This weekend I attended my first ever Sikh wedding ceremony. And I am completely exhausted just thinking back on the day. It was incredibly beautiful, and so colorful. So now, the run down of the events that take place in a traditional Sikh wedding.
Milini
The Milini is a meeting of the bride and groom's family. It is an introduction of the family members and takes place outside of the temple before the actual ceremony.
The handsome groom awaits the events to commence.
Meanwhile, the bride stays tucked away. The bride and groom are not to see one another until the ceremony.
The henna, beading and bright colors are amazing. Sarina made a beautiful bride.
Entrance of the congregation
Everyone who enters the Gurduwara (temple) must remove their shoes and cover their heads as a sign of respect. The congregation will sit on the floor facing the Guru Granth Sahib (holy scripture), men sitting on the left and women on the right.
Upon entering the temple, one proceeds to the front, bows before the Granth Sahib, leaves money, then sits on their designated side.
Entrance of the Bride
At the start of the ceremony, the groom moves to the right side of the hall waiting for the bride to walk in. The bride enters along with her close family and friends.
Blessing of the couple
The parents of the bride and groom stand and the Granthi (priest) leads them in prayer to bless the couple.
Palla Ceremony
The bride's father takes one end of the groom's palla (scarf) over his shoulder and places the other end of the palla in the brides hands. This signifies the fathers blessing to the couple. Both will hold the palla throughout the ceremony.
The Lavan (Wedding Hymns)
The Garanthi reads the first of four verses of the lavan from the Granth Sahib. The Rabies (religious musicians) sing a corresponding verse while the bride and groom walk around the Guru Granth Sahib. The bride is accompanied each step of the way by a member of her family. At the end of the fourth lavan, the marriage ceremony is complete.
Ardas
The entire congregation stands for the reciting of this final prayer
Parsad
Parsad (sweet pudding) is given to all as they hold out both hands in front.
The parents then congratulate the couple along with others in the congregation.
After the ceremony, the bride goes to her home and changes with her family. Then the grooms side comes to her family's house. The groom must bargain with money to actually come into the house and take his bride home with him.
The departure of the bride from her family's home with Grooms family it is a very sad occasion, symbolizing that the bride is no longer the fathers responsibility.
Reception
Later, there is a reception. The reception is complete with an arrival of the bride and groom, a first dance (much like a money dance) when people shower the couple in money.
Sarina and Harpreet, thank you for letting me be apart of such a beautiful ceremony. I wish you the best of luck in the future.
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