What it means
Anand Karaj means 'blissful union'. The marriage centres on the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture and eternal Guru. The four Laavan (composed by Guru Ram Das) are read and sung in turn; with each, the couple circles the Guru Granth Sahib, the bride following the groom holding a palla (scarf). The four rounds describe the soul's journey toward union with the Divine, with marriage as a path of mutual love and spiritual growth.
What happens
- 1The couple and families sit before the Guru Granth Sahib; an Ardas and the groom's palla are given to the bride.
- 2Each of the four Laavan is first read, then sung by the ragis while the couple slowly circles the Guru Granth Sahib.
- 3After the fourth Laav the couple is married; the ceremony closes with Anand Sahib, Ardas, a Hukamnama (random reading), and Kara Parshad.
Regional variations
- There is no sacred fire and no walking around a flame — the circling is around the Guru Granth Sahib only.
- Performed in the morning, as the Anand Karaj is traditionally completed before noon.
This explanation is under review by a religious authority — a companion to, not a replacement for, your granthi.