The anand karaj is the Sikh wedding ceremony. The couple sit before the Guru Granth Sahib, and as each of the four laavan hymns is read and sung, they walk around it, the groom leading. It is simple, spiritual and usually held at a gurdwara in the morning.
In Gurmukhi it is written ਅਨੰਦ ਕਾਰਜ, and the four hymns are the ਲਾਵਾਂ (laavan). Say it "a-NUND KAA-raj".
Which traditions use it
The anand karaj is Sikh, and most UK Sikh families are Punjabi. The BBC's guide, which draws on the Sikh Rehat Maryada issued by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, explains that the form was given statutory recognition in India by the Anand Marriage Act 1909. It also notes that under the code "persons not professing the Sikh faith cannot be joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony".
What happens
- The day begins with the milni.
- The couple sit side by side facing the Guru Granth Sahib, and an Ardaas is offered.
- The bride's father or another relative places the end of the groom's sash in the bride's hand.
- The four laavan, composed by the fourth Guru, are read. After each one, the couple walk slowly around the Guru Granth Sahib while it is sung.
- The Anand Sahib is sung, a final Ardaas is said, and karah prashad is shared.
The BBC guide notes that any Amritdhari Sikh can conduct the ceremony. In practice a granthi at the gurdwara usually does.
When it happens
The BBC guide says "Most marriages take place in the morning." The reception follows later the same day or in the evening. Pre-wedding events include the jaggo, mehndi and maiyan.
The legal side. The Law Commission warns that religious weddings which do not meet the legal requirements "may not be legally recognised". Check with your gurdwara, and give notice at your register office at least 29 days before.
Vendors involved
The gurdwara is not booked like a vendor, and langar is usually prepared there. You will book vendors for the rest of the day: a photographer who knows the gurdwara's rules on movement and dress, a caterer and venue for the reception, and a decorator. Use our questions to ask your photographer sheet and browse vendors by city from locations.
Common spellings
Anand karaj, anand karaj ceremony and anand kaaraj. The hymns are laavan, lavan or laava.
Questions
It varies by gurdwara. The ceremony itself, with kirtan, the four laavan, Anand Sahib and the final Ardaas, is the shorter part. With the milni beforehand and langar afterwards, plan for most of the morning, and ask your gurdwara for its usual timings.
It depends on whether the legal requirements are met, such as a registered building and a registrar or authorised person. Ask your gurdwara, and give notice at your register office at least 29 days before.
The Sikh code of conduct, the Sikh Rehat Maryada, says that people who do not profess the Sikh faith cannot be married by the anand karaj. Gurdwaras apply this in their own ways, so speak to yours early.
Related terms: milni · jaggo · baraat · vidaai
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