Schedule
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Anand-Karaj
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
2131 Creekside Dr, Wheaton, IL 60189
Anand-Karaj is the Sikh wedding ceremony. This takes place inside a Gurudwara (Sikh temple) and is performed by a Sikh priest. All visitors cover their heads, remove their shoes (a shoe room is available), and wash their hands upon entering the building. Formal attire is recommended. All guests are welcome to wear western, Indian, or other cultural clothing appropriate for visiting a Gurudwara.
People of all genders are required to cover their heads by wearing a chunni (scarf), bandana, or a Turban. We'll have some available. Hats and caps are NOT appropriate for covering your head inside a Gurudwara. It is customary to bow before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh book/the 11th and final guru) out of respect and offer a small donation that funds a community health clinic, Gurudwara operations, etc. If this is your first time visiting a Gurudwara, check out this Gurudwara Guide infographic (click on Gurudwara Guide, then select European Languages, then English): https://www.basicsofsikhi.com/resources People of all religions and those who practice no religion are all welcome in Gurudwaras. Sikhism does not proselytize or denounce other religious beliefs. Participants and attendees at Anand-Karaj do not need to practice Sikhism. The IL Sikh Community Center's website is here: https://wheatongurdwara.org/
Langar
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
2131 Creekside Dr, Wheaton, IL 60189
Langar is a community kitchen located in all gurudwaras. Langar is volunteer run and offers free meals open to the public. Lunch will be provided in the Langar Hall. Food will be vegetarian only. You are welcome to ask what each food item is if you don't know or have dietary restrictions and can accept or decline any item.
Mehendi & Sangeet
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
1480 Allen Ln, St. Charles, IL 60174
Mehendi is a temporary tattoo typically applied to the hands using natural Henna for celebrations. This is customary for women, but people of all genders are welcome to participate and get inked. You can select a design with the artist for one or both of your hands. This will happen in conjunction with the Sangeet event.
Sangeet is a pre-wedding celebration, where people sing and dance in preparation for the big event. Our sangeet will take place after Anand-Karaj and welcomes all guests! Be prepared to dance, sing, and enjoy some games with family and friends. Eat, drink, and be merry as we get ready for the big event the next day. Mehendi/Sangeet will be in a tent in Melinda's parents' backyard rain or shine!
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Vow Exchange Ceremony
5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Thornhill Education Center, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137,
Please mention Melinda Studer & Rajat Singh at the gate for free admission to the Morton Arboretum all day! You are welcome to visit at your leisure prior to the vow exchange ceremony.
This will be a short ceremony and exchange of wedding vows on the outdoor patio behind the Thornhill building officiated by Rajat and Melinda's close friend Brian. Formal attire is recommended. All guests are welcome to wear American, Indian, or your own cultural clothing. Please arrive on time as the ceremony will begin right at 5:30pm. Parking is available in lot P21.
Cocktail Hour
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
4100 Lincoln Ave, Lisle, IL 60532, Lisle, IL 60532
Weather-permitting, cocktail hour will be outdoors in the fragrance garden a short walk from the ceremony location. An open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be open 6pm-7pm outside in the garden. After 7pm, the bar will close and reopen indoors after dinner at 8:30pm. Passed appetizers will be provided by Mantra-Indian Garden.
Dinner & Party!
7:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Thornhill Education Center, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137,
The reception will take place inside the Arbor Room in the Thornhill building with a dinner buffet line next door in the Founders Room. Food will be provided by Mantra-Indian Garden. Wine will be available to enjoy with dinner, and the full bar will reopen at 8:30pm in the lobby.
