BARAAT
The groom and his family and friends parade to the wedding venue with dancing, dhol music (drumming), and other traditional instruments.
MILNI
The bride's family waits at the venue to greet the baraat. When they arrive, family members meet, exchange garlands, and embrace.
TEA + SNACKS
Will be served at the venue. After everyone's eaten, you can make your way to the wedding ceremony setup. Before arriving, please make sure your head is covered and you take your shoes off.
KIRTAN
The Kirtania jatha (religious singers) will be singing shabads (hymns). The sacred book, the Guru Granth Sahib will be attended by a Sewadar (volunteer Sikh). and the groom and then bride will walk in with their families and sit in front of it.
ARDAAS
The first prayer
The bride and groom and their close families will stand for the first prayer, which will be read out by the Giani (officiator). This seeks the blessing of the Waheguru for the marriage.
PALLA
Giving away the bride
The bride's parents formally hand the end of the groom's sash to the bride. At the same time the shabad 'Palla tanda lagee' is sung by the Kirtania jatha.
LAAVA
Circling the Guru Granth Sahib
The couple circles the Guru Granth Sahib four times after the Giani reads four Laavas (verses). These represent vows they make to each other. The first five verses of the Anand Sahib are sung, which express God's joy in the union.
ARDAAS
A final prayer
There is another Ardaas, and this time everyone is asked to stand and join in. A vakk (verse) is chosen at random and received for the benefit of everyone present at the wedding.
KARA PARSHAD
Sweet pudding is served. This is the end of the formal part of the Sikh ceremony. This will be followed by lunch at the venue.