The Ceremony
Anand Karaj ‘blissful union’ or ‘act towards happiness’ being the wedding ceremony
10:00am
Breakfast
Served in the Community Centre. Please park in the Gurdwara Sahib, Leamington and Warwick car park and make your way to the Community Centre which is located externally within the car park.
Tea and a light breakfast of parathas, pakoras and barfi (sweets) are served.
11:00am
Kirtan
Please make your way to the Darbar Sahib for the Ceremony (floor 2, hall 3) of Gurdwara Sahib, Leamington and Warwick. Please cover your head. Women are requested to sit on the left and men on the right.
The Ceremony starts with hymns.
The Kirtania Jatha (religious singers) sing shabad (sacred hymns). The sacred text, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, us attended to by a Sewadaar (volunteer Sikh). The bride and groom walk in and sit in front of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Ardaas (the first prayer)
The bride, groom and close relatives stand for the first prayer, recited by the Giani (officiator). This prayer seeks the blessings of Waheguru (God) for the marriage.
Pallah (giving away the bride)
The bride’s father places the end of the groom’s sash in her hands. At this time, the shabad ‘Pallah tande lagee’ are sung by the Kirtania Jatha.
Lavaa (Circling the Guru Granth Sahib Ji)
The bride & groom encircle the Guru Granth Sahib four times after Giani recites the four Laav. The Laav are vows the couple make to each other. The first five verses of Anand Sahib are sung, representing God's joy in the marriage.
Ardaas (a final prayer)
For the final prayer, all are asked to rise and join. A Vak (verse) is chosen at random and recited to bestow goodwill and happiness to all present at the wedding.
12:00pm
Kara Parshad (a sweet offering)
Traditional sweet pudding is offered, marking the end of the Sikh wedding ceremony
