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Summary of Question:	Sikh Weddings - Customs And Rituals- Why?
Category:	Sikh Practices
Date Posted:	Tuesday, 5/09/2000 1:43 AM MDT

I am about to get married and having sat down with parents and grandparents asked them to explain the reason behind many customs and rituals that take place before the Kudmai and Anand Karaj ceremonies. The response has been that it has always been done in this way. Unfortunately, this does not cut with me and I owe it to myself to find out more.

With all due respect, my understanding of Sikhism so far has been to follow what is prescribed by the Guru Granth Sahib and the guidelines in the Rehat Maryada - I am unable to find any references to any such customs.

Can anyone please point me in the right direction or perhaps explain he reasons for carrying out such customs? I hope that I will then be able to explain to my children why they should do he same.

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa, Waheguruji Ki Fateh!

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REPLY
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Dear One:
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

Sorry for the delay. The best I can do is refer you to this site and the Sikh manual called "Victory and Virtue", which explains how our ceremonies are conducted. I might add that the Lavan, or Wedding Song, was written by Guru Ram Das for his own wedding to Bibi Bhani Kaur, so this part of the Anand Karaj has been going on since his time.
Here is the site: http://www.sikhnet.com/Sikhism
Perhaps others reading this post will be able to help answer your question.
Another resource for the information you request is the Bhai Sahib or Gyani of your gurdwara. He should be able to answer this, and if he cannot, you should ask him to find out!
Rab Rakha,
-DKK