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Anand Karaj
Anand Karaj: Is the name given to the Sikh wedding ceremony, literally translated as "Blissful Happening". The Laava, or four stanzas, are read and then sung during the ceremony to formalize marriage. The Sikh religious wedding ceremony, which almost always takes place in a Gurdwara is held in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. This arrangement offers a way to bring family support into the lives of the couple if they require it. Guru Ram Das, the third Guru of the Sikhs has given, in the four rounds or Laava, a formula for a successful marriage . These four Shabads, describe the sacred journey of the soul through this world to the final destination, the merging with the infinite. If one follows this sacred path and applies it properly to institution of marriage, it should results in happiness and fulfilment – Anand (Bliss).
So, it is clear that the couple are only said to be married if they can portray that there is only "one light" in the two bodies.
The following are other important points that must be adhered to by the Sikh couple and their families:
- Both partners must be Sikhs.
- Marriage is a partnership of equals.
- No consideration is to be given to Caste, Social Status, Race or lineage.
- No Dowry is allowed.
- No day is considered holier than any other; No astrological considerations are to be made; No superstitions are to be observed in fixing the date of the wedding.
- The religious ceremony to take place in a Gurdwara or home of the Bride in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib.
- The religious ceremony must NOT take place in a hotel, wedding palace or Banqueting Hall.
- Burden of the cost of the wedding to be shared as equally as possible.
These days, the selection of the partners is left predominantly to the couple – with the families acting as supportive introduction service. However, in the past, the selection of the partners was left completely to the parents and other senior family members. This trend has slowly changed and communities will have varying attitudes to the selection process. Although, the ultimate choice of partners is always left to the would-be bride and groom, most couples will seek their parents consent and blessing.
The arrangements for the wedding are almost always undertaken by the parents of the couple, with the bride's side footing a larger slice of the total bill. The Anand Karaj ceremony is joyous and festive event in which families and friends from both sides are heavily involved. The atmosphere is informal and lively. Most Sikh wedding take place in the morning but there are no restrictions as to what time the ceremony should start or end. The religious part of the ceremony lasts about 1 to 3 hours, depending on how important the families feel this is to their lives. The wedding event however will last for the whole day and may spill into the next day.
Most families combine the wedding ceremony with the engagement ceremony called the "Kurmai", where the Kurmai is held just before the wedding vows or Laava. The engagement ceremony can also be held as a separate event on a different day. It is usually conducted in the Gurdwara or at the home of the Groom-to-be. It involves Ardas, Kirtan , "Sagaan" (Exchange of gifts) and Langar. In the "Sagaan" ceremony, the groom is presented him with a kara, kirpan, Indian sweets, fresh fruits, dried fruits and nuts. The bride-to-be's family in turn are presented with garments and sweets for the Bride-to-be.
http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php?title=Anand_Karaj
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