Richness of a Sikh Wedding
Anand Karaj is the name given to a Sikh wedding that follows traditional rites and takes place at a Gurdwara. “A happy union” is the literal meaning of Anand Karaj. Guests stand or sit around Sikh couples as they marry in front of the Sikh devotional book Guru Granth Sahib. Following some polite conversations at the door, the groom’s family and close friends are greeted and invited inside with tea and Milni (ceremony when the groom’s family is welcomed by the bride’s family members).
It is observed that men stand on one side of the couple and women on the other. The Sikh priest, also known as Giani, recites a prayer from the Guru Granth Sahib called Ardas. Both parents are then formally introduced to one another. Sikh wedding videography in London is done throughout this time for creating memories about every event.
Rituals Before Anand Kiraj
A few standard rites are performed a few days prior to the wedding, as per Sikh wedding tradition In London. These have distinct names and are described as follows:
1) Chunni Chadai– Using a traditional chunni, the groom’s family pays a visit to the bride’s house and his mother’s head.
2) Kurmai – This is the name given to the engagement ceremony, which officially kicks off the wedding festivities. After both families have read the holy Guru Granth Sahib together, the rites commence.
3) Maiya– The bridegroom and bride are not allowed to leave their houses prior to the wedding day.
4) Mehendi and Chooda: The bride and other ladies in the home receive exquisite mehndi designs on their hands and feet, with the bride receiving designs on both. Her maternal uncle brings red and white bracelets that she wears. Before being given out, these ornaments are dipped in milk. Kalires or golden decorations are frequently used to adorn the bangles.
5) Gharoli– On both sides, sisters-in-law carry holy water from the Gurdwara. This is then used to bathe both the bride and the husband.
6) Gana– Grooms and brides wear sacred crimson threads on their hands. The threads are intended to assist people in overcoming bad luck.
Lavaan Phere and its Meaning
The four verses shouted as a Sikh couple takes pheras, or travels around the Guru Granth Sahib, are known as Laveen Phere, representing four stages of love. Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru, penned each of these verses. The groom and bride walk together with a palla between them. The meanings of these four verses are:
- Marriage is the highest state of life for a Sikh
- An expression of the bride’s feelings of love as she leaves behind her previous life and moves forward for a new beginning with her husband
- It indicates the bride’s detachment from external influences and the world and complete devotion to her husband. She also makes a promise to live solely for him.
This is a spiritual union of love and devotion that is unbreakable