Anand Karaj, literally “Blissful Union,” unfolds with deep simplicity under the Sikh Rehat Maryada. Anchored in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, it celebrates two souls committing to a shared spiritual path. No fire ceremonies or caste-based rituals interrupt this sacred rite—everything hinges on the laavaan, the four hymns composed by Guru Ram Das.

Key points of the Rehat Maryada for a Sikh wedding:

• Venue and Presence
– Must take place in a Gurdwara or a proper Sikh seminary (Sangat Bhawan).
– Sri Guru Granth Sahib sits at the center, flanked by the Nishan Sahib flag.
– A Granthi (scripture reader) leads the ceremony, guiding the couple through each laav.

• The Laavaan
– Four verses encapsulate the stages of marital fellowship, from budding affection to total spiritual unity.
– Bride and groom circle the Guru Granth Sahib together, symbolizing equal partnership at every turn.

• Equality and Integrity
– Dowry, bride price and any form of financial extortion remain strictly prohibited.
– Monogamy is upheld; remarriage is permitted only after the lawful dissolution of a prior marital bond.
– Both partners commit to honest living, community service (seva), and remembrance of the Divine.

• Attire and Décorum
– Heads covered: turban or patka for men, chunni or scarf for women.
– Modest, clean garments reflect inner purity.
– No ostentatious displays; simplicity aligns with Sikh ideals.

• Legal Registration
– Civil registration alongside the religious ceremony ensures recognition under contemporary laws—something increasingly embraced, whether in Punjab or among diaspora communities in London, Toronto or New York.

Pandemic-era adaptations showcased the faith’s resilience: virtual Anand Karajs allowed distant families to witness the laav via livestream. That spirit of adaptability, without compromising core precepts, speaks volumes about Sikhism’s capacity to blend tradition with the needs of today. In every “tie that binds,” the hope remains steadfast: to walk life’s path heart and soul, hand in hand, under the guiding light of the Guru.