Anand Karaj means "blissful union". It is the Sikh wedding ceremony, held in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It is simple, spiritual and usually held in the morning, and for many families it is the heart of the whole wedding.
Here is what happens and what each part means.
Where and when it happens
Anand Karaj is usually held in a gurdwara, in the morning. Families gather in the darbar sahib, and the ceremony is led by a granthi or a respected member of the sangat. Guests cover their heads, remove their shoes, and sit on the floor.
Before the laavan
The ceremony begins with Ardas, a prayer asking for blessings on the couple. The couple sits in front of Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The bride's father, or another elder, places one end of a scarf called the palla in the groom's hand and the other in the bride's. This symbolises the bride's family entrusting her to the groom and the couple being joined together.
The four laavan
The heart of Anand Karaj is the four laavan, hymns composed by Guru Ram Das Ji. As each lav is read and then sung by the ragis, the couple walks clockwise around Guru Granth Sahib Ji, with the groom leading.
First lav. About duty and righteous living. The couple is reminded to live by the Guru's teachings and build their life on honest work and faith.
Second lav. About love without fear. The couple is encouraged to let go of ego and feel the Divine in their hearts.
Third lav. About detachment and devotion. The couple's love for each other grows into a shared love for the Divine.
Fourth lav. About peace and union. The couple reaches harmony with each other and with the Divine, and the marriage is complete.
After the laavan
The ceremony ends with Anand Sahib, a final Ardas, a hukamnama read from Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and Karah Prasad shared with everyone. The couple then receives blessings from family and guests.
Registration
Sikh marriages can be registered under the Anand Marriage Act, which was amended in 2012 to allow separate registration. Many couples also register under the Hindu Marriage Act or the Special Marriage Act, depending on the state's rules. A marriage certificate is important, especially for NRI couples applying for a spouse visa.
For families planning an Anand Karaj
- Talk to the gurdwara committee early to book a date and understand their guidelines.
- Agree with both families on dress and the order of events.
- Keep the morning focused on the ceremony. Celebrations can follow later in the day.
Anand Karaj reminds every couple that marriage is not only a bond between two people but a shared spiritual journey.