Learn · Sikhi

Anand Karaj — the Sikh wedding ceremony

Anand Karaj — “ceremony of bliss” — is the Sikh wedding rite, performed in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The four Lavaan (Laav) of Guru Ram Das Ji are its centre.

This is an informational page. Gurdwaras.com does not sell Anand Karaj, does not rate granthis or venues, and does not operate a matrimonial product. Civil registration is a matter for the couple’s jurisdiction.

← All lessons

Ceremony steps

  1. Step 1

    Arrival in the darbar

    Guests cover their heads, remove shoes, and sit in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The couple sits before the Guru. This is a religious ceremony, not a civil registrar’s office.

  2. Step 2

    Ardas and the start of Anand Karaj

    A short ardas marks the beginning. The granthi explains that the marriage is solemnized through the four Lavaan composed by Guru Ram Das Ji.

  3. Step 3

    The four Lavaan (Laav)

    Each Laav is a shabad in Raag Suhi (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, beginning at ang 773). The granthi reads the verse; ragis sing it; the couple walks around Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The four hymns describe a spiritual union, not a contract checklist.

  4. Step 4

    Anand Sahib, ardas, Hukamnama

    The ceremony typically closes with Anand Sahib, ardas, and a Hukamnama. Kara parshad is offered. Cultural events (milni, reception, sangeet) are family customs and are not the Anand Karaj itself.

Clothing, decor, and introductions

Suits, turbans, and wedding decor are marketplace listings when a vendor has published them. For Sikh introductions, use sikhcenter.com— a sibling site. This host does not run matrimonials.

Booking a hall or a granthi is arranged with the gurdwara. The retired /bookings/anand-karaj payment path is not a live product.

Sikh marriage questions

›What are Sikh marriage rules?
The Sikh Rehat Maryada describes Anand Karaj as the Sikh wedding rite, performed in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It speaks of a Sikh marrying without regard to caste. Individual gurdwaras set additional house rules (documents, dates, photography). This page is a description of the ceremony, not a substitute for a specific gurdwara’s maryada or for civil law.
›Can a Sikh marry a non-Sikh?
Civil marriage is a question for the couple’s country or province — many Sikhs marry non-Sikhs in a civil ceremony. Anand Karaj as described in the Rehat Maryada is a Sikh religious rite; many gurdwaras will only perform it when both partners identify as Sikh. Some committees make exceptions; some do not. Ask the gurdwara you hope to book. Gurdwaras.com does not decide that policy and does not sell Anand Karaj.
›What is the Sikh Marriage Act?
In India, the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 (later amended, including in 2012 for registration) gives legal recognition to Anand Karaj. Other countries treat Anand Karaj as a religious ceremony and require a separate civil registration unless the building is licensed for legal marriage. This is not legal advice — check the law where you live.
›What are the Lavaan or Laav?
The Lavaan are four hymns by Guru Ram Das Ji in Raag Suhi. They are the core of Anand Karaj. You can read them in Gurmukhi, Roman, and English on this site starting at ang 773 of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
›Does Gurdwaras.com book Anand Karaj or run matrimonials?
No. Anand Karaj is not a paid prayer on this site. For introductions, see the sibling site sikhcenter.com. Wedding clothing and decor vendors appear in the marketplace when they have listed themselves.