A Gurdwara (Temple) is a Sikh place of worship and community gathering, meaning "Gateway to the Guru" in Punjabi. Key features include the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh holy scripture), Langar (a community kitchen offering free meals to all, regardless of background), the Prayer Hall (where Sikhs and visitors sit on the floor as a sign of humility and equality), and the Nishan Sahib (flagpole outside the Gurdwara).

The Gurdwara welcomes all visitors, regardless of faith, gender, or background. Visitors must cover their heads and remove their shoes upon entry. During prayers, everyone is expected to sit respectfully and limit cell phone usage.

Punjab is a state in India, people from here are Punjabi, and speak Punjabi. Punjab has a variety of religions including Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, etc.

Sikhs cover their heads as a symbol of their faith, to maintain spirituality, and to cover their uncut hair, which is a core part of their identity. This head covering can be a turban (paag), chunni (scarf), or ramal (bandana), depending on the occasion. When visiting a gurdwara (Sikh temple) - even if you do not follow the Sikh faith, it is required to cover your head out of respect for visiting the holy place.

For our wedding, we will be providing ramal's for our families. emerald green for Michael's family, bubble pink for Navneet's family.

Sherwani/Kurta Pajama: A traditional option often worn for the wedding or other formal events.

Suit/Dress Shirt and Pants: For a more modern or casual look.

Event-Specific Attire for Guests:

Jago: Kurta or dress shirt with pants

Wedding Day: Kurta, dress shirt with pants and/or a suit jacket

Reception: Dress shirt with pants and/or a suit jacket

Some men may opt to dress up their kurta with a vest, scarf, or fun punjabi jutti (shoes) for added style.

Women have a range of outfit options, from simple to extravagant, based on the occasion and venue. Materials like silk, velvet, and cotton are common, often featuring embroidery, sequins, beads or gemstones. For our wedding day, please wear any color of your choosing outside of red, white or black.


Traditional Suits: These typically consist of a blouse or kameez, salwar (loose pants) or churidar (fitted pants), and a chunni (scarf)
Party Styles: For events like a jago (pre-wedding party), options include lehenga or anarkali styles
Wedding Day Attire: If attending a Gurdwara (Sikh temple) for the wedding, modest clothing is required—covering the midriff and wearing full-length pants, skirts, or dresses. Skirts should be long enough to sit on the floor comfortably. Tight or revealing clothing should be avoided, and a head covering (chunni or ramal) is necessary.


There are also ways to dress up your outfits by adding jewelry, bangles, bindi and more! A lot of stores offer the whole outfit suite. Here are some places to shop online and in-person (you can always ask me too if you have questions):


Kynah (LA/Online)
Frontier Heritage (LA/Toronto/Online)
Dreams Collections (LA/Online)
Lashkaraa (Online)
Pernia’s Pop-up Shop (Online) 
Kalki Fashion (Online)
Sapphire Hut (Toronto)
Sia Importer (Toronto)
SK Orchid (Toronto)
The Saree Room (Toronto/Online)
Mani Jassal (Online/Toronto)
Toor Boutique (Milwaukee)
Trending Fashion (Milwaukee)




Sahe Chithi (Wedding Letter), is a Punjabi tradition where the bride’s family formally presents a letter to the groom’s family with key wedding details like dates, times, and family names—essentially inviting the groom to his own wedding.

While the tradition continues today, pre-printed invitations with fill-in-the-blank details have made the process easier. The bride’s immediate family still visits the groom’s home to deliver the Sahe Chithi, preserving the custom in a modern form.

The Chunni and Kurmai ceremony is the official engagement. During the Kurmai, the bride’s family gives the groom a kara (Sikh bangle), while the groom presents the bride with an engagement ring, chunni (scarf), and other gifts.

The Chunni ceremony involves placing a red chunni on the bride’s head, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings. The groom’s sisters also apply makeup and jewelry to the bride as a way to "prepare" her for the wedding.

During the wedding week, there will be a mehndi (henna) event. This can be tied into another event or be on its own day.

Wearing mehndi symbolizes beauty, good luck, and protection, with its intricate designs believed to ward off the evil eye and negative energy.

Bridal mehndi can take hours to apply, with artists also decorating the women in the family at a Mehndi Party. Brides often include the groom’s name or initials in the design as a fun game. A common belief is that the darker the stain, the deeper the couple’s love.

Sangeet, meaning “sung together,” is a musical and dance celebration held a day or two before the wedding, either separately or with both families. It features performances by guests, including giddha (folk dance), boliyan (rhythmic couplets with clapping), and bhangra (traditional dance with dhol). Songs often humorously reference in-laws, the bride leaving home, and marriage advice.

The Maiyan (or Haldi Ceremony) is a pre-wedding ritual where family and close friends apply a haldi (turmeric) paste, mixed with other ingredients, to the bride’s and groom’s skin to enhance their appearance and bring good luck. Typically held a few days before the wedding, it’s believed to bring blessings to the couple.

To start the Maiyan, the bride/groom carries a thaal (tray) with haldi paste, mustard oil, and sweet rice. They sit on a peeri (stool) under a phulkari (decorative scarf) held by family, with their feet on a futti (wooden platform) and a rangoli (colorful rice/sand pattern) in front, often reflecting their interests (sports, movies, etc.), created by the bride/groom’s sisters.

A mother or female elder applies mustard oil to the bride/groom’s head using grass strands, followed by guests taking turns applying the turmeric paste. Ladies often sing folk songs during the ceremony.

During the Haldi ceremony, a special gaana (thread bracelet) is tied on the bride/groom, while simpler gaaney (plural of gaana) are given to guests to tie on themselves. These are meant to stay on until they naturally fall off and are believed to protect against bad omens.

After the ceremony, the mother feeds meetha chawal (sweet rice) to the bride or groom, playfully interrupted by the bhabi (sister-in-law), who tries to smack her hand away. Sometimes, the bride or groom also feed meetha chawal to single guests as a good luck gesture for marriage.

The mother or father then steps over the rangoli seven times and washes it away, creating a paste used to make three handprints on a wall of the home—symbolizing blessings. This paste is thrown in an open area afterward.

The Maiyan may also be repeated during the Jago ceremony, though this is optional. At the end of the Maiyan, the phulkari is bundled and placed on the bride or groom’s head as they leave to bathe.

The Jago ceremony takes place on the eve of the wedding, announcing the upcoming celebration to the community.

The bride’s or groom’s nankai (maternal family) arrives carrying earthen pots (jagos) with candles or lights, decorated sticks with bells, pakhis (spinning hand fans), and a chaaj (beat instrument). As they sing and dance, the pots are passed around to guests. The chaaj is destroyed at the end of the entrance, and the entire family joins in the festivities.

Traditionally, men wear kurthas (tunics), while women dress in Indian suits paired with phulkari chunnis (flower-embroidered scarves) and parandas (hair ornaments) in their braids.

The traditional folk song, “Jago,” is sung during the celebration:

"Jago aayi jago aayi,

Saareyan nu jaga deyo,

Ghar ghar jaga deyo,

Aaj mere veer di jago aayi."

Translation:

"Awaken, awaken,

Wake everyone up,

Wake up every household,

Today is my brother's jago night."

A choora is a set of red and white bangles, traditionally made of ivory but now often crafted from pearl shells. Sets typically include 11, 21, 31, or 41 bangles and symbolize good luck, fertility, and prosperity.

Kaleere (singular: Kaleera) are gold or silver accessories tied onto the choora. While now decorative with intricate designs, they once served a practical purpose—holding snacks like coconut or lotus seeds to sustain the bride on her long journey to her new home, allowing her to eat without asking her in-laws.

During the choora ceremony, the bride’s mammajis and mammijis (maternal uncles and aunts) present the choora by dipping the bangles in water filled with rice, milk, and rose petals. Traditionally, the choora was chosen by elders, kept hidden, and placed on the bride with her eyes closed and covered. Today, brides often select their own choora and remain fully present during the ceremony.

In the past, brides wore the choora daily for a full year after marriage. Now, many wear it only for special occasions, choosing to wear either the full set or just a few bangles for up to a year or so.

The Biah/Viah (wedding) day begins early, with both families and the wedding party getting ready. Close family and friends gather at the bride’s and groom’s homes for photos and final preparations. Once ready, everyone departs together for the wedding venue.

The ceremony is called “Anand Karaj”.

Anand Karaj ("The Ceremony of Bliss") - This is the Sikh marriage ceremony and is one of the most spiritually significant rituals in Sikhism. This ceremony shows that marriage is not just a union between two people, but a spiritual journey towards unity with the Divine.

Lawan – These are the four hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib that form the core of the Anand Karaj ceremony. These hymns represent the spiritual stages of the couple’s marriage, guiding them towards greater unity, spirituality, and divine connection.

First Lawan: The Beginning of the Journey

Second Lawan: Deepening the Bond

Third Lawan: Spiritual Unity and Harmony

Fourth Lawan: Complete Union with God

Baraat – The groom’s wedding procession departs from home with music and dancing but arrives at the Gurdwara in silence. He may arrive on a horse or carriage, though this is optional. (The bride’s family is already at the Gurdwara).

Milni – Traditionally a first meeting between extended families, the Milni begins with the fathers exchanging floral garlands and a hug, followed by other relatives. While it once involved only men, women now participate too. The greeting is formal but often includes playful lifting as a show of joy and camaraderie.

Enter the Gurdwara for light breakfast.

Before Entering – Do not bring or consume illicit substances (alcohol, tobacco, vape, etc.).

Proper Attire and Head Covering – Dress modestly with long pants/skirts, avoiding midriffs. Your head must be covered with a chunni (scarf), ramal (bandana), or turban; hoods/caps are not permitted. The Gurdwara can provide head coverings if needed.

Shoes Off – Leave your shoes at the designated area near the entrance. Some people choose to remove their socks as well.

Appetizers – Head to the Langar hall for appetizers before the ceremony. Food is served while seated on the floor, though chairs are available for those who cannot sit. All food is free and vegetarian.

Matha Tek – After finishing, head upstairs to the prayer hall. Before sitting, Matha Tek (bow your head) by walking to the front where the Granthi (priest) is reading from the Guru Granth Sahib and touching your forehead to the ground. It’s optional to give a donation ($1-$5). Afterward, sit with your designated group (men or women).

As you enter, prayers will already be underway.

Prayer: Guests sit on the floor (chairs available if needed). Please stay quiet, minimize phone use, and do not clap during the hymns.

Groom Arrival: The groom enters with his family and sits on the men's side.

Kalgi Removal: The groom’s Kalgi is removed by his sister (or her husband if she’s married), after which he sits before the Guru Granth Sahib.

Bride Arrival: The bride enters with a relative. A Ramala is offered to the scripture, and she sits in front of it.

First Ardaas: A short opening prayer is done with just the couple, parents, and priest standing.

Pala Ceremony: The bride’s father places the Pala (scarf) linking the couple.

Lawan: The couple circles the Guru Granth Sahib four times during the hymns, each round representing a spiritual vow.

Anand Karaj: After the Lavan, the couple is officially married. A final prayer and blessings conclude the ceremony.

Closing Ardaas: Everyone stands for a final prayer, showing respect with folded hands.

Parshaad: A sweet offering is served to all. Receive it with both hands cupped. If you can’t eat it, simply fold your hands or politely decline.

Exit & Photos: The couple exits the hall and heads downstairs, where guests greet them, offer Sagan (gift money), and take photos.

Langar: A free vegetarian meal is served to all, symbolizing equality and service. Dishes may include roti (flatbread), daal (lentils), sabzi (vegetable dish), rice, kheer (rice pudding), water, and chai (tea). Eating is optional.

Stealing Groom’s Shoes: Meanwhile, the bride’s relatives may playfully try to steal the groom’s shoes (juti) while his family/friends guards them.

Photos: Afterward, the couple heads out for portraits.

Doli Games: After the couple finishes photos, they return to the bride’s home, where sometimes the groom's close family attends. The bride watches from upstairs while the groom and his groomsmen/brothers play Doli games.

Doli games are playful rituals before the bride leaves for her new life. These games add fun to the emotional farewell. The bride’s sisters and female relatives often heckle the groom at the door.

Returning the Groom’s Shoes: The groom’s side must pay a ransom or perform tasks to get them back during the doli games.

Fun Challenges: The bride's family challenges the groom with riddles or small dares, adding a cost for wrong answers.

Ribbon Cutting: A symbolic ribbon is cut to mark the bride's transition, and the groom must pay for the scissors.

These playful traditions lighten the mood before the bride's departure.

After the Doli games, the groom enters the bride’s home, where she greets him and his family, marking the start of her new journey. Some brides take part in the kaleera tradition, where she shakes her kaleere over her unmarried friends; if a piece falls, she’s believed to be the next to marry.

The bride and groom then sit as the bride’s family offers sagan (blessings and gifts) and shares emotional farewells. As the bride leaves her childhood home, she tosses rice or puffed grains over her shoulder to symbolize gratitude. Vidai (farewell) songs are sung, marking her transition to her new life.

Her luggage is sent with her, and traditionally, one of her brothers accompanies her to the groom’s home, symbolizing his protection as she joins her new family.

After the bride arrives at the groom’s home, a few traditional games are played to welcome the couple:

The groom’s sister ties several knots in a string, and the couple must untie them using only one hand each. The faster they succeed, the smoother their married life is believed to be.

The couple places their rings in a bowl of opaque milk. As the bowl is swirled, they must retrieve the rings by hand. Tradition says whoever finds theirs first will "rule" the household.

The groom's name is hidden in the bride’s intricate bridal Mehndi. A fun tradition where he’s challenged to find it—sometimes with a little help, sometimes not!

The younger brother/cousin of the groom sits in the bride's lap until the groom gives him money or gift. There’s also an old wives tale that if the kid stays put without fussing, the bride will have sons.