Our Sikh Wedding Ceremony Guide

THE WEDDING DAY THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 2023

Anand Karaj

Anand Karaj means “ceremony of joy” and takes place in the gurdwara, a Sikh place of worship. It entails singing from Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture).

Gurdwara

The term gurdwara means the “the door” to the Guru. It is a place where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, our holy scripture, is present. It is open to everyone regardless of age, sex, caste, or creed & is the center for congregational worship of Sikhi.

Some of the main features of the gurdwara are:

There are four entrance doors to show that everyone is welcome, regardless of status, occupation, gender, religion or wealth.
The main prayer hall is called the divan hall. The sangat gather here and sit on the floor to worship Waheguru (God).
The Guru Granth Sahib (holy text) is kept in the divan hall during the day and the sach khand is the room where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed overnight.
The langar is the free kitchen. After services, vegetarian meals are served here by volunteers as part of sewa. The food is available to anyone who wishes to eat there.

The following etiquette should be observed in any Gurdwara:

Before entering the hall, please take off your shoes & cover your head – ask a family member for a rumal or chunni (a hankerchief for men or a scarf for women).
Bow your head in front of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib & stand up during the Ardaas (prayer).
When offered prashad at the end of the service accept with both hands together.

Gurdwara Nanak Niwas

Gurdwara Nanak Niwas is the third stage of the historical journey of Gurdwaras of Vancouver. First Stage was the gurudwara at 1866, 2nd Ave, Vancouver and the Second stage was Gurudwara at 8000 Ross Street, Vancouver.

We are delighted that you join us here for our Anand Karaj.

Divan Hall

This is the main prayer hall where the wedding ceremony will take place.

Divan Hall 2

After removing their shoes and covering their heads, visitors wash their hands in a sink placed near the entrance for this purpose before entering the Divan hall.

Women sit on the left side and men on the right.

Aerial View of Gurdwara

Plenty of parking, park anywhere you want.

View on Google Maps

Inside Gurdwara

Straight ahead is langar (kitchen) and up the stairs is the divan hall (prayer hall).

Located in Richmond BC

Located in Richmond BC (the same city the airport is in).

Full address is: 8600 No 5 Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 2V4

View in Google Maps

Our Ceremony Rituals

Let us take you through all of the rituals that will be taking place at this auspicious occasion.

1. Baraat Arrival & Milni

Aaron’s Parade & Families Embrace

Aaron arrives at the Gurdwara with his family & friends with music and laughter! It’s time to celebrate! The Milni is at the start of the ceremony, where Jassy’s family welcomes Aaron’s family & a short prayer Ardaas is recited. The two families exchange garlands as a symbol of them joining.

2. Anand Karaj

Blissful Union

Aaron and his family enter & are seated facing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Afterwards, Jassy enters & is escorted by her family & takes a seat on the left-hand side next to Aaron. During this time, the Raagi’s (priests) will be singing traditional hymns (Kirtan). The Anand Karaj is a guru-centric ceremony, & it is important to prioritize Sri Guru Granth Sahib to be at the core of your relationship & honour and work to attain the commitment being made.

3. Ardaas

A Traditional Prayer

Jassy & Aaron and their parents will stand as the Raagi’s recite the hymn invoking the blessings of the Almighty & giving thanks for those blessings already bestowed. An Ardaas is always done before any significant event. This symbolizes the consent of Jassy, Aaron and their parents in the presence of family & friends.

4. Palle di Rasam

Giving Away the Bride

Jassy’s father will symbolically “join” Jassy & Aaron by placing one end of Aaron’s scarf (Palla) over his shoulder & into Jassy’s hand. The palla signifies the union of two bodies as one soul taking the sacred vows. It also symbolizes the emotional safety and security of one in the hands of the other as they go through life.

5. Laavan

The Four Sacred Circles

Laavan literally means “circling”, describes marriage as a rite of passage into higher circles of existence. Jassy and Aaron circle around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib four times, with each nuptial round (Laav), the couple vows to be together – in mind, body & soul. Jassy’s brothers, her protectors, guide her along the process.

First Laav – the promise to love forever and let go of the past

Second Laav – the promise to be devoted completely to one another

Third Laav – describes the state of mind being filled with divine love. The couple now seek spiritual aspirations and detachment from worldly desires and focus on Almighty as a stage of spiritual advancement. They make a promise to be faithful to one another

Fourth Laav – the promise to be together & united with God

5. Karah Prashad

Sweet Dish

After the Laavan, other hymns are sung that express the overwhelming joy of experiencing union with God. They are followed by Ardaas in which all guests take part. The Karah Prashad is distributed at the end of the ceremony. This tradition symbolizes the spirit of love and sharing which is the essence of the Guru’s teachings.

7. Sagan & Langar

Gifts to the Newlyweds, Followed by a Meal

At the end of the ceremony, family & friends will line up to congratulate the newlyweds and take pictures. Afterwards, everyone enjoys a meal downstairs in the langar.

8. Doli

Farewell to the Bride

Jassy’s family bids her farewell among tears of joy and sadness. This symbolizes Jassy leaving her family home to move to Aaron’s home.

We are so blessed that Waheguru allowed us to find each other.

We feel very fortunate that you are here to celebrate our special day.

We feel surrounded by so much love.

Our sincere thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and presence today.