The Anand Karaj, explained.
The Sikh wedding ceremony from milni to doli: what happens, in what order, and what is eaten at each stage.
What is an Anand Karaj?
The Anand Karaj, meaning blissful union, is the Sikh wedding ceremony. It takes place in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib, usually in the morning at a gurdwara. Its centre is the laavan: four hymns composed by Guru Ram Das, during which the couple walk around the Guru Granth Sahib four times. A reception usually follows later in the day.
Every family and every gurdwara does things a little differently, so treat this as a guide to the usual shape of the day rather than a rulebook. The gurdwara's own granthi and committee have the final say on anything that happens inside.
The ceremony itself is short. Most of the planning goes into what surrounds it: the milni, the breakfast, the langar, and the move to the reception venue.
Order of the day.
Milni
Morning, on arrival
The two families meet at the gurdwara. Relatives of equal standing embrace and exchange garlands, and the groom's family is welcomed in.
Breakfast and tea
Before the ceremony
Guests are served tea and a light vegetarian breakfast, often in the gurdwara hall, following the gurdwara's rules.
Kirtan and Ardas
Ceremony begins
The congregation sits before the Guru Granth Sahib. Hymns are sung and an ardas, a prayer, asks for blessing on the marriage.
Palla
Before the laavan
The bride's father places one end of the groom's scarf, the palla, in the bride's hand, joining the couple for the laavan.
Laavan
The heart of the ceremony
Four hymns are read and sung. With each one the couple walk clockwise around the Guru Granth Sahib, the groom leading.
Karah prashad
Close of the ceremony
A final ardas and hukamnama, then karah prashad, a sweet offering, is shared with everyone present.
Langar
After the ceremony
The community meal, served to all in the langar hall, prepared under the gurdwara's direction.
Doli and reception
Afternoon or evening
The bride's farewell from her family, then the reception at a venue, with dinner, speeches and dancing.
Food at each stage.
| Stage | Typically served | How we serve it |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival and milni | Tea, juice, mithai | Served at the gurdwara if its rules allow |
| Breakfast | Samosa, pakora, spring rolls, paratha or chole bhature, masala tea | Our ceremony breakfast menus, all vegetarian |
| Karah prashad and langar | Prepared by the gurdwara | The gurdwara's sevadars lead; we support only where asked |
| Reception | Canapés, starters, a full main course and desserts | Our events menu, buffet, family style or silver service |
Planning notes.
Everyone covers their head, removes their shoes and sits on the floor inside the darbar hall. Food served at the gurdwara is vegetarian, and alcohol and tobacco are not permitted on gurdwara premises.
Gurdwaras book up early for popular Saturdays, and start times are set by the gurdwara. Agree the breakfast timing with the gurdwara before you fix the menu, and allow travel time between the gurdwara and the reception venue.
Passage to India caters Sikh weddings from the Anand Karaj breakfast to the evening reception, and has close links with eighteen gurdwaras and temples including Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall and Hounslow, Ramgarhia Gurdwara Slough and Guru Nanak Darbar Gravesend. Each gurdwara has its own rules, and we work within them.
Sikh weddings & gurdwarasMore guides.
Questions couples ask us.
How long does an Anand Karaj take?
The ceremony itself is usually around an hour. With the milni, breakfast and langar, most families are at the gurdwara for the morning.
What food is served at an Anand Karaj?
A vegetarian breakfast and tea before the ceremony, karah prashad at its close, and langar afterwards. The reception later in the day has its own full menu.
Can a caterer bring food into a gurdwara?
That depends on the gurdwara. Many allow an outside caterer to serve the breakfast and tea; the langar is usually prepared under the gurdwara's direction. Ask the gurdwara committee first.
What are the laavan?
Four hymns written by Guru Ram Das. During each, the couple walk clockwise around the Guru Granth Sahib. Completing the four laavan completes the marriage.
Tell us about your evening.
Share the date, the venue if you have one, and roughly how many guests. We will call you back within one working day.
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