The Sikh Tradition!!

1. Anand Karaj (Ceremony of Bliss) is conducted in the Gurdwara.

2. Baraat arrives at the Gurdwara with the groom traditionally on horseback along with a young boy.

3. Ardaas (Sikh Prayer) is performed by the close family and friends from the bride and groom’s side.

4. Milni ceremony then follows, where members of both sides meet and exchange hugs, garlands and well wishes.

5. Ragis sing hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Scripture) as the guests enter. After all guests have been seated, the bride enters followed by close friends and family members. The bride and groom are then seated in front of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

6. Granthi (Sikh priest) begins the ceremony officially by asking the couple, as well as their parents, to stand up for the Ardaas.

7. Palla ceremony. One end of the scarf that is worn on the groom’s shoulder is placed in the bride’s hand by her father, signifying that she is now leaving his care to join her husband’s. This is called the Palla ceremony.

8. The Granthi now reads the Lavan hymn of Guru Ram Das, which is composed of four stanzas. The four stanzas of the hymn describe the progression of love between a husband and wife, which is analogous to that between the soul (the wife) and God (the husband).

9. After the Laavan, the Anand hymn by Guru Amar Das is recited, and is followed by lectures and Kirtan (singing of Sikh hymns). The entire congregation stands as the religious ceremony is formally concluded by the final Ardaas of the marriage.

10. Karah Prashad, the ceremonial sacramental pudding, is then distributed to everyone to mark the formal conclusion of the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, everyone walks out of the Gurdwara hall and is seated together and served Langar (a community meal).

Tips for non-Sikhs

• Always remove your shoes and cover your head when inside the Gurdwara
• Dress conservatively; for women, a salvar kameez is ideal if available. If not, a pant suit or long skirt is acceptable.
• Breakfast will be provided before the ceremony and lunch will be provided afterwards
• Ceremonies can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours so be prepared!
• You will be expected to sit on the ground with the rest of the congregation.
• Out of respect, guests are expected to not talk excessively amongst themselves during the ceremony.

regards...

Hi Mukta thanks for posting this.
Helpful to understand a Sikh wedding rituals

Mostly when I look for other religion I try to find their faith, the belief, and you know there is always something to learn in that..

Do you know what Sikhism is?

Well!!

Sikhism is a practical religion. It does not consist in a certain set of beliefs or mere words. Religion does not imply wandering to shrines and tombs, or following austerities of Yogis. Sikhism is a way of life, something to be lived according to a pattern. Its main virtue is simplicity. There is no supernaturalism or mythology on which it rests. It does not believe in devils or angels or heavenly spirits.

When we find these facts it increases our faith.. Isn't it?

According to me, Sikh weddings are the most solemn weddings in the world. It is not pretentious or show off. But these days, people have started using it as a chance to show that their status in society and this should end.