Anand Karaj

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Anand Karaj: Is the name given to the Sikh wedding ceremony, literally translated as "Blissful Happening". Sikhs regard marriage as a sacred bond of mutual dependence between a man and a woman. A true partnership in marriage is made between those who are united in spirit as well as in mind and body. Marriage is regarded as a strong bond between the bride and groom and the relatives of both families.

Based on a concept depicted in Laava, the Sikh marriage is not merely a physical and legal contract but is a fusion of the souls; a holy union between two souls, where physically they appear as two individual bodies but in fact are united as one. The couple must feel and think alike and both must be completely identified with the other, i.e. they become 'Ek Jot Doe Murti' meaning "one spirit in two bodies".

The Laava, or four stanzas, are read and then sung during the ceremony to formalize and sanctify the marriage. The Sikh religious wedding ceremony, which almost always these days takes place in a Gurdwara is held in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. This arrangement offers a way to bring family support into the lives of the couple if they require it. Guru Ram Das, the fourth Guru of the Sikhs has given, in the four rounds or Laava, a formula for a successful marriage . These four Shabads, describe the sacred journey of the soul through this world to the final destination, the merging with the infinite. If one follows this sacred path and applies it properly to the institution of marriage, it should results in happiness and fulfilment – Anand (Bliss).

This Sikh marriage ceremony demands a bit more from the couple than is normally expected. The Sikh Scriptures advice us that:

SGGS page 788
ਮ: ੩ ॥ mehlaa 3. Third Mehl:

ਧਨ ਪਿਰ੝ ਝਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਨਿ ਬਹਨਿ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਇ ॥
Dhan pir ayhi na aakhee-an bahan ikthay ho-ay.
They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together.

ਝਕ ਜੋਤਿ ਦ੝ਇ ਮੂਰਤੀ ਧਨ ਪਿਰ੝ ਕਹੀਝ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥
ayk jot du-ay moortee Dhan pir kahee-ai so-ay. ((3))
They alone are called husband and wife, who have one light in two bodies. ((3))

So, it is clear that the couple are only said to be married if they can portray that there is only "one light" in the two bodies.

The following are other important points that must be adhered to by the Sikh couple and their families:

  • Both partners must be Sikhs.
  • Marriage is a partnership of equals.
  • No consideration is to be given to Caste, Social Status, Race or lineage.
  • No Dowry is allowed.
  • No day is considered holier than any other; No astrological considerations are to be made; No superstitions are to be observed in fixing the date of the wedding.
  • The religious ceremony to take place in a Gurdwara or home of the Bride in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib.
  • The religious ceremony must NOT take place in a hotel, wedding palace or Banqueting Hall.
  • Burden of the cost of the wedding to be shared as equally as possible.


These days, the selection of the partners is left predominantly to the couple – with the families acting as supportive introduction service. However, in the past, the selection of the partners was left completely to the parents and other senior family members. This trend has slowly changed and communities will have varying attitudes to the selection process. Although, the ultimate choice of partners is always left to the would-be bride and groom, most couples will seek their parents consent and blessing.


The arrangements for the wedding are almost always undertaken by the parents of the couple, with the bride's side footing a larger slice of the total bill. The Anand Karaj ceremony is joyous and festive event in which families and friends from both sides are heavily involved. The atmosphere is informal and lively. Most Sikh wedding take place in the morning but there are no restrictions as to what time the ceremony should start or end. The religious part of the ceremony lasts about 1 to 3 hours, depending on how important the families feel this is to their lives. The wedding event however will last for the whole day and may spill into the next day.


Most families combine the wedding ceremony with the engagement ceremony called the "Kurmai", where the Kurmai is held just before the wedding vows or Laava. The engagement ceremony can also be held as a separate event on a different day. It is usually conducted in the Gurdwara or at the home of the Groom-to-be. It involves Ardas, Kirtan , "Sagaan" (Exchange of gifts) and Langar. In the "Sagaan" ceremony, the groom is presented him with a kara, kirpan, Indian sweets, fresh fruits, dried fruits and nuts. The bride-to-be's family in turn are presented with garments and sweets for the Bride-to-be.


The Laava

The Laava - "Sikh Four Rounds"
Main article: Laava

The Four Rounds

The main part of the Anand Karaj is the reading and then the singing of each laav in turn. When the Laav is sung, the couple as a pair joint by a piece of cloth circle the SGGS. This has relevance to the occasion and should not be considered a ritual without meaning. When the couple circle the SGGS each time they making a commitment to God with the Guru as spiritual witness and support. And as one circles the Sri Guru Granth Sahib you are reminded that the Guru should be the center of your life, from which springs your spiritual guidance and understanding that you require for your souls long journey across this world ocean. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the center and the Sadh Sangat is your worldly witness and support.


The four nuptial rounds were written by Guru Ram Das for his own wedding. They explain the journey of the souls toward the Almighty. In them he tells us of the duties that a person undertaking a life of marriage should perform. In the first round, the Guru asks the partners to:

  • commit to righteousness
  • renounce sinful actions
  • Remember, mediate and embrace Naam
  • Only by good fortune, is real peace obtained
  • Worship the one Waheguru and all your sins will vanish


In the second round, the Guru asks the partners to advance further towards meeting the True Guru - God:

  • have fear of God and your ego will disappear
  • Sing God's praises and feel His presence
  • God is everywhere, outside and within, sing in Joy


In the third round, the Guru says that the partners mind is filled with "Divine Love":

  • meeting the Sadh Sangat (Holy Congregation)
  • which is only obtained by good fortune
  • Recite Gurbani and sing the Glorious Praises of the Lord
  • The [[Naam] will vibrates and resounds within your heart
  • and you will know your future destiny.


In the final round, the Guru says that the partners mind become peaceful and they will have found the Lord:

  • God's Will seems sweet to these Gurmukhs.
  • You will lovingly focus your consciousness on the Lord, day and night
  • All your desires will be fulfilled
  • The Souls will blend with Waheguru and only Naam will occupy your heart.

Summary of Procedure

  1. Departure of Barat and Reception of Barat
  2. Milnea (means "Introductions")
  3. Tea
  4. Main Wedding Ceremony (Anand Karaj)
    1. Kirtan
    2. Groom and then Bride come to the front
    3. Ardas & Speech by Giani
    4. Kirtan - Keetaa loree-ai kam.
    5. Palaa. Palaa and Shabad
    6. Laava – 4 rounds where Granthi read and then Kirtaineea Sing.
    7. Final Kirtan & Speech
    8. Ardas – All the congregation
    9. Sagaan
    10. Kara Parshad – Blessed "Sweet pudding" is served.
  5. Lunch
  6. Departure of Doli
  7. Reception (Optional)


Practises in some countries may vary. Please check with the hosts.


See also Attending a Sikh Wedding, Laava


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