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Marriage creates an equal relationship for Sikh couples, enabling them to connect their souls in the presence of God. Sikhs adhere to the Guru Granth Sahib's marriage-related teachings because they view it as a significant source of authority.
The religious term for a Sikh marriage ceremony is Anand Karaj. The wedding is considered a sacred relationship that is held in the presence of the holy book, "The Guru Granth Sahib Ji," therefore it is the purest, most graceful, and serene experience. Anand Karaj's wedding also includes Pheras, just like all other conventional Indian wedding ceremonies. Both the bride and groom walk in tow four times around the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, which is called laavan.
For Sikh people, wedding traditions exert an indispensable role as the traditions and rituals show the culture. Indian weddings’ cultural and traditional components of an Indian wedding are an illustration of the diversity of India.
The following are the Sikh wedding traditions:
- Roka and Thaka: In Punjabi marriages, this is the first and most significant pre-wedding ceremony, and parental approval is crucial. To show their support for the wedding, both families come together and exchange presents and treats. Additionally, the wedding date is set at the bride's home on the day of Thaka.
- Kurmai: This ritual is equivalent to the Hindu engagement ceremony. At the bride's home or in the Gurudwara, there is a formal engagement ceremony. The couple exchanges ring after the Sikh priest or granthi performs the "Ardaas," a brief prayer. The bride's family then presents the groom with a silver or gold "kara," or Sikh bangle, and the groom is given dried dates by the bride's grandfather or another senior family member. The bride and groom often get numerous presents from family and friends.
- Chunni Ceremony: In the Chunni ceremony, the bride receives gifts from the groom's family and close relatives, including Red Duppata, clothing, jewelry, sweets, and other items. The bride's head is covered by the mother of the groom, signifying that the bride-to-be is now in charge of maintaining the groom's honor and the pride of his family.
- Saaha Chithi: The bride's family creates a unique invitation for the groom's family, which is then delivered to the groom's home by important bride's family members along with some unique gifts.
- Mayia: This celebration takes place five days before the nuptials. It is the same as the Hindu Haldi ceremonial, also known as the Vatna ceremony. In contrast to other religions, the mayia is applied to the bride and groom five days prior to the wedding in Sikh culture. Once the Mayia ceremony begins, neither the bride nor the groom is permitted to leave their residence. A Gana (a red auspicious thread) is fastened to the left wrist of the bride and the right wrist of the groom during this ritual.
- Mehandi: Two or three days before the wedding, the bride and groom get their hands painted with henna paste. Henna was also painted on the hands of the gathering women on both sides.
- Choora and Kalire: The maternal uncle of the bride presents the choora and the kalire. The bride's uncle then places bangles on the Choora's hands after bathing her in yogurt, milk, and rosewater.
- Baraat: A dressed-up groom makes his way to the bride's home or the wedding location with his family, friends, and other relatives during a baraat. Different songs are played by the bands and dhol musicians as the groom's family arrive at the wedding location dancing.
- Milni: The bride's family met the groom and his family at the wedding venue with various presents, and this ritual began. The main focus of this ceremony is the introduction of two families. The groom and other guests are provided a variety of drinks, tea, and snacks.
- Ardaas: The Sikh priest does a brief prayer known as Ardaas while everyone in the Gurudwara is standing. Before entering the prayer hall, everyone is required to cover their heads and wash their hands and feet.
- Anand Karaj: This is the most significant ceremony that takes place throughout the daylight or afternoon in the Gurudwara Sahib. The Sikh priest explains the meaning of the marriage before beginning to read the Lavaan from the Guru Granth Sahib as the bride sits on the left side of the groom and faces the Guru Granth Sahib. The couple circles the holy book four times. They recline in their seats when the first round is finished. The Karah Prashad is delivered to everyone seated in the prayer hall after the four pheras are finished.
- Wedding Lunch: After the Anand Karaj, everyone in attendance at the wedding is fed scrumptious food.
- Doli: This final ceremony, also known as Vidaii, is taking place. When the bride bids her family a sorrowful farewell as she departs from her parents' home.
- Bride’s Welcome: The bride is greeted with open arms by the groom's family when she arrives at his home bearing flowers and treats.
- Reception: The groom's family hosts the celebration, and the bride's family, friends, and relatives are all invited. Everyone present bestows blessings on the newlyweds.
