Wedding Procedure

ANAND KARAJ 

BOOKING PROCESS AND TERMS & CONDITIONS

ANAND KARAJ & CIVIL REGISTRATION BOOKING PROCESS

  1. Book your Anand Karaj at the main office with marriage registrar.
  2. If you have not already done so, make an appointment with your local council and give your  'notice  of  intent'  for  marriage.  This  takes  29  days  to  be  processed  after  both parties have given notice.
  3. Once you have given notice, please advise the marriage registrar.
  4. The Anand Karaj team will be in touch 3-4 months before the wedding and invite you to a  session  at  the  Gurdwara  Sahib  to  finalise  the  finer  details  and  will  discuss/arrange everything for the day, including, but not limited to:
  • Timing and Assurance of Responsibilities.
  • All Food & Decor Requirements.
  • Arrangement of Milnis & Karmai.
  • Arrangement of Paathis, Granthis & Sewadars.
  • Photography & Videography Conditions.
  • Anand Karaj Course

CIVIL WEDDINGS & GIVING NOTICE

If you require any guidance, the Anand Karaj Sewadars are available

To assist families and reduce the stress that comes with managing a wedding. The process and responsibilities are outlined below.

We are also licensed  to  undertake  Civil  Weddings. The  steps  required  to  have  your  civil  wedding  and Anand Karaj conducted at the Gurdwara are set out below.

You must decide where to have your marriage before ‘giving notice’. To give notice, you will sign  a  legal  statement  at  your  local  register  office  saying  that  you  intend  to  get  married. This  must  include  details  of  the  final  venue  for  your  ceremony.  You  must  hold  your ceremony within 12 months of ‘giving notice’.

CIVIL WEDDING AT GURDWARA

  1. Book your date for the Anand Karaj
  2. Book your 'Notice of Intent' appointment for Marriage at your local council. Please note this can take up to four weeks or more.
  3. Attend your appointment at the local council office and be sure to take two forms of identification with you (one with  a  picture  and  one  with  your  address).  The  Register  Office  may  also  request  your birth certificate in certain circumstances.
  4. Our official name is "Ramgarhia Board Leeds (Gurdwara)".
  5. Once  you  have  'given  notice'  the  law  states  that  29  days  must  lapse  before acknowledgment  is  provided  for  the  wedding  to  proceed.  Some  Councils  /  Boroughs take an additional 15 days processing time.
  6. Check with Gurdwara main office 2 weeks before the Anand Karaj day to ensure we have the required documents to proceed.

CIVIL WEDDING AT YOUR VENUE

Follow steps above, but in addition please bring your Marriage Schedule given to you by the Local Council Registrar’s office to Gurdwara office as soon as you receive it.

This  must  include  venue  details,  registrar  details  and  confirmed  date  & time of marriage.

Note:  Civil Wedding and Anand Karaj cannot proceed without Marriage Schedule.

ANAND KARAJ -  ORDER OF CEREMONIES

  • ARRIVAL OF BRIDE
  • ARRIVAL OF GROOM
  • ARDAAS & MILNI
  • MORNING TEA (Optional)
  • CIVIL WEDDING (Office Room - Optional)

In Darbar Sahib

  • REMOVAL OF KALGI  
  • KARMAI (Optional)
  • PALLA DE RASAM
  • ANAND KARAJ
  • ARDAAS & HUKAMNAMA
  • SAGAN
  • RECEPTION (Optional - Sports Centre)

ANAND KARAJ TERMS & CONDITIONS

The  terms  and  conditions  described  in  this  document  affect  all  couples  and  families planning to hold their Anand Karaj and Civil Wedding at the Gurdwara until further notice.

The utmost priority is to ensure and maintain respect to Siri Guru Granth Sahib Ji & Gurdwara. Also, to ensure safety of all Sangat, Sewadars, Visitors, Suppliers, Staff, or anyone attending the Gurdwara.

Some of the requirements listed below also ensure all align with our Sikhi Rehat Maryada.

BOOKING YOUR ANAND KARAJ

  1. Deposits  must  be  paid  at  the  time  of  booking if possible,  and  we  cannot  provide  confirmation  of booking until a deposit has been paid.
  2. All payments/donations must be made in full, no later than 7 days prior to the Anand Karaj or the Gurdwara reserve the right to cancel or, amend the booking as appropriate and without notice.

ARRIVAL OF BHARAAT & GUESTS

  1. Wedding cars must be parked in the Gurdwara Car Parks and not left in in front of the Gurdwara Sahib. The allocated wedding cars can drop people off at the front as needed.
  2. All  wedding  Sangat  /  guests  must  enter  via  the  main  gates  and  not  the  side  road.
  3. NO  SINGING,  NO  DANCING,  NO  LOUD  MUSIC  is  permitted  when  arriving  or  during  your time at Gurdwara.
  4. The playing of Dhols is prohibited at all times, in the Gurdwara carpark.
  5. Please park in the allotted places and do not Block cars by parking in prohibited places.
  6. No oil rituals allowed at any time.
  7. Jai Mala, Chunni Ceremony, Sindoor and bride arriving whilst brothers cover her with a Chunni or similar garment is also prohibited.

MILNI CEREMONY

  1. Milni  must  take  place  outside Gurdwara  front  entrance,  weather permitting. Ifitisraining,then the Milni can take place in the foyer or another area decided by the Sewadars on the day.
  2. Both  Men  &  Women  must  do  their  Milni’s  at  the  allocated  time.
  3. During the Milni, there will be NO lifting of individuals.

MORNING TEA (Optional)

  1. Only food provided/supplied by Gurdwara or agreed supplier can be consumed on the premises.

CIVIL WEDDING (optional)

  1. Only 6 people allowed to attend the civil ceremony, which takes place in the main Office, performed by an assigned Registrar of Marriage.
  2. Please  advise  your  respected  guests  who  should  be  attending  the  Civil  Wedding beforehand, so that they know where to go.

REMOVAL OF KALGI

  1. Traditionally  the  sisters  remove  the  Kalgi  and  this  can  be  done  in  the  Diwan Hall's.

KARMAI CEREMONY

  1. During the Karmai Ceremony only a limited number of people may approach the groom;
  2. any sweet offerings such as ‘Shuwara’ (dried date) can be consumed by the groom, and preferably this should have the ‘stone’ removed prior to the ceremony.
  3. If dried fruit, fresh fruit, sweets, or gifts, are brought for the Karmai Ceremony, this MUST be wrapped (i.e. in cellophane) and once the ceremony is completed, the items must be removed from the diwan hall and placed in individual cars immediately.

PALLA DE RASAM

  1. During  the  Pala  ceremony,  up  to  two  people  may  approach  the  Bride  &  Groom,  unless assistance  is  required. Pala  MUST  remain  a  traditional  'saropa'  style  and  alternatives.

ANAND KARAJ

  1. The Bride & Groom MUST bow their head and commence walking clockwise around the Palki Sahib, when instructed by the Giani Sahib.
  2. After every Laavan, you must bow your head and sit down again when instructed.
  3. The Bride may have brothers present during the Laavan, who stand around the Palki Sahib.
  4. Both  Bride  &  Groom  can  have  supporting  family  members  to  have  them  assist  whilst sitting and standing up.
  5. At NO point must the Groom lay his Kirpan on the floor, which must be held in his hands or  on  his  lap  at  all  times.  If  you  wish  to  place  the  Kirpan  down,  please  place  on  the Golak.
  6. No clapping, cheering, congratulating must happen after the fourth Laavan.

ARDAAS & HUKUMNAMA

  1. During the Ardaas & Hukumnama, all attendees must remain silent and refrain from any movements, talking or unnecessary activities.

SAGAN

  1. After  the  Hukumnama,  the  Stage  Secretary  will  congratulate  the  family  and  advise  of next steps .
  2. Firstly,  the  parents  will  be  invited  to  give  Sagan  to  the  newlyweds  followed by the remaining congregation. Sometimes remaining congregation may be requested to give Sagan at the  reception hall.
  3. Whilst waiting for Sagan, you MUST always remain peaceful and respectful.
  4. Not turning your back to Maharaji or using any part of the Diwan Hall as Photo Props.
  5. After you have given your Sagan, please make your way to your Reception Venue.

PHOTOGRPAHY

  1. You MUST adhere to the videography and photography code of conduct, or this will be halted with the named individuals being removed from premises.
  2. No  kissing,  inappropriate  hugging,  twirling,  dancing,  intimate  pictures  allowed  on  any part  of  the  Gurdwara  Sahib,  including  outside  &  car  parks.  Please  behave  as  you normally would when visiting the Gurdwara.

DOLI

  1. The Doli ceremony can be conducted in your Langar hall if required.

Anand Karaj & Mixed Marriages according to the Sikh  Rehat  Maryada
 

  1. The  Sikh  Rehat  Maryada  Article  XVIII  clause  k  states  that  “ਅਨਮਤ ਵਾਿਲਆਂ ਦਾ ਿਵਆਹ ਆਨੰ ਦ ਰੀਤੀ ਨਾਲ ਨਹ ਹੋ ਸਕਦਾ ” meaning persons professing faiths other than the Sikh  faith cannot be joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony.
  • ​Also  at  XVIII  clause  b,  “ਲਿਸੱ ਖ ਦੀ ਿਪੱ ਤਰੀ ਦਾ ਲਵਆਹ ਲਿਸੱ ਖ ਿਨਾ ਹੀ ਹੋਵੇ   |”  meaning  a  Sikh’s daughter  must  be  married  to  a  Sikh.  In  the  Sikh  spirit  of  gender  equality,  it  is  implied that a Sikh’s son must also be married to a Sikh.
  1. On  16  August  2007  Sri  Akal  Takhat  Sahib  issued  a  Sandesh  clarifying  that  the  Anand Karaj ceremony can only be conducted for Sikhs and that any person of non-Sikh origin wishing to take part in an Anand Karaj must adopt the Sikh faith and have Singh or Kaur added to his or her name on relevant identity documents.
  2. Any  person  wishing  to  exercise  the  choice  to  marry  at  Gurdwara Sahib  through  the  Anand  Karaj  ceremony  must  sign  a  declaration  (provided  by  the Anand Karaj Team separately ) that confirms:
  • He or she is a Sikh, believes in the tenets of the Sikh faith and owes no allegiance to another faith.
  • He or she will adopt Singh (for males) or Kaur (for females) in his or her name as his or her middle name or surname.
  • The Anand Karaj ceremony will be the only religious ceremony that the person will take part in for the purposes of marriage.
  • He or she will endeavour to bring up any children from his or her marriage as Sikhs, to give them the middle name or surname Singh (for male) or Kaur (for female), to teach them Punjabi and the tenets of the Sikh faith

IMPORTANT NOTE

IF THE COUPLE OR/AND FAMILY FAIL TO FOLLOW THE TERMS & CONDITIONS OUTLINED ABOVE, THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THE ANAND KARAJ AND CIVIL  EGISTRATION, UP TO AND INCLUDING ON THE DAY OF THE ANAND KARAJ.

APPROPRIATE DRESSWARE

  1. The following notice applies to the marriage couple and all guests
  2. The bride must make sure the outfit meets the following as a minimum
  • The outfit must have atleast half sleeved top (Sleeveless is not permitted)
  • The midriff must not be baring skin and totally covered.
  • The outfit must have a high neckline.
  • The outfit must be manageable by the bride herself (i.e. heavy embroidery, can-can style,  etc  requires  continuous  assistance  from  family  when  paying  respects  and manoeuvring around the Gurdwara Sahib.
  • We recommend a single piece suit is worn.
  1. The groom must ensure a Dastaar is worn.
  2. The  Dastaar  must  not  have  excess  material  hanging  from  the  back,  front  or  top  (i.e. Rajasthani Style)
  3. Shorts are not permitted (unless its part of Sikhi Religious attire)

VISITORS GUIDE

All visitors are welcome to the Gurdwara, from any religion, race, ethnicity and gender, and everyone must observe the following, based on the Sikh Rehat Maryada (Code of Conduct):

Before entering the Gurdwara

You  must  not  bring  any  alcohol,  tobacco,  vaping  products,  or  any  drugs  (controlled substances) to the gurdwara premises, including the car parks. You must also not be intoxicated or under the influence of any of these.

Cars must be parked within the designated spaces and not on yellow lines. If you are coming by coach, there are dedicated bays on the right past the main gates, before you reach the main building.

Please do not park in the disabled bays unless you have a Blue Badge.

You should cover your head with a scarf, cloth or bandana upon entering the Gurdwara. If you do not have one, clean scarves are kept in baskets near the entrance. After use, they must be placed back in the basket.

Hats and caps are not allowed.

You should remove your shoes and place them in the racks on the Ground floor near the entrance and wash your hands before going to the prayer hall.

In the Diwan Halls

When  you  enter  the  Diwan  (prayer  hall),  it  is  customary  to  acknowledge  the  Sri  Guru Granth Sahib Ji (Sikh scriptures). Most do this by walking to the front and bowing before the Palki upon which Sri Guru Granth Sahib is enthroned. If you do not feel comfortable bowing, we ask you to respectfully walk to where you will sit and face the Palki.

You must not sit with your feet pointing towards the Sri Guru Granth Sahib or sit or stand with your back towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Do not walk up onto the podium or stage inside the prayer hall.

If you bring a Ramaala Sahib, this must always be treated with respect, and NOT placed on the floor or handled with unwashed hands.

When paying your respects in the Diwan Hall, you must not approach the Giani, Granthi or Jatha. You may place money offering to the Jatha at arm’s length in the tray at the front of the stage. Please refrain from talking whilst prayers are taking place in the Diwan Halls.

During the Ardaas and reading of the Vaak, you must remain still and refrain from moving around. Everyone will stand for the Ardaas, and sit for reading of the Vaak

General

  • The Sangat must follow any instructions provided to them by sewadars and the management team. You must always remain respectful to Sewadars.
  • You may take pictures of yourself or your fellow visitors, which must be of a respectful nature, reflecting that you are attending a place of worship. Pre- and Post-wedding photo shoots are not permitted at the Gurdwara.

Please speak to any of the Sewadars (Volunteers) if you require information or assistance during your visit to the Gurdwara

THREE PRINCIPLES OF SIKHI

KIRAT KARNI

NAAM JAPO

WAND KAY SHAKO

To work and earn by the sweat of the brow in an honest way, to live a family way of life, and practice truthfulness and honesty in all dealings is what Kirat Karni stands for.

 

Naam Japo – is the remembrance of God by repeating and focussing the mind on His name or identity. A Sikh should engage in Naam Simran as art of everyday routine.

 

The term “Wand kay Shako” means to hare one’s wealth with others in the community, to give to charity, to distribute in Langar (free Kitchen)  and to  generally help others in the  community who need help.

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHY CODE OF CONDUCT

All photographers and videographers at the Gurdwara MUST adhere to  the  following  terms.  If  you  fail  to  comply,  you  will  be  asked  and  escorted  to  leave  the Gurdwara premises.

 

  1. The  Gurdwara  is  first  and  foremost  a  place  of  worship.  Photographers  and Videographers should not take pictures and videos of poses and actions that represent inappropriate behaviour in a Gurdwara.
  2. Bride  and  Groom  photos  and  video  shots  should  be  "decent"  and  not  intimate,  inside and outside the Gurdwara.
  3. Any shots such as where the bride is twirling round or gives the appearance of dancing are not permitted. If in doubt, please speak to the management team in the main office.
  4. Any  equipment  with  wheels  must  be  wiped  down  prior  to  taking  into  the  main  Diwan halls.
  5. Do not turn your back to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji when taking photos or videos.
  6. No standing on the Palki Sahib at any time.
  7. No walking behind the Palki Sahib during the Anand Karaj Laavan.
  8. Heads MUST be covered always once on Gurdwara grounds.
  9. You MUST stand still when the Ardaas and Hukamnama are taking place. If unsure when this is, please ask a member of the Gurdwara or Sangat to give you more information.
  10. Communication  with  each  other  should  be  kept  to  a  minimum  whilst  the  ceremony  is taking place. Radio transmission is permitted through headphones
  11. Jibs/cranes are strictly PROHIBITED
  12. After the ceremony has completed, no couple shoots are to be taken in the main Diwan halls.
  13. Any  use  of  drones  must  follow  the  Civil  Aviation  Authority  (CAA)  rules  under  the  Air Navigation Order (2016).
  14. Smoking  and  the  carrying  of  tobacco  or  any  intoxicating  substances  is  strictly prohibited anywhere on the Gurdwara premises, inside and outside. Photography staff having  a  smoking  break  outside  of  the  grounds  (whilst  working  on  site)  and  then  re- entering will be asked to leave for the rest of the day.
  15. This  form  and  instructions  should  be  forwarded  onto  the  photography  and  video companies that have been booked to work at the Gurdwara by the person(s) who have hired them. By booking an event at Gurdwara, you fully understand the  parameters  of  the  code  of  conduct  for  photography  and  videography  in  the Gurdwara  Sahib  in  respect  of  your  booking  and  agree  to  follow  the  terms  and conditions.