Anand Karaj
Anand Karaj is the prescribed form of Sikh marriage. Literally, these words mean the Act of Bliss. This has a very deep spiritual meaning, Guru Amar Das Ji tells us:
“They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together.
Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies.”
Please contact any member of the Stage Management Group for availability of dates for Anand Karaj at the Gurdwara Sahib.
The Gurdwara Sahib has certain rules and regulations as part of Sikh Maryada which are very important to consider while making arrangements for the Anand Karaj.
These Maryada oriented rules are as mentioned below:
1. Dancing and beating of Dhol is not allowed within the Gurdwara premises.
2. There is no restriction in mounting a Ghori in the Gurdwara parking lot area.
3. The Library room can be used by the Bride for waiting purposes.
4. Sehra and Kalgi should be removed from the Groom before entering the Diwan hall.
5. The Bride and Groom are expected to sit on the carpet of the Diwan Hall as everyone else and the use of a cushioned mat or a Gaddi is restricted.
6. During the Lawan ceremony there should be no one accompanying the Bride and Groom.
7. Flowers should not be showered on the Bride and Groom but can be offered to Guru Sahib.
8. No one is allowed to sit higher than the Guru Sahib in the Diwan Hall. Therefore people with a physical handicap can take advantage of the seating offered at the back rooms of the Diwan Hall.
9. No one is allowed to come into the Gurdwara premises intoxicated or while under the influence of any substance.
10. Food in the Langar Hall can only be consumed by following the principles of Pangat which implies sitting together on the ground in a row to consume food from a common kitchen regardless of caste, creed, sex, age or social status.
11. Reciting of any poetry like singing Sehra or other similar songs are prohibited in the Diwan Hall.
12. Anand Karaj, Lawan, Kirtan and Ardas will be conducted by the Ragi Jatha of the Gurdwara Sahib.
Please fill out the following forms prior to meeting the Gurdwara Sevadars in the Stage Management Group for finalizing the date and time. Without these signed forms the date and time may not be finalized.
1. Anand Karaj Maryada Consent Form based on the rules outlined above.
2. Anand Karaj Form detailing the Bride and Groom information.
Financial contribution requirements for Anand Karaj ceremony at the Gurdwara Sahib:
1. The financial contribution to the Gurdwara Sahib is a minimum of $1100. Please make sure you obtain the receipt for this contribution from the Cashier.
2. Contribution to the Gurdwara Kirtan Jatha is a minimum of $121. This contribution can be given directly to the Jatha.
Additional Note:
- The Gurdwara Sahib is the result of Kar Sewa performed by the Sangat and the financial records of the Gurdwara Sahib are available in the Gurdwara Sahib Hallway for everyone to review. The average daily expenditure of the Gurdwara Sahib is around $750 and therefore the true contribution to the Gurdwara Sahib is only $350. The majority of this contribution will be spent on the Gurdwara building mortgage which we hope to pay off by 2018. The amount of $1100 will be reviewed there after.
- For families under going true financial hardship or orphaned bride girls the Gurdwara Sahib may be able to assist with this financial contribution. Please contact the Gurdwara Sevadars for further details.