A Sikh Wedding essentially encompasses the exchanging of gifts between the families of the Bride and the Groom. This event is referred to as Roka and Thaka, and then follows the official engagement – Sagan or Kurmai. To add to the serene environment, Kirtan is hosted by the couple’s family. Then, Haldi and Mehndi ceremonies, Gaana and Gadholi, Chura, Kalire, Sehra Bandi, Baraat and Milni. The rounds around the fire – Phere, after which the couple seeks blessings. And finally, the bride travels to the groom’s place in a wooden palanquin or doli. According, to the Sikh Code of Conduct, the wedding ceremony can be performed by any ‘amritdhari’ Sikh. In any Gurudwara.
Sikh Wedding Traditions:
Roka/Thaka
Whether it’s a love marriage or an arranged one, both the parents of the bride and groom must give their blessings for this sacred union. This ceremony marks the onset of the wedding preparations that follow suit. When the bride’s family gives the groom some gifts and sweets, the ceremony is called Roka. When the groom’s family gifts something to the bride, it is known as Thaka.
Kurmai/Engagement/Sagan
The traditional name for the formal engagement ceremony is Kurmai. Before the engagement formalities begin, the priest offers a short prayer, also known as Ardas. During the engagement ceremony, the couple exchange rings. The bride’s family gifts the groom a Kada and a Kripan - both of which are an important part of the Sikh heritage. The families also exchange gifts like sweets, clothes, coconut, dry fruits and jewelry.
Kirtan
Prior to the Anand Karaj, the bride and groom’s families feel it is a good omen to host a Kirtan at their residence. Experienced musicians of the local Gurudwara sing ‘Gurbani’. The entire atmosphere is extremely tranquil and serene.
Haldi/Mehndi
A few days before the wedding, the family of the bride and groom apply turmeric paste on their face and body. The thought behind this ceremony is that the skin of the bride and groom should shine on their wedding day. During this ceremony, ladies of the house sing traditional songs. The Haldi ceremony takes place at the homes for the bride and groom. A corresponding Mehndi ceremony also takes place during the same time.
Gaana/Ghadoli
In this traditional ceremony, a red thread (Gaana) is tied on the groom’s right wrist, and the bride’s left wrist (or foot - a new, creative go-around). It is believed that the Gaana will protect them from all evil eyes.
After this, the groom’s sister-in-law (bhabhi) visits a Gurudwara close by to fill a utensil called Ghadoli with holy water. This water is then used to bathe the groom after their Haldi ceremony.
Chura/Kalire
The bridal Chura (set red bangles (Chura) are the first symbol of a newly married woman. The bride’s maternal uncle is the one who gifts these bangles to the bride. After the Chura ceremony, the bride’s sisters and bridesmaids tie Kalire to the Chura, which symbolises prosperity and happiness.
Sehra Bandi
The morning of the wedding, the groom’s father ties a turban to his son’s head right before they depart from home. He is then handed over a replica of a sword that he has to carry throughout the wedding.
The groom’s sister then ties a Sehra (which is usually made of pearls or ribbons) around the turban that is covering the face. Just before groom is leaving for his wedding, his bhabhi applies surma/kajal to his eyes, which is a symbolic gesture to fight off any negative energy.
Baraat/Milni
According to traditions, the groom travels to the wedding venue on a Ghodi (female horse). All the groom’s family and friends accompany him to the venue.Sahil Nanda
That procession, also known as Baraat, includes a lot of dance and dhol. Once the Baraat reaches the venue, the bride’s family welcomes them at the gate. Each family member of the Baraat is then introduced and the bride’s family gifts them a garland along with a hug.
THE WEDDING RITUALS After a long list of pre-wedding rituals, the bride and groom finally get married in a traditional Sikh wedding.
Phere The holy book Guru Granth Sahib Ji is respectfully placed at the wedding venue (Gurudwara or any other place) and the wedding ceremony takes place around it. Anand Karaj comprises of four pheras called Laavan, which are then followed by kirtan and ardas.
Blessings After the Lavaan Pheras, the bride changes into the outfit and jewellery that is gifted to her by her inlaws. After this the elders bless the bride with shagun and gifts.
Doli
Traditionally, the bride would leave her parent’s house after sitting in a wooden palanquin, also known as a Doli. The bride throws puffed rice grains over her shoulders, praying that after she leaves her paternal home always prospers.
The bride then gets into a nicely decorated car with her husband and drives to her new home. Once the bride reaches her new home, she’s given a warm welcome by her new family.
Anand Karaj is a blissful union of two souls.
