Schedule of Events
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Mehndi and Sangeet
Friday, March 28, 2008 at 6:30pm
Fun Asia
1210 E. Beltline Road
Richardson, TX 75081
(972) 889-8000
Casual/dressy; Men (nice shirt, slacks); Women (pants/nice shirt, cocktail dress, skirt, etc.)
This casual evening of singing (Indian ritual), dancing, and dinner for family and those coming from out of town. Mehndii or henna hand painting will also be provided to those who are interested. The event will not go too late into the evening as we all have to get up early in the morning for the wedding ceremony.
Anand Karaj (Sikh Wedding Ceremony)
Anand Karaj means "blissful occasion" and signifies the Sikh wedding ceremony. It's a sacred bond between a man and a woman, who are united in body, mind, and spirit. Marriage is regarded as a strong bond between the bride and groom as well as their families.
Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 9:30am
Sikh Temple of North Texas
506 Gatewood Drive
Garland, Texas 75043
(972) 240-5348
In the Sikh Temple, it is required to remove your shoes, cover your head, and sit on the floor, as a sign of respect. As you enter the temple, all visitors must remove their shoes and place them on the shoe racks. It is also mandatory to cover your head in the temple. Head covering for men/boys will normally be available in the temple, but a large knotted handkerchief is acceptable. Many Sikh men wear turbans. Women/girls should bring a long scarf or dupatta (chunni) to cover their heads. The Sikh women usually wear a "Chunni," a long, flowing headscarf to cover their heads.
Please wear clothes that will be comfortable to sit on the carpeted floor. Loose fitted clothing which covers most of your legs is usually what’s recommended and most comfortable. Men can wear suits or nice pants/dress shirt/sweater. Women can wear dress pants with nice top or long skirts if it covers your legs. Please remember that you will be sitting (cross-legged yoga style) on carpeted floor.
It is also important that NO alcohol or tobacco products are allowed on the Sikh Temple premises. Thank you.
Our wedding day protocol
Departure of Baraat: Groom's side of the wedding will meet about 1/2 block away from the Sikh Temple. Frank, who will be on a horse, will be with his family and friends. The Groom's side comes in as a group to the Sikh Temple.
Reception of Baraat and Milni (introductions): The Groom's party is "received" by the Bride's party at the Sikh Temple. The Ardas (prayer) will be performed by the Giani (priest) followed by formal introduction of immediate members of the family.
Refreshments of vegetarian snacks, sweets, juice, and tea will be served as an informal gathering.
Anand Karaj: The formal wedding ceremony will be starting in the Main Hall. As you enter the Main Hall of the temple, some may bow down to the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) and give a monetary offering, however, this is not mandatory. You will also notice that men and women are sitting on different sides of the hall. This is not mandatory so please feel free to sit on either side, with your significant other. We only ask that you do not turn your back to the holy book/alter or stretch your feet towards the holy book. Please keep your voices low. Remember that since you will be sitting on the floor please wear appropriate, comfortable clothing. See information above for more details on dress code.
Kirtan: The singing of the Holy Hymns from Guru Granth Sahib.
Ardas: Prayer in the beginning when only the Bride, Groom, and parent of both bride and groom stand with folded hands.
Laavan: The Bride and Groom will walk around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (holy book) four times at specific times. These laavan, or hymns, are read and then sung during the ceremony to sanctify the marriage. The Laavan describe the sacred journey of the soul through this world to the final destination, the merging with the Infinite.
Final Ardas: The entire congregation will be asked to stand and join in the prayer.
Hukamnama: Words of blessing are read by the Giani (priest) from the Guru Granth Sahib.
Karah Parshad: Blessed food offering made of wheat flour, sugar, butter, and water. You will be offered this, which is usually taken in cupped hands. You may say, "Very small portion" if you are uncertain about eating it. Please do not refuse or throw it away. Ask for a paper cup or plastic bag to put it in.
Langar: Lunch will be served following the ceremony. This will be vegetarian food and will be offered either in the Langer Hall or immediately outside in the tented area of the parking lot.
Departure of Married Couple
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Wedding Reception
Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 7:30pm
Hilton Garden Inn Dallas/Lewisville
785 SH 121 Bypass
Lewisville, Texas 75067
972-459-4600
Men wear suits. Women can wear cocktail dresses and get as fancy as you want. Be prepared for lots of food, drinks, and dancing!
Cocktails and snacks from 7:30-8:30 pm. Reception with dinner and dancing from 8:30 pm to 12:30 am.
