Anand Karaj

When: Friday, 31st May starting at 9.30am

9.30am - Tea

10.00am - Arrival of Baraat

10.15am - Milni

10.30am - Anand Karaj

11.30am - Langar

Where: The Sikh Society of Calgary

739 81st Street S.W., Calgary AB

(Parking is available onsite)

What: The Anand Karaj (“blissful union”) is the Sikh wedding ceremony which takes place at the Gurdwara, the Sikh temple of worship.

The morning begins with the Baraat, which is the procession of the Groom’s family and friends to the venue. Outside the gurdwara, they are welcomed by the Bride’s family and friends in a small ceremony known as the Milni, wherein immediate family members on both sides exchange garlands as a symbol of the two families joining together as one.

The group then proceeds inside the gurdwara. Both men and women must cover their heads and remove their shoes before entering the Darbar (prayer hall). Head covers similar to bandanas will be provided by us, and there will be extras in a box inside the gurdwara. Guests can also bring their own head cover or scarf.

Upon entering the darbar, practicing Sikhs will walk to the altar at the front in order to say a silent prayer and offer a small donation in respect to the gurdwara and to the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book of scripture. Guests of other faiths may do this as well, or they may take a seat.

Guests will be seated on the floor, with women sitting on the left and men on the right. There are benches at the back of the prayer hall for those who are not able to sit on the floor.

When the ceremony is over, guests will be given Prashad, a blessed sweet made of flour, clarified butter and sugar.

The parents of the bride and groom, followed by family and guests, will offer their blessings to the newlyweds and take a photo with the bride and groom. Everyone will then head downstairs to enjoy the Langar (lunch).