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Anand Karaj (Punjabi: ਅਨੰਦ s ਕਾਰਜ s , anand kāraj) is the name given to the Sikh wedding ceremony, literally translated as "Blissful Event". Sikhs regard marriage as a sacred bond of mutual dependence between a man and a woman; a true partnership of equals in marriage is made between those who are united in spirit as well as in mind and body. Marriage is regarded as a strong lifetime bond between the bride and groom and and a union between both the families of the bride and groom.
The Laava or Anand Karaj ceremony is conducted in the Darbar Hall (prayer hall) of a Gurdwara in Punjabi, according to the principles set out in the Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the Gurmukhi Script.
The families and friends of the Bride and Groom gather in the Prayer Hall, for the the Anand Karaj – the blissful union.
The families and guests assemble together in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Hymns are sung as men and boys sit to one side of a central aisle, and the woman and girls to the other. Everyone sits on the floor reverently with legs crossed and folded.
The bride and groom bow before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and then sit side by side at the front of the hall. The couple and their parents stand up to signify that they have given their consent for the wedding to take place. Everyone else remains seated while a Sikh offers Ardas, a prayer for the success of the marriage.
The musicians, who are called ragis, sit on a low stage and sing the hymn, "Keeta Loree-ai Kaam", to seek God's blessing and to convey a message that a successful marital union is achieved through grace.
ਮ: ੩ ॥
ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਏਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਨਿ ਬਹਨਿ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਇ ॥
ਏਕ ਜੋਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਮੂਰਤੀ ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਇ ॥੩॥
mehlaa 3.
Dhan pir ayhi na aakhee-an bahan ikthay ho-ay.
ayk jot du-ay moortee Dhan pir kahee-ai so-ay. ((3))
Third Mehl:
They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together.
They alone are called husband and wife, who have one light in two bodies. ((3))
The 4 Rounds
After the sermon the girl's father places one end of a scarf, usually saffron or pink in colour, in the groom's hand, passing it over his shoulder and placing the other end in the bride's hand, signifying that he had entrusted her to his protection. The musicians then sing another short hymn.
The couple slowly and reverentially circumambulate the Holy Book, Guru Granth Sahib Ji, clockwise, the bridegroom leading and the bride following, both continuing to hold their ends of the scarf throughout. They bow together before the Guru Granth Sahib before rising up for the circumambulation and again before resuming their seats on completing it. This process is repeated for each of the remaining three stanzas.
The Laava
The First Laava Hymn
The first verse of Lavan is about letting go of the past and embarking on a new beginning. It stresses that the center of the marriage is spiritual and that the success of the marriage rests on the couple having a daily spiritual practice.
"In the first round of the marriage ceremony, the Lord gives you His instructions for married life. Instead of performing rituals by routine, embrace the righteous life of Dharma, and do nothing that separates you from God. Meditate on God’s Name. Embrace and practice Simran - the continuous remembrance of your True Identity. Worship and adore the Guru, the Perfect True Guru, and all the errors of your past shall be washed away. By your great destiny, you shall know that bliss which passes all understanding, and the Lord - Har, Har, will become sweet to your mind. Servant Nanak proclaims that in this first round, the marriage ceremony has begun."
The Second Laava Hymn
The second verse states that the Guru is the centre of the marriage and that such a marriage is filled with joy and ecstasy.
"In the second round of the marriage ceremony, the Lord guides you to meet the True Guru - the One Teacher. Filled with the awe of the Infinite, your ego dissolves away. In awe of the One who is forever pure, sing His Wonderful Praises and see God in all. The Lord - the Supreme Soul, is the Master of the Universe. He fills everything, everywhere. He fills all spaces. Deep within you, and outside you as well, see only One God. God’s humble servants meet together and sing the songs of joy and ecstasy. Servant Nanak proclaims that in this second round, the music of the spheres resounds."
The Third Laava Hymn
The third verse gives the understanding that both love and liberation lie within the Sadhsangat - the company of those who do sadhana and gather together for worship. It is through this that we realize our destiny.
"In the third round of the marriage ceremony your heart is filled with Divine Love. By my great destiny I have met the humble Saints who love the Lord and I have found God. I have found the pure Lord and I sing His Wonderful Praises. I sing the Guru’s Bani. By great good destiny I have found the humble Saints and I speak in the silent language of the Infinite. The Lord’s Name - Har, Har, Har, vibrates and resounds within my heart. Meditating on God, I have realized the great destiny written on my forehead. Servant Nanak proclaims that in this third round, the heart is full of Divine Love of the One God."
The Fourth Laava Hymn
The fourth verse is the final stage which relates to Sahaj Avastha (stage of harmony) and the fulfillment of the goal of life. It is the stage of union when married life is completely blended with love for God. This is the stage when the couple becomes one Soul in two bodies.
"In the fourth round of the marriage ceremony I have found God and my mind is filled with peace. Living as a Gurmukh, I have met Him with simple ease. My mind and body are full of sweet delight. I am pleasing to God - and night and day I lovingly focus my awareness on Him. I have merged with the One in everyone and all my desires are fulfilled. The Lord’s Name resounds and reverberates within me and all around me. The One God, my Lord and Master, merges with His Divine Bride and her heart blossoms with His Holy Naam. Servant Nanak proclaims that in this fourth round, we have become One with the Eternal Lord."
Immediately thereafter the first five verses of the Anand Sahib (song of bliss) composed by Guru Amar Das Ji are recited: Raag Ramkali Mahalla teja: "Anand biya meri maye Satguru mai paiya. These verses express ineffable joy at experiencing union with God and the desire to maintain that union and to never to forget the source of all joy and to always remember that one's true identity is one with the Infinite One.
The next shabad to be recited expressed the joy of the bride in having acquired her life partner. Here again the shabad is a tribute to God and expresses joy at having attained union with the Infinite.
Raag Sri Mahall 4:"Vivah hoa mere Babulla..."
"O my father I am married. By the Guru's Grace I have attained the Lord. The darkness of ignorance has been dispelled and I now understand the Will of God. Understanding of the Guru's wisdom has dawned within me. Darkness has vanished and I have found the gift of the Divine Jewel. The blight of ego has disappeared. My pain has ended and I am filled with Divine understanding for I have realised the Eternal and the Indestructible, who is immortal and Omnipresent. O my father, by the Guru's Grace I am married. I have attained the Lord."
This very unique ceremony concludes with the Ardas of the Sangat which blesses the couple along with everyone gathered.
Again a vak is recited at random which gives a message for everyone assembled. Karah Prasad is distributed to everyone. The nearest and dearest congratulate the parents of the couple and the celebration goes on.
Conduct within the Gurdwara
On the occasion of a wedding at the Gurdwara, the bride’s family will have arrived first, to welcome the Groom with his family and friends. The Groom’s wedding party (the Baraat) often arrives at the Gurdwara, often dancing to the sounds of Dhols (drums). The Gurdwara Management Committee ask that the playing of drums and dancing only takes place up to the car park in front of the Gurdwara, and not on the paved area immediately in front of the Gurdwara.
The Sikh Code of Conduct is very strict in respect of alcohol, tobacco and other intoxicating substances. None of these should be brought on to the Gurdwara premises under any circumstances, and no one should be under the influence of such drugs.
For booking, kindly contact the Gurudwara Sahib office
