Anand Kaaraj
Anand Karaj is the Sikh marriage ceremony, literally translating to the “Blissful Union” or “Joyful Union”. This is one of the major life events a Sikh may undergo. The Anand Karaj was introduced by Guru Amar Das ji as the Sikh wedding ceremony. The Anand Karaj is conducted in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and marks the spiritual union of life partners to walk the path of Sikhism together.
The Ceremony:
The Ceremony begins with an Arambhta Ardaas, or preliminary Ardaas in which the Bride, Groom and their families offer an ardas to begin the wedding. After some hymns are sung, the wedding lavaan begin. Composed by Guru Ram Das ji, the 4 Lavaan serve as the core of the wedding ceremony. Each Laav has a different meaning and signifies a stage in the spiritual union of the couple. After the recitation of each Laav, the bride and Groom move clockwise around the Guru Granth Sahib. In each circle, the couple seeks spiritual and emotional harmony. After the 4 Lavaan are complete, the ceremony comes to an end with the recitation of more hymns, an Ardaas and a Hukamnama.
The Anand Karaj ceremony is conducted in the mornings, traditionally before 12pm and takes approximately one hour. The ceremony is followed by langar.
Venue:
The Anand Karaj is traditionally conducted at the gurdwara sahib. There is flexibility to host the ceremony at ones residence.
Please note: The Akal Takht has banned carrying Sri Guru Granth Sahib ‘saroop’ outdoors at destination weddings for ‘Anand Karaj’, the Sikh religious wedding ceremony. There is a blanket ban on destination weddings with Anand Karaj ceremonies at resorts and on the beaches.
