The Ceremonies
the Anand Karaj
The Sikh wedding ceremony, held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Four hymns, four rounds, and a whole sangat as witness.
What The Anand Karaj Is
Anand Karaj means blissful union. It is the Sikh marriage ceremony, held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture, usually in a gurdwara and usually in the morning. The ceremony centers on the laavan, four hymns written by Guru Ram Das. As each hymn is read and then sung by the ragis, the couple walk around the Guru Granth Sahib, the groom leading and the bride following, joined by a scarf called the palla.
Before the first lav, the bride's father places one end of the groom's palla in the bride's hand. After the fourth, the ceremony closes with ardas, a standing prayer, and karah prashad, a sweet offering shared with everyone. Many families follow with langar, the shared meal from the gurdwara kitchen.
The Four Laavan
Four hymns, four rounds. I stay quiet and low, and I never stand between the couple and the Guru Granth Sahib.
Before The Ceremony
The morning often starts with the milni, when the two families meet at the gurdwara entrance and relatives of the same standing embrace and exchange garlands. In many families the groom arrives in a small baraat. Tea and snacks may be served before everyone enters the darbar hall.
In the days before, many Punjabi Sikh families hold a maiyan with turmeric paste, a chooda ceremony when the bride receives red and white bangles, kaleere tied to her bangles, a jaggo night with a decorated pot and singing, and a mehndi. The traditions by region page covers more of them.
Working With The Gurdwara
The Anand Karaj takes place in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, which is why most couples hold it in a gurdwara. Each gurdwara has its own committee, calendar and expectations, so contact the one your family attends, or the one closest to your venue, as early as you can.
- Which dates and morning times are available for the Anand Karaj?
- Who will perform the lavan, the four rounds, and the kirtan?
- What does the gurdwara expect for langar, and who prepares it?
- Are there rules for photography and filming inside the darbar hall?
- Where can the families gather before and after?
- What is the expected donation, and who handles it?
Many gurdwaras ask that photographers stay at the side or back and avoid flash during the lavan. I always ask the granthi before the start where I may stand, and I follow it.
Rules Of The Gurdwara
Every gurdwara sets its own rules for the Anand Karaj and for guests. Ask your gurdwara committee early. Common rules include these.
- Everyone covers their head and removes their shoes in the darbar hall.
- No alcohol or tobacco on the premises.
- Guests sit on the floor, often men and women on different sides.
- Many gurdwaras have rules about who may have an Anand Karaj, and some ask for a form, a meeting or a deposit.
- Many gurdwaras want the ceremony held in the gurdwara, not at a hotel.
We could not find a current official page for an Atlanta area gurdwara that publishes its wedding rules, so this guide does not list one. Ask your own gurdwara or your family's, and ask about photography too.
From Gurdwara To Reception
Most Sikh weddings move between two places on the same day. The Anand Karaj and langar happen in the morning at the gurdwara, then the families rest and change, and the reception happens that evening at a hotel or banquet hall. The gap in between is where the timeline can slip.
Plan transport for elders and the wedding party, and plan where the couple will rest. Doli, the bride's farewell from her family, may happen at the gurdwara, at the bride's family home or at the end of the reception, depending on the family. It is one of the most emotional moments of the day, so decide where it will be and tell your photographer and filmmaker.
Leave at least a few hours between the end of langar and the start of the reception. Traffic across metro Atlanta on a Saturday afternoon can be heavy, and outfits, hair and makeup often change between the two events. A rushed afternoon shows in every photograph that evening.
A Sample Anand Karaj Morning
- Early
Milni
The families meet and exchange garlands at the gurdwara entrance.
- Then
Darbar Hall
Guests take their seats, kirtan begins, the couple sits before the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Ceremony
The Laavan
Four hymns read and sung, four rounds walked, palla held between them.
- After
Ardas, Prashad, Langar
The closing prayer, karah prashad for all, then the shared meal.
From Behind The Camera
How I Photograph An Anand Karaj
I ask the gurdwara committee where I may stand and whether flash is allowed. I cover my head, remove my shoes and work from the sides of the hall with a long lens, quietly. I never stand between the couple and the Guru Granth Sahib, and I never turn my back to it.
The moments that matter are the father placing the palla, each of the four rounds, the faces of the families during the laavan, and the couple after ardas. Outside, after langar, I take family photographs and portraits, often in the parking lot shade or a nearby park.
Questions Couples Ask
Can an Anand Karaj be held at a hotel?
Many gurdwaras want the ceremony held in the gurdwara, in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Ask your gurdwara committee before you plan anything else.
How long is the Anand Karaj?
Often about an hour including kirtan, the laavan and ardas. Add time for the milni before and langar after.
What should guests wear?
Modest clothing, a head covering for everyone, and socks, since shoes come off. Many gurdwaras offer head scarves at the door.
Can you photograph inside the gurdwara?
Usually yes with permission and respect. Ask the committee about flash and where the photographer may stand.
Do we still need a Georgia marriage license?
Yes, for a legal marriage. Get the license from a county probate court first. See the marriage license page.
Check Your Date
Tell me your gurdwara and the time of the laavan, and I will plan the quietest way to cover it.