The Sikh matrimonial
alliance is known as ‘Anand Karaj’, which literally
translates into “Blissful Reunion”. The Sikh matrimonial
ceremony is a very special ceremony in which two individuals are
joined in an equal partnership. Like in all Indian matrimonials,
this is a very joyous and festive event.
Sikh matrimonial alliances are usually arranged with families
acting as little more than introduction services. The ultimate
choice or decision is always left to the girl and boy. In some
cases the boy and girl choose each other first and then seek their
parents consent and blessing.
The alliance in the Sikh community weddings, begin with the ’Engagement’
where the bride’s father takes the initiative to arrange
the ceremonial commitments. This is normally done through a mediator.
The Sikh engagement involves a bhaiji or a preacher from the gurudwara
applying tilak on the groom-to-be and offers him coconut, chhuhare
(dry dates), sugar and money. Following the tilak ceremony, the
groom's father sends gifts of sugar, coconut, rice, clothes, ornaments
and henna to the bride. This pre - matrimonial ceremony, is followed
by ‘Ardas’ (the common Sikh prayer), ‘Kirtan’
(hymns from Sri Guru Granth Sahib) and ‘Langar’ (common
meal); if performed in the Gurdwara.
It is important to note that the ‘Reht Maryada’ is
the Official Sikh Code of Conduct and rules the Sikh matrimonial
alliances. This specifies that no thought should be given to the
caste, race or lineage. As long as both the boy and girl affirm
to the Sikh faith, they may be joined in wedlock. It is important
to note that in the Sikh community, ‘Reht Maryada’
strictly does not permit any sort of dowry arrangement. Superstitions
in reference to mahurat for the exact matrimonial time and date
and horoscope matching are also discouraged.
A few days prior to the actual matrimonial ritual the boy and
girl are held in confinement and not allowed to leave their respective
houses. In the Sikh culture, this pre - matrimonial custom is
known as the ‘Maiya’. The pre - nuptial rituals of
the Sikh also involve the tying of a red sacred thread on the
right wrist of the boy and on the left wrist of the girl. Gana,
which is made up of auspicious items like cowrie shells, an iron
key chain, pearls and a small silken bundle containing sugar,
is adorned by the bride.
The pre - matrimonial alliance rituals continue with the ‘Vatna’.
During this ceremony a scented powder mixed up of barley flour,
turmeric and mustard oil is applied to the bodies of the bride
and the groom-to-be. This is followed by a bath. However for the
bride, like in all Indian Matrimonials, it is now time to adorn
her hands with mehendi.
On the morning of the wedding, the ‘Gharoli’ ceremony
takes place at the house of the groom. The groom’s sister-in-law
and other female relatives go to fill an earthen pot with water
from a well or the Sikh gurudwara. This water is then used to
bathe the groom. In the Sikh community this is known as ‘Khare
Charna’.
