Rules for a Sikh Wedding

South Asians are already the largest overseas-born population in the United Kingdom. Recent
newspaper reports state that Caucasian Britons will fall to under 50% of the U.K. population
in about two generations--by the year 2070.
Regardless of whether you think that this is good or bad, it does not change the reality.
Another reality is that the South Asians--as well as Chinese and other ethnic groups or
nationalities--fall in love, get married, and usually have different wedding ceremonies from
that of the traditional Christian wedding ceremony. However, virtually all of them--as do
traditional Christians--do wish to have their ceremonies photographed. We at The V.I.P.
Studio specialize in Indian wedding photography and Asian wedding photography. We
are knowledgeable, adept and respectful of the various religious ceremonies such as Hindu
wedding photography and Sikh wedding photography.
Sikhism
Sikhism was founded about 500 years ago by Guru (teacher) Nanak who broke away from
the predominant religions in India of Hinduism and Islam. It is outside the scope of this
article to elaborate upon the history or to describe the beliefs although we do want to mention
that the five Ks form the cornerstone: kirpan (the sword or the dagger); kara (steel or iron
bracelet); kes (uncut hair); kangha (wooden comb); and kacchera (an undergarment)
Sikhism weddings
More pertinently to what we do at The V.I.P. Studio, and which we wish to share with you
who have not participated in a Sikh wedding are the following things that need to be followed
by those following the Sikh religion.
1. Select another Sikh as a marriage partner. This concept is followed by other religions,
primarily Judaism. Muslims and Hindus usually follow this but there are notable mixed
marriages among Indian celebrities.
2. Select a Sikh but disregard his or her caste or lineage (which is primarily a Hindu concept).
3. Select a Sikh who is physically and emotionally mature and prepared for matrimony. In other
words, do not engage in child marriage.
4. Come together with Guru Granth Sahib (the religious work of Sikhs, akin to the Bible, Koran
and Talmud) and make various specific exchanges.
5. Greet members of both families (the husbands and the wifes) with the phrase, Waheguruji
ka Khalsa; Waheguruji ki Fateh. (Hail the Khalsa [pure and genuine Sikhs] who belong to
the Lord! Hail the Lord to whom belongs the victory!)
6. Mingle among the guests to the wedding ceremony, disregard or ignore the small or large
number of guests, and sing hymns from Guru Granth Sahib.
7. Unite the bride and groom according to the Anand Karaj (blissful union, or complete rules of
a Sikh wedding ceremony) on a date irrespective of astrology or numerology.

8. Continue to have close family relationships for both the bride and groom, including inviting
both sets of parents to the new home.
9. Encourage the couple to pursue Sikhism and to grow, prosper and become better.
10. Encourage and assist those Sikhs who have lost their partners and who wish to remarry.
11. Lead such a wedding ceremony according to the Anand Karaj rules.
As are all religions at their bases, Sikhism is a beautiful religion, leading to a beautiful and
wondrous wedding ceremony. Look to The V.I.P. Studio to provide equally beautiful
photography.