If you have always remained fascinated with the colors, aroma, frolic and the energy of a Sikh wedding, then here is your ultimate reprise to a Sikh wedding.  Sikh wedding takes place primarily in Gurudwara. The rituals take place in front of their holy book, Guru Granth.

The rituals of a Sikh Wedding

• Roka- When families of the bride and the groom meet and decide to stop searching the further prospects for the two, it is called Roka. The word itself means, “To Stop.”

• Taka- This is when the date of wedding is decided between the two families. Taka is done at the bride’s place after Roka. The engagement preparations kick-start too.

• Kurmai or Engagement- This is the formal engagement ceremony that takes place at either the groom’s place or the Gurudwara. At this juncture, the bride’s family presents a kadha (the Sikh bangle) to the groom.

• Chunni Ceremony- The mother of groom covers the bride’s head with a red dupatta or chunni. This depicts that the bride is responsible for upholding the groom’s dignity and her

• Maiya- This is another name for purification, which is done at both the homes. During this process, the bride and groom, at their respective homes, have the kangan dora or the red string on their hands. This ritual starts 5 days before the wedding. With the help of olive branches, the oil is put on the couple’s head. Their bodies are massaged with turmeric.

• Kadhai Chadhna- This ritual also begins 5 days before the wedding. The sweet savouries and appetizers are prepared at home and the guests are served with these delicacies.

• Mehendi & Chura Chadhna- Usually, the two rituals can be done on the same day. Mehendi is performed 1-2 days before the wedding. The bride’s home is a delight to watch at this ceremony. Chura Chadhna is also typically a bridal ritual. The red and white bangles are bathed in yogurt milk, after which, the bride’s uncle puts the chura in her hands. This is then, covered with subar or a shawl. The kaliras are tied to the bangles. These are the shimmering hanging ornaments that add a special grace to the entire bridal look.

On the wedding day, following rituals take place-

• Sehra Bandi- At the groom’s place

• Barat– A tradition which brings together seamless joy and happiness, the groom announces his arrival royally seated on a horse. Nowadays you could also witness a chariot instead but the essence of a baraat is mesmerizing where you get lost in the intoxicating happiness surrounding you.

•  Milni–   the most beautiful sight to behold has been an age old tradition where the bride’s family wait for the arrival of the baraat with almost breathless excitement  often followed by the ribbon cutting . When the families embrace each other in acceptance, there is not a lovelier place you could be in.

• Anandkaraj- This is the final wedding ritual, wherein the two souls tie the nuptials and enter an eternal commitment.

• The Laavans- These are the 4 prayers that seal the wedlock and the couple moves in a clockwise direction around the holy book, Guru Granth Sahib. The ceremony ends with final prayers and guruprasad distribution among the family members.

• Doli- This is bride’s most emotional moment. It is here that she bids adieu to her family and moves to her husband’s house. The bride showers rice in the rooms of her home to pray for her home’s prosperity and happiness.

She is escorted by the teary-eyed family members to her doli/car, from where she leaves to her new abode.

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Read Also : Hindu Wedding Rituals : The Most Traditional Way Of Wedding!