A Sikh wedding is a special ceremony where two people who love each other very much decide to get married. In the Sikh culture, getting married is a big celebration that involves many fun and meaningful rituals.
Before the wedding, the bride and groom's families meet and talk about the wedding arrangements. They decide on things like when and where the wedding will take place. The families also exchange gifts to show their love and support for each other.
On the day of the wedding, everyone gathers at a special place called a Gurdwara. It's a beautiful and peaceful place where Sikhs go to pray and learn about their religion. The Gurdwara is like a big temple.
Inside the Gurdwara, the bride and groom sit together in front of a holy book called the Guru Granth Sahib. It's a very important book for Sikhs, and they believe that it contains all the wisdom and guidance they need to live a good and happy life.
During the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom's parents, called the bride's father and brother, walk the bride down the aisle. This means they accompany the bride as she walks towards the holy book. It's like a special and proud moment for the bride's family.
Once the bride reaches the holy book, the groom's father, called the bride's father and brother, presents her with a special scarf called a Chuni. It's a symbol of his love and acceptance of her into their family.
Next, a special hymn called the Anand Karaj is sung by the four married women called Panj Pyare. They stand in a line and take turns singing the hymn. It's a beautiful and calming song that expresses the joy and blessings of marriage.
After that, the bride and groom walk around the holy book four times, holding hands. This is called the Laavan Ceremony. It's a special moment where they promise to love and support each other for the rest of their lives.
Once the Laavan Ceremony is complete, the bride and groom are officially married! Everyone in the Gurdwara claps and cheers to celebrate their love and happiness.
After the wedding ceremony, there is a big party called the reception. It's a time to dance, eat delicious food, and have fun with family and friends. The bride wears a beautiful dress called a Lehenga, and the groom wears a special outfit called a Sherwani.
During the reception, the bride and groom cut a big cake together, just like in other weddings. They feed each other a piece of cake as a symbol of their love and commitment to each other.
In a Sikh wedding, the most important thing is to celebrate and honor the love between the bride and groom. It's a special day filled with happiness, joy, and the blessings of their families and community.