There are a lot of steps and symbolism in Sikh weddings. Guests who have never attended a Sikh wedding ceremony usually find ceremony guides helpful for them to understand what is happening. Feel free to use the wording below to help you while you’re creating your Sikh wedding program. Just change out Kamal and Simran with your names.
At the bottom of this page, I’ve linked our DIY instant wedding program designs you can use with this wording. Congratulations and good luck with the rest of your wedding planning!
SO YOU’RE GOING TO SIT THROUGH A SIKH WEDDING
MILNI (INTRODUCTIONS)
A small prayer (ardas) is recited to bless the day. After, various members of both families come together to exchange gifts.
ENTRANCE
Kamal enters and sits in front of the Guru Granth Sahib. Simran then enters accompanied into the wedding hall by her family.
ARDAS & HUKAMNAMA
A hymn and a prayer (ardas) are recited while the Simran, Kamal, and their parents stand. After the prayer, the Guru Granth Sahib is opened to a random page and the hymn found at the top of the left-hand page (the Vak or Hukam) is read alound. The text found is considered to be a relevant lesson for the day.
PALLE DI RASAM
Simran’s father takes one end of the red scarf (palla) worn by Kamal and places it in Simran’s hands. This signifies the start of the bride’s new life with her husband.
ANAND KARAJ (BLISSFUL OCCASION)
The Laavan, composed by Guru Ram Das, is the hymn in four stanzas which is recited and sung to solemnize nuptials in Sikhism. As each verse is recited and sung, the couple circle the Guru Granth Sahib clockwise.
ARDAS & HUKAMNAMA
The entire congregation then stands with hands together facing the Guru Granth Sahib for a final prayer. The Hukam, or divine command, is again received from the Guru Granth Sahib by opening at random. After the Hukam is read, prasad, a sweet, is served to the entire congregation.
SAGAN LINE
Close relatives and friends will line up behind the bride and groom and individually congratulate them on their marriage.
LANGAR
After congratulating the couple, friends and family share a traditional meal.
Some Sikh wedding program designs available:
Check out our other Kiwi & Bacon Designs’ programs on kiwiandbacon.com or on Etsy!