The Sikh wedding ceremony is known as “Anand Karaj" which means 'Blissful Union". It takes place after the serving of snacks, and is held in the Diwan hall in front of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. This is the holy book of Sikhism, where all the teachings of the 10 Gurus have been written down.

ENTERING THE TEMPLE

Remember to cover your head, take of your shoes and wash your hands before entering the temple. Make sure you are not bringing any alcohol and tobacco (snus or cigarettes) into the temple.

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INSIDE THE TEMPLE:

Upon entering the Diwan hall, walk down towards the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and bow to the Holy Book. When taking a bow, guests normally donate a small amount to the Gurudwara (approx. 50kr cash, each). After you have bowed down to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, please take a seat on the floor with your legs crossed during the whole ceremony. Men and women are seated on opposite sides of the hall. It is important to never let your feet face in the direction of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Please remain seated as the bride enters the Diwan hall. The groom and bride sits right in front of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, with their immediate families sit right behind them.

The ceremony is based on the four Laavan prayers that seals the marriage. The bride and groom walks around the Guru Grant Sahib Ji and bows down to every laavan to show that they accept these teachings and wish to spend the rest of their lives together.

First laava: Emphasizes the performance of duty to the family and the community.

Second laava: Signifies the stage of yearning and love for each other.

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Third laava: Signifies the stage of detachment.

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Fourth laava: Signifies the final stage of harmony and spiritual union of love and devotion where no feeling of separation is possible, imparting perfect joy, and contentment.

After completion of the four Laavan, the bride and groom are considered man and wife. The ceremony ends with Ardas, where everybody stands up to join the prayers and blessings given to the couple by the priest, and a Karah Parshad (a sweet ceremonial food) which will be served while everyone is seated and marks the end of the ceremony. Please remember to accept the Karah Parshad with both hands folded together.

After the wedding ceremony lunch will be served and Doli (bride leaves with her husband) will take place at 12:45.

After the ceremony at the Gurudwara there will be a break for everyone before the evening Reception Party at 18.00.

There is no other programme between 12:45 and 18:00!