Maiyan is a traditional Punjabi pre-wedding ceremony.

Among many more traditions, families will apply a haldi (turmeric) paste on the bride and groom, meant to cleanse the skin in order to elicit a glow prior to the wedding.

Typically around this time, the bride has her mehndi applied to adorn her hands and feet.

There will also be Rangoli making, which is a colorful design made on the ground from powder or rice.

There will be lunch!

The Sangeet, is the last party before the wedding.

During the Sangeet, the women will be singing traditional Punjabi songs.

Neetan will have her Choora (bangles) put on her arms by her uncles.

There will be henna artists for whoever wants their mehndi done!

There will be food and drinks!

And then there will be a jaggo (lots of dancing!)

Wear bright colors!

The Anand Karaj is the sacred Sikh wedding ceremony that symbolizes the spiritual union of two souls. The ceremony takes place in a Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture).

The event will begin with the Baraat, when the groom will arrive to the Gurdwara with his family, where the bride’s family will be awaiting to welcome them.

Then comes the Milni or the introduction of families, where Neetan and Michael’s family members will take turns exchanging haar (garland necklace).

After this, there will be a light breakfast followed by the wedding ceremony.

Before entering the room of the Guru Granth Sahib, everyone must remove their shoes and cover their heads either with their dupattas (scarves) or patkas (bandanas).

The ceremony begins with an Ardas, a prayer seeking blessings for the couple’s new journey.

The core of the Anand Karaj is the recitation of the Laavan, four hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib. Each hymn represents a stage of the couple’s spiritual journey:

First Lavan: Duty and harmony in married life.

Second Lavan: Love and connection with each other and God.

Third Lavan: Overcoming challenges together.

Fourth Lavan: Union with the Divine and eternal bliss.

As the hymns are sung, the couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahib in a clockwise direction, symbolizing their commitment to each other and their shared spiritual path.

After the Anand Karaj, there will be langar (a vegetarian meal served to all visitors, regardless of their religion, caste, gender, or social status, at a Sikh Gurdwara).

Join us as we continue the celebration with an evening of joy, love, and unforgettable moments!

Get ready for an evening filled with delicious food, lively music, and plenty of dancing. Whether you’re hitting the dance floor to the beats of Bollywood and Bhangra or swaying to classic Western tunes, we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

This is a time for us to come together, share our happiness, and create memories that will last a lifetime. We’re so grateful to have you there as we kick off this new chapter in our lives.