Anand Karaj

Ceremony Schedule

 

  • Guest are welcome to enjoy an Indian breakfast and tea before the ceremony begins. The Milni ceremony will occur directly before guests are asked to enter the temple.

  • Once entering the temple guests will be asked to remove their shoes and cover their heads. Family members and friends will proceed to take their seats- men on the right side of the room and ladies on the left.

    To begin the official Sikh wedding ceremony, the priest will ask for the parents of the couple and the bride and groom to stand for ardaas (prayers). The father of the bride has the honor of performing the palla rasma, which is when one end of the groom’s palla is either held by or tied to the bride’s hand. As the priest recites the lavaas (or hymns) the bride and groom reflect on each of the four verses. After the four hymns have been completed, the bride and groom will get to their feet and begin walking clockwise around the altar. This concludes the ceremony and the couple are finally wed!

  • After the completion of the ceremony we ask our guest to join us for lunch outside of the temple.

 

What you need to know about a Sikh Wedding Ceremony

 

What should I wear to the Gurdwara?

The Gurdwara is a place of worship so outfits should be conservative. Indian attire is not required to enter the Gurdwara. Women can wear long dresses, maxi skirts, or pants with a long top. Men can wear a suit and tie or dress pants and a dress shirt.

What type of head covering do I need to wear?

All guests to the Gurdwara must wear a head covering out of respect for the Guru Granth Sahib (holy text). We will have extra bandanas available for our guest who do not bring a covering. Most women cover their heads with scarves while inside the Gurdwara.

Do I really have to remove my shoes?

Yes. Upon entering the Gurdwara, visitors are asked to remove their shoes and place them in the shoe and coat room.

Do I have to sit on the floor?

Yes. As part of the Sikh religion everyone is asked to sit on the floor in the Gurdwara. From their teachings sitting on the floor reminds us that every one is equal and the same in front of God. It shows unity and equality.

Those who cannot sit on the floor because on physical conditions will be accommodated.

What do I do when entering the temple?

After ensuring your head is covered and removing your shoes, guests are welcome to enter the temple. It is customary to give a small offering when entering the temple. After giving an offering men sit on the right side of the temple, women on the left.

Can everyone have the offering?

Yes. The Gurdwara ceremony ends with the passing of Karah Parshad, a warm, sweet dough made of wheat flour, sugar, and clarified butter. Guest may receive the dough in their cupped hands regardless of their beliefs.

Sikh Gurdwara

September 23, 2022

33340 Dequindre Rd
Sterling Heights, MI 48310