Sikh weddings

A morning service, four rounds of the Guru Granth Sahib, and no need for auspicious dates.

Before the wedding

1
Kurmai
A token betrothal, only if both families want one.
2
Chunni
The groom's family bring the wedding veil, with a ring, clothes and jewellery.
3
Maiyan
The couple stay in for a few days, and the auspicious red gana thread is tied on.
4
Diyas and Sangeet
The bride's maternal relatives carry lamps to their relatives' homes, singing all the way. Mehendi and sangeet follow.
5
Vatna
A scented paste of barley flour, turmeric and mustard oil, scrubbed clean under a phulkari cloth.

6
Gharoli
The groom's sister-in-law fills a pitcher at the gurdwara for his ritual bath, and the bride puts on 21 red bangles.
7
Asa Di Var
The morning hymn is sung and the groom takes his place before the Guru Granth Sahib, with the bride at his left.
8
Laavan
The couple walk slowly round the Guru Granth Sahib four times, clockwise, as a wedding hymn is sung.
9
Karha Parshad
The service ends with stanzas of the Anand and the Ardas, and the congregation is served.

10
Doli
As she leaves, the bride throws back grains of rice to wish prosperity on the family she is leaving.

Every family does things a little differently, so treat this as a guide rather than a rule. Your elders will have the last word.

We can bring the priests, the musicians, the mehndi and the sweets, wherever you marry.

Next guide

Sindhi weddings