We all love a Punjabi wedding but do you know what the wedding ceremony actually means? For many couples getting married at a Gurdwara a Sikh Temple, the religious wedding ceremony is known as Anand Karaj – a blissful union, where the couple will marry in front of the Guru Granth Sahib while the guests gather around the couple, usually with men on one side and women on the other.
A Sikh wedding is a special occasion during which two people are joined in equal partnership. The wedding consists of different stages of the Sikh Wedding ceremony where the Bharat or bridegroom party leave their home and are greeted by the Bride’s family at the Gurdwara.
If you have ever been to a Punjabi wedding you will often see the brides sisters and other female members tease the groom and his family and ask for money in order for him to enter the premises and get married to the bride. Some girls are successful and others,
well, let’s just say are defeated but regardless of the harmless banter, the groom and his party enter the building and lovingly greeted by the brides family with Milni & Tea.
The Giani/Sikh Priest will read the Ardas, which is a special prayer followed by the formal introductions of both sets of parents, siblings, uncles and aunts and so on.
Due to the timing of events, introductions are kept to a limited number so that the rest of the day runs on time, and we know how important time keeping is in the months of event planning!
