Please join us at our traditional Sikh Wedding ceremony!

 

This is an opportunity to dress up in proper Indian clothing! It's cultural appreciation and it's highly encouraged! There are many different styles of clothing you could wear - a lengha (which is the crop top and big skirt, the most common for a wedding), a sharara (which is a dress with pants underneath - this one isn't a bad option for the temple because you're sitting down) or an anarkali (which is essentially just a maxi dress, however, not that common at the temple function of the wedding). If you need any help figuring out where to shop, there are lots and lots of stores in Surrey, specifically Payal Business Centre. Some shops that I know are good are Frontier, Meena Fashion Bazaar. Additionally, you can look online but you just risk the chance of not knowing exactly what you're getting. Some stores I've seen are House of Indya and Empress Clothing, among others. I would shop sooner than later in case you need alterations - most people do, it's part of the process! You can always reach out if you need help!

 

Since I know it will be quite a few of your first time’s at an Indian wedding at the Sikh Temple, I tried my best to break it down for you! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. But on the day of, you can always just ask anyone in the temple (guests or otherwise) and they will gladly help you! I had so many questions my first time too.

 

Upon arrival, both sides of the wedding will gather outside. The men will be handed a ramal (Indian head scarf) to wrap around their heads as a sign of respect and the women will have their heads covered with their chunee (head scarf that is part of your Indian suit set). When it’s time (around 10am), Dylan’s side will make an entrance with an Indian dhol (drum) and dancing. From there, we will all gather in the tent outside for tea/coffee and treats/snacks before making your way into the temple around 11.

 

When walking in the temple, take off your shoes and walk down the carpet in the middle. If you’re able to make a donation ($1 is totally fine), drop it in the box, do a bow on the ground and grab a seat on the floor - men on the right, women on the left. Typically, guests leave a some space at the front for the immediate family and close friends to be close to assist with the ceremonies.

 

Once we are all seated, Kira will make her entrance. Once sat next to Dylan, the ceremony begins. There will be some prayers, some words from the Priest then Kira and Dylan will walk around the Guru Granth Sahib (the shrine) four times, which is called Pheras. This signifies the couple's commitment to each other and their spiritual union, with each round representing a step in their journey together.  Kira will have her “brothers” (actual brother and close male friends) pass her to each other to represent them both protecting her but also giving her away as a wife.

 

Once the ceremony is completed, the Priests will go around to each guest and hand them a Karah Parshad (food blessing) which consists of a essentially a warm dough ball of flour, butter and sugar. You are meant to accept it with both hands as a sign of respect as well as eat it right away.

 

Following the wedding, the guests will line up for Sagan. Each family will take a picture with Kira and Dylan who are sitting on a bench. Traditionally, this is an opportunity to give another financial gift if you’d like - small amounts are totally fine! Once all that is completed, guests will gather in the tent once more for lunch.