Sikh Weddings -Introducing the Magic behind the Incredibly Festive Cultural Celebrations
The
beauty of Indian ceremonies lies in their large scale setting, colorful ambiance
and full of life spirit. And if you’ve had the pleasure of attending a Sikh wedding, it definitely falls along
the genre of Big Fat Indian Weddings.
Many
consider Sikh celebrations to be an
ethereal affair, something along the lines of fairytale bliss. The event
features a wide array of colorful customs and traditions, not to mention the
beautifully customized Sikh wedding
invitations too.
To
help you gather more insight, we’re taking a closer look at the magic behind
the grandeur of Sikh weddings. So let’s get right into it.
Decoding
the subtle elements that make up modern
Sikh Wedding Cards
Today, Sikh
wedding card designs embody elegance and heartwarming notes.
They are intricately created by designers and feature colorful representations
of life. Modern Sikh couples opt for
red, purple and blue tones due to their bold and regal appeal but any hue can
be chosen based on personal selection.
Sikh wedding
invitation templates are
available at disposal, making the lives of many easier. Couples and their
families can customize their Punjabi
engagement invitation cards, Anand Karaj wedding cards or simply their Sikh
wedding card design according to their desire.
There
are a diverse number of symbols and lines that can be included in the card. Some
examples with their significance include the following.
Khanda
The
Sikh Symbolic representation of faith comprising of a double edged sword,
chakkar and two single edged swords Kandha looks really elegant if used on the
wedding invites to give that sacred feel to your ethnic wedding.
Religious
verses from Guru Granth Sahib
ਲਖ ਖੁਸੀਆ
ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀਆ ਜੇ
ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਦਰਿ
ਕਰੇਇ ॥
Hundreds
of thousands of princely pleasures are enjoyed, if the True Guru bestows His
Glance of Grace.
ਨਾਨਕ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ
ਤਿਨਾ ਮਿਲਾਇਆ
ਜਿਨਾ ਧੁਰੇ
ਪਇਆ ਸੰਜੋਗੁ
॥੧॥
O
Nanak, he alone meets the True Guru, who has such union pre-ordained.
ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਦਾਤੇ
ਕਾਜ ਰਚਾਇਆ
ਆਪਣੀ ਮੇਹਰ
ਕਰਾਇ I
ਦਾਸਾਂ ਕਾਰਜ
ਆਪ ਸਵਾਰੇ
ਇਹ ਉਸਦੀ
ਵਡਿਆਈ II
Sikh
pre-wedding celebrations are not to be underestimated
If
you thought the Sikh wedding ceremony is grand, let’s not forget about the
pre-wedding festivities. They are definitely worth mentioning due to the great
significance and enjoyment they hold in Sikh culture.
It
usually starts with an engagement ceremony where the couple’s dates are
finalized. Closer to the wedding, the mehndi and chooda ceremony are held where
the bride’s hands and feet are adorned with intricate henna designs.
In
the next few days, a number of religious traditions are carried out that
include tying of red threads on the bride and groom’s hands for protection from
bad omen (Gana).
Next
comes the haldi ceremony (Vatna) where a paste of turmeric and mustard oil is
applied on the bride and groom’s face, owing to its natural glow properties.
Anand
Karaj –the Sikh wedding day has arrived
The
majestic Sikh wedding (Anand Karaj)
or blissful union begins with the groom and his side’s grand entrance to the
venue setting. Close friends and families come adorned in lavish outfits,
jewelry and exuberant transport options. The wedding venue is usually the Gurdwara,
Sikh house of worship.
The
Milni or exchange of garlands is performed by both families, after which the
ceremony’s rituals are carried out amidst a floor seated audience with heads
being covered. Sikh guests take part in holy customs like bowing to the Granth, Sikh Holy scripture too.
The
ceremony tends to last 45 minutes, after which a delicious sweet pudding
dessert called Kara parshad is
passed for everyone to enjoy. Upon completion of the ceremony, guests are
allowed to congratulate the couple and take pictures.
Soon
the reception party begins with guests and hosts spending the rest of the
evening dancing to Punjabi Bhangra beats
and devouring scrumptious Punjabi
cuisine.
Punjabi
weddings are always a grand affair and Sikh
weddings are no exception to this notion. Today, modern day celebrations
comprise of heartfelt Sikh wedding card
designs combined with blissful components added to the holy ceremony
rituals.