FAQs / Preguntas Frequentes

Question

Are kids allowed to all events? / ¿Se permite la asistencia de niños a todos los eventos?

Answer

Sikh and Catholic Ceremony: Kids are welcomed Haldi and Reception: This will be an adults-only event *** Ceremonia Sikh y Ceremonia Católica: Los niños son bienvenidos Haldi y Recepción: Estos serán eventos solo para adultos

Question

I’ve never been to a Gurdwara (Sikh temple). What should I expect?

Answer

We’re excited to share this meaningful part of our culture with you. Sikh Gurdwaras are welcoming spaces open to people of all backgrounds and faiths. We simply ask that guests observe a few traditions out of respect for the sacred space. Baraat & Milni Before the ceremony begins, the groom will arrive with his family and friends in a celebratory procession called the Baraat, which may include music and dancing. This is followed by the Milni, a tradition where members of the bride’s and groom’s families formally greet one another to symbolize the joining of the two families. Head Covering All guests are required to cover their heads inside the Gurdwara. You may bring a scarf, bandana, or rumal. Hats are not allowed, If you forget, coverings will be provided at the temple. Shoes Shoes must be removed before entering the Gurdwara. There will be a designated area to leave them. Seating During the Ceremony Guests will sit on the floor during the ceremony, separated by a central aisle but not by gender. Please wear clothing that allows you to sit comfortably. Dress Code Modest attire is appreciated. Please avoid low-cut tops, short dresses, or outfits with high slits. Indian formal attire is encouraged, though modest Western formal attire is also welcome. Offering at the Guru Granth Sahib (Holy Book) When entering the prayer hall, many guests choose to bow in front of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture). Some also place a small offering as a gesture of respect. If you would like to participate, you may bring a small cash offering (many guests bring $1), though this is completely optional. Cheering and Clapping Cheering and clapping are NOT allowed at the Gurdwara during the ceremony. Food & Alcohol No meat, alcohol, tobacco, or intoxicants are permitted on Gurdwara premises. Vegetarian refreshments and tea will be provided before the ceremony, and a vegetarian lunch will be served afterward.

Question

Nunca he estado en un Gurdwara (templo Sikh). ¿Qué puedo esperar?

Answer

La religión Sikh promueve la igualdad, la hospitalidad y la comunidad, y nos honra poder compartir esta experiencia con ustedes. Las Gurdwaras son templos abiertos a personas de todos los orígenes y creencias; solo pedimos respetar algunas tradiciones en este espacio sagrado. Baraat y Milni Antes de comenzar la ceremonia, el novio llegará con su familia y amigos en una procesión festiva llamada "Baraat". Después se lleva a cabo el "Milni", una tradición en la que los familiares de la novia y del novio se saludan simbolizando la unión de ambas familias. Cubrirse la cabeza Es un requisito que todos los invitados se cubran la cabeza dentro del Gurdwara. Puede traer un chal o pañuelo (no se permiten sombreros o cachuchas). Si lo olvida, habrá pañuelos disponibles en el templo. Zapatos Los zapatos deben quitarse antes de entrar al Gurdwara. Habrá un área designada para dejarlos. Asientos durante la ceremonia Durante la ceremonia, los invitados se sentarán en el suelo. Por favor use ropa que le permita sentarse cómodamente. Código de vestimenta Se agradece vestimenta modesta. Por favor eviten blusas con escote, vestidos muy cortos o con aberturas altas. Se recomienda vestimenta formal India, aunque también es bienvenida la vestimenta formal occidental modesta. Ofrenda al Guru Granth Sahib (Libro Sagrado) Al entrar al salón de oración, muchos invitados hacen reverencia frente al Guru Granth Sahib (la escritura sagrada Sikh). Algunas personas también colocan una pequeña ofrenda como gesto de respeto. Si desea participar, puede traer una pequeña ofrenda en efectivo (muchos invitados llevan $1), esto es completamente opcional. Aplausos y Gritos No se permite aplaudir ni gritar dentro de la Gurdwara durante la ceremonia. Alimentos y Bebidas No se permite carne, alcohol, tabaco ni sustancias intoxicantes dentro del templo. Antes de la ceremonia se ofrecerán bebidas refrescantes y aperitivos vegetarianos y después se servirá un almuerzo vegetariano.

Question

I’ve never been to a Catholic church. What should I expect?

Answer

We’re so excited to share this meaningful part of our traditions with you. Catholic churches welcome guests of all backgrounds and faiths. While there are a few customs during the ceremony, guests are welcome to simply observe and participate as they feel comfortable. Arrival Please plan to arrive a early so you can find your seat before the ceremony begins. Seating During the Ceremony Guests will be seated on benches throughout the ceremony. At certain points during the service, guests may be invited to stand or sit. Feel free to follow along with others around you. Participation Some parts of the ceremony include prayers or responses. Guests are welcome to join if they feel comfortable, but it is completely okay to simply observe. Communion If the ceremony includes Holy Communion, this is a sacrament typically reserved for practicing Catholics. Guests who are not Catholic are welcome to remain seated or simply observe during this portion of the service. Dress Code As this is a religious setting, we kindly ask guests to dress in formal, respectful attire. Modest clothing is appreciated. Offertory During the Offertory, members of the church pass baskets through the congregation to collect voluntary donations that support the Church and its ministries. This offering is a way for the community to contribute to the parish and its outreach. If you would like to participate, you may bring a small cash offering (many guests bring $1), though this is completely optional. Above all, please know that everyone is welcome. We are honored to share both of our cultural and religious traditions with you as part of our wedding celebration.

Question

What are the Haldi, Choora Ceremony, and Jago? / ¿Que es Haldi, la ceremonia Choora, y el Jago?

Answer

These are traditional Punjabi pre-wedding celebrations that take place before the wedding day and are a joyful way for family and friends to gather and celebrate. Haldi is a festive ceremony where family and friends apply a turmeric paste to the bride and groom. Turmeric is believed to bring blessings, protection, and a natural glow before the wedding. The Choora Ceremony is a meaningful Punjabi bridal tradition where the bride’s uncles place a set of red bangles (called chooras) on her wrists. These bangles symbolize blessings, prosperity, and the beginning of married life. Jago is a lively celebration traditionally held the night before the wedding. Family and friends sing, dance, and celebrate together, often carrying decorated pots with candles while inviting everyone to join the festivities. Guests are welcome to enjoy and participate in these celebrations—expect music, dancing, and lots of fun! *** Estas son celebraciones tradicionales que se realizan el día anterior a la boda y son una forma alegre de que familiares y amigos se reúnan para celebrar. Haldi es una ceremonia en la se aplica una pasta de cúrcuma a los novios. Se cree que la cúrcuma trae bendiciones, protección y un brillo natural antes de la boda. La Ceremonia de Choora es una tradición Punjabi especial en la que los tíos de la novia colocan en sus muñecas un conjunto de pulseras rojas (llamadas "chooras"). Estas pulseras simbolizan bendiciones, prosperidad y el comienzo de la vida matrimonial. Jago es una celebración animada que tradicionalmente se lleva a cabo la noche antes de la boda. Familiares y amigos cantan, bailan y celebran juntos. A menudo se llevan ollas decoradas con velas mientras invitan a todos a unirse a la fiesta. Los invitados son bienvenidos a disfrutar y participar en estas celebraciones—¡habra música, baile y mucha diversión!

Question

What is the dress code for each day?

Answer

Haldi Dressy-casual. Indian attire is encouraged. Men are encouraged to wear orange; women are encouraged to wear pink. Sikh Wedding Please refrain from wearing RED or WHITE Indian formal attire is encouraged. Head coverings are required inside the temple (rumals/scarves will be provided), and shoes must be removed before entering. Guests will be seated on the floor during the ceremony, so attire that allows for comfortable seating is recommended. Men: Indian attire or suit and tie, headscarves will be provided at the temple. Women: Indian attire or modest Western attire is encouraged (dresses below the calf to ankle length). Out of respect for the sacred space, please avoid low-cut blouses and short dresses. Ankle-length dresses or modest attire without slits are preferred. Catholic wedding Please refrain form wearing WHITE Formal attire requested. Ladies may wear cocktail dresses. Men are requested to wear formal attire. Reception Formal attire requested. Ladies may wear Indian formal attire or cocktail dresses. Gentlemen are requested to wear formal attire.

Question

¿Cual es el código de vestimenta de cada día?

Answer

Haldi Vestimenta casual elegante. Puede usar ropa India, aunque no es requerido. Se recomienda el uso de color naranja para los hombres y color rosa para mujeres. Ceremonia Sikh - NO usar color ROJO o BLANCO Se recomienda vestimenta formal India. Es obligatorio cubrirse la cabeza dentro del templo (se proporcionarán pañuelos) y quitarse los zapatos antes de entrar. Los invitados estarán sentados en el suelo durante la ceremonia, por lo que se recomienda usar ropa que permita sentarse cómodamente. Hombres: Se recomienda vestimenta India o traje formal. Se proporcionarán pañuelos para cubrir la cabeza en el templo. Sombreros o cachucas no están permitidos. Mujeres: Se recomienda vestimenta formal India o vestimenta formal occidental modesta. Por respeto al espacio sagrado, por favor evite blusas escotadas, vestidos cortos o aberturas prolongadas. Se prefieren vestidos largos hasta el tobillo o ropa modesta sin aberturas. Ceremonia Catolica Se solicita vestimenta formal - Favor de NO usar color BLANCO. Mujeres: pueden usar vestidos tipo cóctel modestos. Hombres: vestimenta formal. Recepción Mujeres: pueden usar vestimenta formal india o vestidos tipo cóctel. Hombres: vestimenta formal

Question

What are examples of Indian outfits I can wear, and where can I find them?

Answer

If you’d like to wear Indian attire, here are a few popular options for wedding guests: Lehenga: A long skirt paired with a blouse and scarf (dupatta). If wearing a lehenga to the wedding ceremony, please choose a more modest style and try to avoid very low blouses or showing too much midriff. Anarkali: A long, flowing dress worn with leggings and a dupatta. Elegant, modest, and very comfortable. Sharara: A festive outfit with a top and wide, flared pants that resemble a skirt. Punjabi Suit (Salwar Kameez): A long tunic with pants and a scarf. One of the most comfortable options and great for the temple! Where can I find Indian outfits? Here are a few online stores that ship to the U.S.: Lashkaraa – https://www.lashkaraa.com Pernia's Pop-Up Shop – https://www.perniaspopupshop.com Raas – https://www.raasclothing.com Kalki Fashion – https://www.kalkifashion.com Anarkalis, sharara sets, and Punjabi suits are often the easiest and most comfortable choices for guests. Guests are also welcome to wear modest Western formal attire if preferred.

Question

Que tipo de vestimenta India puedo usar y donde lo puedo encontrar?

Answer

Si quiere usar vestimenta India, aquí hay algunas opciones comunes: - Lehenga: Es una falda larga a juego con una blusa y bufanda (dupatta). Si va a usar una lehnga para la ceremonia, por favor escoja un estilo modesto y evite usar blusas cortas que muestren el vientre. - Anarkali: Es un vestido largo y amplio que se usa con mallas y una bufanda (dupatta). Es un atuendo elegante, modesto y muy cómodo. - Sharara: Es un atuendo festivo con una blusa y pantalones achos y amplios que parecen una falda. - Traje punjabi (Salwar Kameez): Es una túnica larga con pantalones y una bufanda. Es una de las opciones más cómodas y excelente para el templo. **¿Dónde puedo encontrar atuendos Indios?** Aquí hay algunas tiendas en línea que envían a Estados Unidos: Lashkaraa – https://www.lashkaraa.com Pernia's Pop-Up Shop – https://www.perniaspopupshop.com Raas – https://www.raasclothing.com Kalki Fashion – https://www.kalkifashion.com Anarkalis, Sharara y trajes punjabi son las opciones más fáciles y cómodas para asistir a una boda. También puede usar trajes modestos occidentales si así lo prefiere.

Question

When should I RSVP by? / ¿Para cuando tengo que confirmar mi asistencia (RSVP)?

Answer

Please RSVP by June 15th. *** Favor de confirmar antes del 15 de Junio

Question

Will the events run on Indian/Desi standard time? / ¿Podria haber un retraso en los horarios de los eventos?

Answer

They will not! We are working on the timeline for each event to make sure we are as punctual as possible unless there are any unforeseen situations. *** No! Trataremos de ser lo mas puntual posible para cada evento a menos que ocurran situaciones fuera de nuestro control.

Question

Do you have a wedding registry? / ¿Tienen una registro de regalos?

Answer

We kindly request no boxed gifts. Your presence is the greatest gift we could ask for. If you wish to give a gift, a contribution to our honeymoon fund (located under the ‘Registry’ tab) or a monetary gift at our reception would be greatly appreciated. *** Le pedimos NO traer regalos en caja/bolsa. Su presencia es el mejor regalo que podríamos recibir. Si desea obsequiar algo, una contribución a nuestro fondo de luna de miel (que se encuentra en la pagina de regalos") o un regalo en efectivo en nuestra recepción sería muy apreciado.

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations? / ¿Tienen alguna recomendación de hoteles?

Answer

Please refer to the travel page where we have listed hotels in both the Modesto and San Ramon area. The pre-wedding festivities and the Sikh wedding will take place in Modesto. The Catholic wedding will be in San Francisco, followed by a reception in San Ramon. *** Por favor consulte la página de viajes en donde hemos incluido una lista de hoteles tanto en el área de Modesto como de San Ramon.

Question

My question was not answered here / Mi pregunta no fue respondida aquí.

Answer

If you have any other questions other than what we've listed here, please reach out to Gagan's sister, Parveen Bhatia (209-606-9881), or Zabrina's sister, Arely Campos (831-535-3716). *** Si tiene alguna pregunta que no esté incluida aquí, por favor comuníquese con la hermana de Zabrina, Arely Campos (831) 535-3716.