For Sikhs, marriage is “Anand Karaj”, a ceremony of bliss. It is a simple but elegant ritual that is usually held in Gurudwara or other wedding halls. Generally the preparation starts a week before the actual day of marriage. More preference is given to arranged marriages than love marriages among Sikhs. Usually the parents look for a suitable match among the community and the preparation begins once a suitable match is found.

The first step in a Sikh wedding is the purchase of Rumalla Sahib, a set of four pieces of cloth to be used to cover the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy text of Sikhs. The bride’s grandparents and uncles publically acknowledge the mark of wedding by purchasing clothes and jewelleries and hosting one day meal.

The Engagement or “Kurmai”:

This formal engagement is usually conducted either at Gurudwaras or at the groom’s house. The families of the bride and groom exchange gifts like clothes, traditional sweets and jewellery.The bride’s father gives the groom a gold ring, bangle and gold coins. The bride wears these gold coins around her neck which is a tradition similar to the “mangalsutra” seen among Hindu women.

“Chunni” or Wedding Veil:

After the engagement the groom’s family visit the bride’s house for a ceremony called “Chunni” or Wedding Veil. Only close relatives and friends attend this ceremony. The groom’s mother and aunts give the bride a “Chunni”or the wedding veil at this time. The bride is also given clothes and jewellery. The groom’s mother applies “Mehendi” (Henna) on the bride’s palm. After the engagement the bride and groom are confined to their respective homes up to the date of marriage but now days this confinement is usually for one day only. The confinement period is called “Maiya” which is celebrated by the ladies singing with their drums.

“Vatna” Ceremony:

This ritual is conducted a few days before the actual day of wedding. In this tradition the female relatives of the bride and groom apply a scented powder consisting of turmeric, sandal, barley flour, rose water on their bodies which are followed by an auspicious bath.

“Gana” Ceremony:

In this pre wedding ritual, a red thread is tied to the right wrist of the groom and left wrist of the bride at their respective houses. It is believed that this practice is to protect the two from ill effects.

“Jaggo” Ceremony:

This ceremony is performed by the maternal relatives of the bride. They join in the late hours before the wedding day. The maternal aunt of the bride carries a decorated copper vessel with lights or “dhiyas”made of wheat flour. The aunt carries this vessel after lighting and another woman carries a long stick with bells or “ghungroos.”The ladies in group then visit the nearby relatives in the village and perform their traditional dance “giddha.”

“Gharoli” Ceremony:

This ceremony is observed in the morning of the wedding day by the sister-in –law of the groom and other female relatives. They go to Gurudwara or a nearby well to fill water in an earthen pot,“Gharoli.”This water is used to bath the groom on the wedding day. The bride also performs a similar bathing in her house.

“Chura”or the Bangle Ceremony:

This pre wedding ritual is conducted at the bride’s residence. The maternal uncle and aunt give the bride white and red bangles which are tied with gold and silver ornaments.

“Milni” or Wedding Ceremony:

On the wedding day the groom’s sisters tie a floral veil or “sehera”to his forehead. The relatives adorn his neck with currency notes. The groom wears a long coat and the male members wear pink turbans. Before leaving to the bride’s house the groom’s sisters-in law apply surma or “kohl.”

Similarly bridal make up is done in the bride’s house by their sisters and friends. They tie golden metal plates or “kalerian” to her bangles. She wears a lehenga-chunni or salwar-kameez, a hair ornament or “tikka”and a nose ring or “nath.”She also wears other ornaments and gets ready to expect her groom.

The groom accompanied with friends and relatives leaves for the bride’s house on horseback or in car as in many places, the party then arrive at the bride’s house with music and dance. The family members of both bride and groom exchange garlands and gifts. The procession then go to a Gurudwara or other wedding hall for the wedding ceremony “Anand Karaj.”After serving breakfast for all, the bride and groom sit together to attend the Guru Granth Sahib Kirtan.The men and women sit separately with legs crossed.

The groom’s sister or other female relative drapes a shall or turban cloth around his shoulders and he holds the end with his right hand. The bride’s father or other acting on his behalf holds the other end and gives it to her to hold it by her left hand. The bride and groom circle the Guru Granth Sahib four times. The groom leads the bride with a sword in his hand. The priest of the Gurudwara sings hymns from the Granth and after the fourth round, they are declared as husband and wife. All those assembled there bless the couple and give gifts. The ceremony is ended after a grand feast.

Post Wedding Ceremony or “Vidaai”:

This ceremony is a very emotional affair to the bride as she moves to depart from the house; she throws back rice or wheat over her shoulders to wish prosperity and well being to her parents.

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