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London, United Kingdom
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Wedding traditions
Rooted in the Gurdwara, celebrated with the full energy of a Punjabi baraat.
A Sikh wedding in the UK is defined by the Anand Karaj — the sacred ceremony conducted in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib — and surrounded by the high-energy celebrations that Punjabi culture is known for: the baraat procession, the choora ceremony, and a reception that runs until the early hours.
The Choora ceremony is one of the most emotionally significant pre-wedding moments for a Punjabi Sikh bride. On the morning of the wedding day, the bride's maternal uncle places a set of red-and-white bangles (choora) on her wrists, with female relatives attaching kaleere — ornamental hangings — to each bangle. The Mehndi night and Pithi / Haldi celebrations typically take place in the days before, following the same joyful format as Hindu pre-wedding functions.
The Anand Karaj — meaning "blissful union" — takes place at the Gurdwara in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. The ceremony involves four circumambulations (laavan) around the scripture, during which the Granthi recites four hymns representing the stages of the couple's spiritual journey. The ceremony typically lasts two to three hours. All guests must cover their heads, and the atmosphere is one of reverence and communal joy. Langar — the communal meal — is served to all guests in the Gurdwara's langar hall after the ceremony.
The groom's arrival — the baraat — is one of the most energetic moments of any Sikh wedding. Accompanied by dhol players, the groom arrives on horseback or by car to meet the bride's family in a formal milni (meeting of families). The evening reception that follows is a full production: a large banqueting hall, a stage for the couple, dinner for hundreds of guests, and a DJ set that builds from Punjabi folk through to bhangra until late into the night.
The Bidaai — the bride's farewell — is among the most moving moments of the entire wedding. The bride throws rice over her shoulder as she leaves her family home, symbolising prosperity she leaves behind. Brothers or cousins may carry the bride to her car in a symbolic doli procession. This is a moment that requires a photographer who can handle emotional, documentary-style coverage without intruding on the family.
Every function, in the order they typically happen.
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