Sikh_Wedding_Tradition

and Karaj (Punjabi: , anand kāraj) is the Sikh marriage ceremony, meaning "Blissful Union" or "Joyful Union", that was introduced by Guru Amar Das. The four Lavan (marriage hymns which take place during the marriage ceremony) were composed by his successor, Guru Ram Das. It was originally legalised in India through the passage of the Anand Marriage Act 1909 but is now governed by the Sikh Reht Maryada (Sikh code of conduct and conventions) that was issued by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC). It dictates that only those who follow the Sikh religion may marry under the ceremony, therefore, Sikhs cannot marry persons professing to other religions under it. It also states that child marriage is invalid and that no account should be taken of the prospective spouse's caste. However, in practice, many Sikhs take preference in people from their caste. The Anand Karaj usually takes place at a gurdwara (Sikh temple), although not necessarily so; the marriage may also be conducted at the bride's residence or any other place where the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book) has been installed. If the marriage takes place somewhere other than a gurdwara, the place must be suitable and the Guru Granth Sahib must be installed following the proper procedure. Any Amritdhari (man or woman who is a strict adherent of Sikhism) may perform the marriage ceremony. In a recent verdict of the Sri Akaal Takht Sahib,ie, a Hukumnama, Anand Karaj will take place only in the Gurudwara as Sri Guru Granth Sahib will not be taken to any marriage hall for that purpose. [edit] Part of a series on Sikh practices and discipline Five Banis · Five Ks · Five Evils · Five Virtues · Simran · Sewa · Three pillars · Sikh Rehat Maryada This box: view ·talk ·edit Sikh wedding. Anand Karaj (Punjabi: , anand kāraj) is the Sikh marriage ceremony, meaning "Blissful Union" or "Joyful Union", that was introduced by Guru Amar Das. The four Lavan (marriage hymns which take place during the marriage ceremony) were composed by his successor, Guru Ram Das. It was originally legalised in India through the passage of the Anand Marriage Act 1909 but is now governed by the Sikh Reht Maryada (Sikh code of conduct and conventions) that was issued by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC). It dictates that only those who follow the Sikh religion may marry under the ceremony, therefore, Sikhs cannot marry persons professing to other religions under it. It also states that child marriage is invalid and that no account should be taken of the prospective spouse's caste. However, in practice, many Sikhs take preference in people from their caste. The Anand Karaj usually takes place at a gurdwara (Sikh temple), although not necessarily so; the marriage may also be conducted at the bride's residence or any other place where the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy book) has been installed. If the marriage takes place somewhere other than a gurdwara, the place must be suitable and the Guru Granth Sahib must be installed following the proper procedure. Any Amritdhari (man or woman who is a strict adherent of Sikhism) may perform the marriage ceremony. In a recent verdict of the Sri Akaal Takht Sahib,ie, a Hukumnama, Anand Karaj will take place only in the Gurudwara as Sri Guru Granth Sahib will not be taken to any marriage hall for that purpose. Contents [hide] 1 Important features 2 Detailed analysis 3 History of Anand Karaj 4 Pre-wedding 5 Arrangements 6 Married life 7 See also 8 References 9 External links Important features T