Before the Anand Kaaraj Ceremony
A practical guide to arriving, dressing and participating respectfully in the Anand Kaaraj ceremony at the Gurdwara. Please share this page with family members, guests, photographers and transportation providers before the wedding day.
These practices are acts of respect for the Gurdwara and Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. They do not represent religious conversion, and all guests are warmly welcome.
What to Expect Before Entering
Please allow enough time to complete these steps calmly before moving into the Darbar Sahib for the ceremony.
Dress Appropriately
Wear modest clothing suitable for sitting respectfully inside the Gurdwara.
Remove Shoes
Remove footwear before entering. Entering the Diwan Hall barefoot is encouraged.
Wash Hands
Use the hand-washing area before proceeding further into the Gurdwara.
Cover Your Head
A chunni, dupatta, rumaal or other scarf is appropriate. Coverings are available in the Joraghar.
Matha Tek
Bow before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering the Darbar Sahib.
Sit Respectfully
If able-bodied, sit cross-legged and do not point your legs or feet toward Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Accessible Seating
Stools are available along the walls for anyone who is unable to sit on the floor.
Everyone Is Welcome
These actions show respect for the sacred space and are not acts of religious conversion.
Modest, Colourful and Comfortable
Vibrant colours are traditionally encouraged at weddings as a celebration of joy. Families may also choose a coordinated colour scheme for their guests.
Dress Code
Traditionally, guests wear modest, colourful clothing at weddings. When choosing an outfit, please make sure it is suitable for the sanctity of the Gurdwara and comfortable for sitting on the floor.
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Avoid gym-style clothing, including:
- Leggings worn as the main lower garment
- Tank tops or sleeveless gym tops
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Avoid revealing clothing, including:
- Low-cut tops
- Shorts
- Skirts must be ankle length.
- Women may consider a Salwaar Kameez.
- Men may consider a Kurta Pajama.
- Bring a suitable head covering or use one provided in the Joraghar.
Reverence, Seating and Participation
The Darbar Sahib is a sacred space. All guests are expected to follow the same respectful protocol while inside.
Bowing Before the Guru
Upon entering the Darbar Sahib, every individual — including the couple, their families and all guests — must perform Matha Tekna: kneeling and bowing the forehead to the ground before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a mark of reverence and submission to the Guru’s authority.
Where and How the Sangat Sits
The Sangat, or congregation, sits on the floor in the Darbar Sahib.
- Men traditionally sit on one side and women on the other, although practices may vary by Gurdwara.
- Chairs or stools may be available for elderly guests or anyone physically unable to sit on the floor.
- No one should sit with their feet pointing toward Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
- If able-bodied, sit cross-legged and remain settled during the ceremony.
Behaviour During Kirtan and Ardaas
Guests who are unfamiliar with Sikh worship should be briefed by the couple’s family before the wedding day.
Respectful silence is expected during Kirtan, or devotional singing, and Ardaas, the congregational prayer.
The Sangat stands together during Ardaas. Guests should follow the guidance of the congregation and sevadars.
Talking, mobile-phone use and unnecessary movement around the hall should be kept to a minimum.
Once the Anand Kaaraj ceremony is complete, please keep socialising in the Darbar Sahib to a minimum and move outside so the Sangat is not disturbed.
Capture the Ceremony Without Interrupting It
Photography and videography are permitted at the discretion of the Gurdwara. The following rules apply without exception.
Remain Unobtrusive
Photographers must not obstruct the view of the Sangat or the Granthi Sahib.
No Drones Without Approval
Drones are not permitted inside or directly outside the Gurdwara without prior written approval.
Follow Full Protocol
All photographers and videographers must cover their heads and observe full Darbar Sahib protocol.
Do Not Interrupt Proceedings
The Granthi Sahib’s proceedings must never be interrupted or repeated for photographs.
Substance-Free Gurdwara Property
When coming to the Gurdwara Sahib, please ensure that you are not under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. Prohibited items must not be brought anywhere onto Gurdwara property.
If arriving by party bus, the couple and organisers must ensure the vehicle is free of all prohibited substances before it enters or parks on Gurdwara property.