In Sikh weddings, there are several ceremonies and rituals that typically take place in the days leading up to the actual wedding day. These pre-wedding ceremonies hold cultural and spiritual significance for the families involved. Here are some of the common pre-wedding ceremonies in Sikh weddings:

Engagement: The engagement ceremony marks the formal announcement of the wedding and the acceptance of the relationship by both families. It usually takes place at the bride's or groom's home and involves the exchange of gifts, blessings, and sweets.

Maiyaan/Maiyan: This is a cleansing ceremony where the bride and groom are traditionally bathed with a paste made from turmeric, gram flour, and mustard oil. It is believed to purify and beautify the couple before the wedding.

Chunni Ceremony: In this ceremony, the groom's family presents the bride with a set of clothes, usually including a Chunni (scarf) and other gifts. The Chunni is placed over the bride's head, symbolizing her acceptance into the groom's family.

Sangeet: The Sangeet ceremony is a joyful pre-wedding celebration filled with music and dance. Family members and friends gather to sing traditional folk songs and dance performances are held to celebrate the upcoming union.

Mehendi: The Mehendi ceremony involves the application of henna designs on the bride's hands and feet. It is a fun and colorful event where the bride, along with her female relatives and friends, gets her hands decorated with intricate henna patterns.

Jaago: The Jaago ceremony is a lively pre-wedding ritual where a decorated pot (Jaago) with a lighted diya (lamp) on top is carried by relatives and friends while singing and dancing. It symbolizes the announcement of the wedding and spreads joy and excitement in the community.

Akhand Paath: As mentioned earlier, the Akhand Paath is the continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, which typically begins a few days before the wedding day. Family members and friends take turns reading the sacred scripture in the Gurdwara.

These pre-wedding ceremonies serve to build excitement, foster community bonds, and spiritually prepare the couple for their union in the Anand Karaj ceremony on the wedding day.

Sikh weddings, known as Anand Karaj, are beautiful ceremonies that reflect the values of Sikhism. Here's a summary of Sikh traditions that happen on the day-of the wedding :

Milni: This is the formal meeting of the two families. The respective male members meet and exchange greetings and garlands.

Akhand Paath: Prior to the wedding, a continuous reading of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, known as Akhand Paath, is held in the Gurdwara (Sikh temple). This is usually completed over several days.

Ardaas: On the wedding day, the ceremony begins with Ardaas, a Sikh prayer, seeking the blessings of Waheguru (God).

Kirtan: Traditional Sikh hymns (Shabads) are sung by musicians or members of the congregation during the ceremony.

Laavan: The main wedding ceremony involves the couple walking around the Guru Granth Sahib four times, called the Laavan. As they circle the holy scripture, the verses of the Laavan are sung, symbolizing the journey of marriage as a union under the guidance of the Guru.

Anand Karaj: The literal meaning of Anand Karaj is "blissful union". It is the name given to the Sikh marriage ceremony, emphasizing the spiritual and joyful aspect of marriage.

Exchange of Vows: During the Laavan, the couple recites vows, committing to living their lives together in accordance with Sikh principles.

Amrit Sanchar: In some Sikh weddings, particularly among devout Sikhs, the couple may choose to undergo Amrit Sanchar, the Sikh initiation ceremony, together before the wedding.

Langar: After the ceremony, a community meal called Langar is served to all attendees, symbolizing equality and community.

Anand Sahib: The ceremony concludes with the singing of Anand Sahib, a hymn of bliss and happiness from the Guru Granth Sahib.

These traditions embody the Sikh principles of equality, service, and devotion to God, making Sikh weddings both spiritually meaningful and culturally rich celebrations.