Sikh · Pre-wedding

Kurmai (Sikh engagement)

The Sikh engagement, often held in a Gurdwara, formalising the match between the families.

Also known as: kurmai, kudmai, sikh engagement, shagun, thaka

What it means

The Kurmai (or Thaka) is the Sikh betrothal. Frequently held in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib with an Ardas, the groom is given gifts and a kara or kirpan, and the families exchange sweets and dried fruit — publicly committing to the union.

What happens

  1. 1Families gather, often at a Gurdwara, and an Ardas is offered.
  2. 2The groom receives gifts (often a kara, kirpan, or ring) and sweets; the families exchange shagun.
This explanation is under review by a religious authority — a companion to, not a replacement for, your granthi.

More Sikh rituals

Chunni Chadana
The groom's family welcomes the bride into their family with gifts and a chunni (veil).
Maiyan / Vatna
A turmeric paste (vatna) is applied to the bride and groom at their own homes before the wedding.
Milni (Sikh)
The two families formally meet at the Gurdwara before the Anand Karaj, beginning with Ardas.
Anand Karaj (Laavan)
The Sikh marriage ceremony — the couple takes four rounds around the Guru Granth Sahib as the Laavan hymns are sung.
Chunni Chadana →
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