Anand Karaj

Anand Karaj — literally 'blissful union' — is the Sikh wedding ceremony, conducted in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture) at a Gurdwara. The ceremony centres on four circumambulations (laavan) around the Guru Granth Sahib, during which the Granthi (officiant) recites four hymns. Each lavan represents a stage of the couple's spiritual journey together.

The ceremony typically lasts two to three hours. The couple and their close family sit at the front, with guests seated on the floor in the darbar hall, separated by gender in traditional Gurdwaras. The Ardas (communal prayer) and Hukamnama (reading from the scripture) follow the laavan. Langar — the communal meal — is served to all guests afterward in the Gurdwara's langar hall.

Anand Karaj is the most formal and sacred part of a Sikh wedding. Dress is modest and heads must be covered by everyone present. Key vendors are more limited within the Gurdwara setting, but the wedding party arrives and departs with full baraat energy: dhol players, family dancing, and the groom's procession are all central to the occasion.