Sikh Rehat Maryada draws a clear line around Anand Karaj: only two Sikhs may exchange the laavan beneath the Guru Granth Sahib. When one partner comes from another faith, the ceremony in a Gurdwara isn’t permitted unless that person embraces Sikhism—typically through Amrit initiation—so the vows remain rooted in shared belief.

Caste barriers, on the other hand, don’t stand a chance. Sikhism’s very heartbeat rejects the caste system, and the Rehat Maryada echoes that sentiment: marrying across castes isn’t just allowed, it’s right in step with the Guru’s teaching of equality. History is peppered with unions that ignored birth-based distinctions and wove families together under the Khanda’s banner.

Inter-religious marriages occupy more of a gray area. There’s no scriptural ban on a Sikh marrying someone of another faith, but the traditional Gurdwara wedding belongs strictly to those who’ve pledged themselves to the Guru’s path. Couples opting for a civil ceremony can still celebrate their love, yet if they hope for the full Anand Karaj experience, both must commit to Sikh rites—no ifs, ands, or buts. A growing number of Gurdwaras in New York and Melbourne now offer pre-wedding workshops, guiding interfaith couples through Maryada requirements and helping them navigate cultural nuances.

Ultimately, Sikh Rehat Maryada weaves identity and inclusivity into one tapestry: it safeguards the sanctity of Sikh marriage ceremonies while honouring personal choice outside that realm. By insisting on shared faith for Anand Karaj, it preserves a sacred tradition; by erasing caste discrimination, it lives up to the Guru’s vision of universal brotherhood—even in today’s wonderfully diverse world.