Schedule

Maiyan and Mehndi

11:00 am

More casual Traditional Indian or Western Dress

MEHNDI (APPLICATION OF HENNA) An absolutely vital part to any Sikh wedding ceremony is the Mehendi ceremony. During this celebratory event, the bride sits down and gets intricate Henna paste designs painted onto her hands, arms, feet, and shins. The whole time she is surrounded by her friends and family who celebrate her soon-to-be union through song, dance, and a night of fun festivities. It is a Punjabi belief that the darker the henna prints are upon a bride’s skin, the more love she will receive from her in-laws. MAIYA AND GHAROLI (CLEANSING CEREMONY) Filled with family, yellow paste, and classic Punjabi wedding songs, the Maiya is a cleansing practice which helps to beautify the couple before their big day.

Sangeet Di Raat

6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Colorful Traditional Indian or Western Dress

Before marriage, all the relatives and friends of the family get together to express their joy and happiness for the would-be wedding couple by enjoying an evening of music, dance, and non-stop merriment. Dances and songs include traditional Bhangra and Gidda along with Jaago ceremony that involves the families singing Punjabi wedding songs and lighting diyas (Copper vessels are ornamented with lit candles) carried by the women of the family and passed around on the top of their heads, while they chant folk songs. Overall, the Sangeet is a great way for friends and family to get better acquainted with each other, all while celebrating the couple’s upcoming union.

Baraat, Sikh Ceremony (Anand Karaj), and Langar

9:00 am

Traditional Indian or Western Dress, covered shoulders and long dresses or pants, comfortable to sit on the ground. All people will need to cover their head. (Women will want to bring scarves for this, though handkerchiefs will be provided for men / anyone who does not have a head covering.) Shoes will be taken off before entering the Sikh Gurudwara.

The Baraat, the arrival of the groom, includes greeting by the bride’s family (Milni) at the Gurdwara. Historically, the groom arrived riding a horse, but now they often come in modern forms too, like luxury cars or motorcycles. At Milni, the bride’s corresponding relatives embrace and welcome the groom’s relatives. For Milni, groom’s maternal uncle, for example, is met and greeted by the bride’s maternal uncle, and so on. It’s an exciting start for both wedding parties who are about to join as one family. The Anand Karaj Sikh wedding ceremony takes place in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's holy scripture, with bride, groom, family members, and wedding guests present. To show respect we cover our heads and take off shoes before entering. It is tradition to bow and give a small donations ($1-$5) near the holy scripture, but not required. After the wedding ceremony, there will be langar, which is a traditional vegetarian meal. Langar is crucial to the Gurdwara experience.

Christian Ceremony

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm

Western style or Indian Style formal dress

The wedding ceremonies involve an exchange of marriage vows by a couple and a public proclamation of marriage by an authority figure or celebrant. The Christian ceremony will be held in a local church, and officiated by the bride's uncle, Reverend Don Balgeman.