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Anand Karaj - Sikh Wedding Ceremony

The sacred Sikh marriage ceremony in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib

PunjabiMorning - typically 6am to 12pm at a Gurdwara

Who attends

All family and guests attend. The ceremony takes place in the Darbar Sahib (prayer hall) of a Gurdwara. Attendance is open to people of all faiths.

What happens

Anand Karaj means "blissful union" in Punjabi. It is the Sikh wedding ceremony, performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib (the eternal Sikh scripture), which is treated as a living Guru.

The ceremony centres around the Laavan - four hymns (shabads) composed by Guru Ram Das Ji, each representing a stage of the spiritual and physical journey of marriage. The couple walks clockwise around the Guru Granth Sahib four times as each Lavan is recited and sung by the Ragis (musicians). The bride's father or close male relative (or female, in some modern ceremonies) hands one end of a scarf (palla) to the bride, symbolising the giving away of his daughter.

Prior to the Laavan, the Ardas (Sikh prayer) is performed and Hukamnama (a random reading from the Guru Granth Sahib) is taken. After the four Laavan, another Ardas is performed, followed by Anand Sahib (Hymn of Bliss) and Kirtan. Karah Parshad (sacred sweet) is distributed to all present.

What to wear

Bride

Red or deep pink traditional Punjabi bridal lehenga or salwar kameez with heavy embroidery. Red/maroon dupatta. Full traditional jewellery.

Guests

Head must be covered at all times inside the Gurdwara - bring a dupatta, chunni, or the Gurdwara will provide one. Remove shoes before entering. Dress modestly - avoid bare shoulders and short hemlines. Salwar kameez, saree, or modest Western formal wear.

Head covering is mandatory inside the Gurdwara for all visitors regardless of faith.

Community variations

Punjabi

All Sikh weddings follow the same Anand Karaj framework regardless of whether the family is from Punjab (India), Punjab (Pakistan), or a diaspora community in Canada. Regional variations in the surrounding customs (Baraat, Milni, Haldi) exist, but the Anand Karaj ceremony itself is standardised across all Gurdwaras.

Gifts & Shagun

Gift expected at this event

The Anand Karaj is the core ceremony. Shagun is given here or at the Reception.

Read the full Shagun & Gift Guide →

Tips for guests

1Cover your head before entering the Gurdwara - this is mandatory and sacred.
2Remove shoes at the entrance and leave them in the shoe rack provided.
3Sit on the floor in the Darbar Sahib - men on one side, women on the other (in traditional Gurdwaras).
4When Karah Parshad is offered, receive it with both hands cupped together and accept it gratefully.
5Stand up when the Guru Granth Sahib is moved or when Ardas (prayer) is being recited.
6Photography is generally permitted but ask the Granthi (priest) first.
7The ceremony can start as early as 6am - plan transport accordingly.

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