1. Baraat (groom's parade): The groom and his family and friends arrive at the gurdwara, with the groom leading the parade.

2. Milni (families meet): The bride's family wait outside the gurdwara to welcome the baraat. When they arrive, family members greet each other.

3. Tea: Tea, coffee and breakfast snacks will be served in the Langar hall. After everyone has eaten, everyone, including the groom, will make the way into the Darbar (prayer) hall upstairs. Remember to remove your shoes, cover your head and legs, do matha tek, and have a seat on opposite sides of the hall. 

4. Kirtan (starting the Anand Karaj ceremony with hymns): The religious singers will be singing shabads (hymns). Once everyone is seated, the bride will enter with her wedding party and have a seat next to the groom.

5. Ardaas (first prayer): The bride, groom, and their close families will stand for the first prayer, which will be read out by the Giani (officiator). This seeks the blessing for their marriage.

6. Palla (giving away the bride): The bride's father takes a sash that the groom has over his shoulders (the palla) and gives one end to the bride. The granthis sing a shabad.

7. Laava (taking the vows): The couple circle the Guru Granth Sahib four times, each time representing the vows/commitments they are making to each other. The first five verses of the Anand Sahib are also sung, which represent joy in the union.

8. Ardaas (final prayer): For this last prayer, everyone is asked to stand and join in. A special verse is chosen and recited for everyone present.

9. Karah prashad (sweet pudding): This will be given to everyone in the hall as a blessing. It is made with flour, ghee and sugar.

What is a gurdwara?
A gurdwara (gurduārā) is a place of worship for Sikhs (translation: “door to the guru”). Each gurdwara has a Diwan (“prayer hall”) where the holy scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, is placed on a Manji Sahib (“raised platform”) at the center of a long aisle. Next to the raised platform, granthis (“priests”) recite, sing and preach religious verses. There is also a separate langar hall, where all people can enjoy food prepared in the kitchens.

What Sikh traditions do I need to be prepared for?
#1- always cover your head and take off your shoes before you enter the prayer hall: There will be an area for everyone to take off their shoes and pick up a ramal (“head scarf”) to cover their heads if needed. If you need help tying a ramal, please do not hesitate to ask any of Sandeep's lovely uncles to assist you.
#2- matha tek (pay respects at the altar): once you enter the prayer hall, walk down the aisle to the raised platform, place a small offering ($1-5), bow your head to the holy scripture. You then take a seat on the ground, always with your front facing the Guru Granth Sahib.
#3- males and females sit on opposite sides of the prayer hall: this is not a religious requirement, but more of a cultural consideration.
#4- men pay respects/tips to the musicians (optional): follow the lead when other males get up to do so. People typically tip anywhere from $5-10. Depends how dope you think their beats n lyrics are ;)
#5- receipt of prasad: at the end of the ceremony, the granthis will pass out prasad to all persons present. This is made with flour, sugar, and ghee. If you do not wish to consume it, please pass it to someone else if possible. Sandeep and her sisters and cousins will GLADLY take it off your hands if needed ;)

The best video description I can recommend is:
youtu.be/ZXP_MxG9q1o
Note that washing of the feet nor removal of socks are required at the gurudwara we’re going to. Also, the Guru Granth Sahib stays in place, so no need to wait for a procession at the end of the ceremony.

Know that all gurudwaras are open to people of all religions, cultures, genders- all walks of life. If you want to check one out before you come to the wedding, please do not hesitate to do so!

What does the wedding ceremony consist of?
The Sikh wedding ceremony is called the anand karj. For a full description, please visit: www.askauntyji.net/anand-karaj/#
Note that I will not be doing #9/13.

What do I wear?
Sandeep says this is your opportunity to go glam! If you’ve seen any Bollywood film, you’ll know that our culture is full of colors and sparkle. Feel free to wear whatever color/sparkle-filled attire your heart desires! You are not required to wear Punjabi garb. However, do note that you will be sitting on the ground and will need to cover your head. Thus, make sure you wear something that covers your legs, is relatively modest and that you can sit comfortably on the ground in for ~90 minutes- but then also dance in later!

What if I’m not able to sit on the ground inside the prayer hall?
Some chairs/benches will be available for folks who have trouble getting on/off the ground. We also recommend sitting against a wall on your side of the aisle.