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Sikh Wedding in Exeter

A Sikh couple celebrates blissful union.

Current affairs 1971 1 mins Silent

From the collection of:

Logo for South West Film and Television Archive

Overview

Anand Karaj meaning Blissful Event is the name given to the Sikh wedding ceremony. The groom in ceremonial costume arrives on horseback carrying a kirpan or sword accompanied by baraatis or members of the groom’s family. The procession may be preceded by a milni where both families meet and gifts and sweets are exchanged. This wedding takes place in the Gurdwara or Sikh Temple in Exeter in the holy presence of the Sikh scriptures of Guru Granth Sahib.

Sikh hymns known as Shabads are sung and the couple sit side by side. They seek the blessing of the Wondrous Giver of Knowledge Waheguru for the Anand marriage. The officiator reads the four lavan or stanzas and the groom leads the bride around the Guru Granth Sahib. Living as a householder is respected in Guru Nanak’s society and men and women's equality is enshrined in the teachings of the scriptures of Guru Granth Sahib.