Punjabi Wedding – Highlights

Here are some of the best moments captured on camera by my Best Friend during our recent trip to New Delhi. Four days of complete masti and dhamal while attending a family wedding; Punjabi and Sikh ish-style.

Mehandi Party

Baraat Night

Wedding as per Sikh Traditions

Many people at times get a wee-bit confused when it comes to Hindu Punjabies and Sikhs. Though our language, food, clothes are very much on the same lines….wedding ceremonies are completely different.

This was the very first time that I witnessed a Sikh marriage. Anand Karaj is the prescribed form of Sikh marriage, the words literally translate as “Blissful Union”. Anand Karaj consists of the couple revolving around Siri Guru Granth Sahib four times as the Lavan (Marriage hymns) are being recited. Revolving is the sign of making commitment with the Guru as a witness. In addition, revolving signifies that Guru is the center of the couple’s life and springs life and the understanding of the journey of the soul crossing this world to be One with God. In the marriage ceremony, Siri Guru Granth Sahib represents the core while the congregation (Sadh Sangat) represents the support.

The ceremony is concluded with the customary singing of the six stanzas of the Anand Sahib (Song of Bliss), followed by Ardas (prayer), and Vak (a random reading of a verse from Guru Granth Sahib). The ceremony, which takes about an hour, ends with the serving of Karah Parshad to the congregation.

It was a wonderful experience on the whole; a perfect blend of two cultures.