The marriage process can be a long and formal one, with up to two weeks of daily activities leading to the wedding ceremony. The Sikh wedding ceremony is called Anand Karaj meaning "Blissful Union".
The ceremony usually takes place in the morning at a Sikh temple (Gurdwara) or in the bride or groom's home or in a banquet facility transformed into a temple for the occasion. The ceremony can be officiated by a Granthi (priest) or any good Sikh.
The bride is dressed in traditional shalwar and kameez or langa (a red blouse and trousers or skirt). A heavy gold-embroidered shawl (chunni or dupatta) covers her head.
The groom is dressed in traditional shirt and trousers and he wears a red or dark pink turban and carries a coloured scarf (pulla).The wedding day has many stages and ceremonies. The milni (meeting) is the first event.
The bride and groom's families greet each other and embrace. The groom distributes karah prashad (scrared food, ceremonial sweets) to his family.
The groom leads the party into the darbar sahib, a congregation hall. As guests enter the gurdwara kirtan is performed, a singing of hymns from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (holy book). Women and men sit on opposite sides of the hall. The Guru Granth Sahib is the focal point of the Gurdwara. Guests may walk up to the Guru Granth Sahib, bow in front of it and leave a monetary offering.
Note, all guests are required to covered their heads with a scarf and remove shoes indicating respect for the Guru Granth Sahib prior to entering the hall. The bride enters the hall, escorted by one or more close relatives/friends. She sits down next to the groom (on his left) in silence. Throughout the ceremony, neither the groom nor bride speak.
The couple and their family and guests stand up for Ardas (prayer). After Ardas the couple sits down and the officiate explains the significance and obligations of marriage. The couple accept by bowing to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The father of the bride places one end of the groom's scarf, the pulla, passing it over the shoulder and placing it in his daughter's hand - symbolizes giving her away and the start of a new life with her husband.