Sikh Wedding Card Matter (Anand Karaj)
A Sikh wedding card typically opens with "Ik Onkar" (ੴ) or "Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad", invites guests on behalf of the parents to the Anand Karaj at a Gurdwara Sahib, and lists the Milni, Anand Karaj (Laavan) and Langar timings. Pre-wedding functions such as Chunni, Maiyan, Jaggo and Chooda are listed separately, and the card often ends with "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh".
Openings
Ik Onkar — "There is one Creator" — is the opening of the Mool Mantar and the most common top line. Gurmukhi script is usually printed alongside English.
ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad
With the blessings of Waheguru
ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖ਼ਾਲਸਾ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫ਼ਤਿਹ Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Anand Karaj invitation — bride's family
The bride is often written with "Kaur" and the groom with "Singh". The Anand Karaj takes place in the morning at a Gurdwara.
Ik Onkar [Bride's parents] request the honour of your presence at the Anand Karaj of their daughter [Bride's name] Kaur with [Groom's name] Singh (son of [Groom's parents]) [Date] Milni: 9:00 AM · Anand Karaj: [Time] Gurdwara Sahib, [Venue], [City] Langar to follow
With the grace of Waheguru [Bride's parents] invite you to bless the union of their daughter [Bride's name] with [Groom's name] in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji [Date] · [Time] [Venue], [City]
Invitation — groom's family
The groom's family invites guests to accompany the barat to the Gurdwara.
Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad [Groom's parents] invite you to join the barat and the Anand Karaj of their son [Groom's name] Singh with [Bride's name] Kaur (daughter of [Bride's parents]) [Date] Barat departs [Time] from [Address] Gurdwara Sahib, [Venue], [City]
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh With joy, [Groom's parents] request your company at the wedding of [Groom's name] and [Bride's name] Anand Karaj · [Date] · [Time] Reception · [Date] · 7:30 PM onwards [Venue], [City]
Day-of timings: Milni, Laavan, Langar
Guests unfamiliar with Sikh weddings appreciate a one-line explanation of each part of the morning.
Ardaas & Milni — 9:00 AM The two families formally meet and embrace.
Anand Karaj — [Time] The couple walk around Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji during the four Laavan.
Langar — after the Anand Karaj A community meal served to all guests.
Doli — afternoon The bride's farewell from her family.
Pre-wedding functions
List these on a separate insert or page — many are family-only.
Chunni Chadai / Shagan [Date] · 11:00 AM The groom's family places a chunni over the bride's head.
Maiyan / Vatna [Date] · 10:00 AM Turmeric paste ceremony at both homes.
Jaggo [Date] · 9:00 PM onwards A night of boliyan, dancing and a decorated gaagar — bring your energy!
Chooda Ceremony [Date] · 7:00 AM The bride's maternal uncle presents her red and ivory chooda.
For diaspora families and non-Sikh guests
Sikh weddings in the UK, Canada, the US and Australia often welcome guests unfamiliar with Gurdwara etiquette — a few lines on the invitation or website make them comfortable.
At the Gurdwara: Please cover your head (head scarves/rumals are provided), remove your shoes and wash your hands before entering the Darbar Sahib. Guests sit on the floor; chairs are available for anyone who needs them.
Please don't bring alcohol or tobacco onto Gurdwara premises.
The Anand Karaj lasts about an hour. The couple will walk around Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji four times as the Laavan are sung — this is the moment of marriage.
Langar: After the ceremony everyone is invited to share a vegetarian meal in the langar hall — a Sikh tradition of equality and community.
Gifts: Shagun (a gift of money in an envelope) is traditional and given during the Milni or reception.
Short WhatsApp invitations
Sat Sri Akal! 🙏 With Waheguru's blessings, [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]'s Anand Karaj is on [Date] at [Venue], [City]. Please join us with family. Details: [Invitation link]
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh! You're invited to the Jaggo and wedding celebrations of [Groom's name] & [Bride's name] — [Date], [City]. [Invitation link]
Etiquette tips
- Remind guests to cover their heads and remove shoes inside the Gurdwara; many families add "Rumals will be available" to the card.
- The Anand Karaj usually finishes by early afternoon — make the reception time stand out so guests don't miss it.
- Avoid alcohol references on the Anand Karaj card; mention bar arrangements only on the reception card if at all.
- Confirm the Gurdwara's schedule before printing — many fix Anand Karaj slots between 9 AM and noon.
Frequently asked questions
What is written at the top of a Sikh wedding card?
"Ik Onkar" (ੴ) or "Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad", usually in Gurmukhi with an English transliteration. Some families use "With the blessings of Waheguru" in English only.
What time is the Anand Karaj?
Traditionally in the morning, after the Milni, at a Gurdwara in the presence of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Most Gurdwaras schedule it between 9 AM and noon, followed by langar.
Should I write Singh and Kaur on the card?
Yes, if the couple uses them. "Singh" follows the groom's name and "Kaur" follows the bride's; families with a surname often write both, e.g. "Simran Kaur Gill".
What functions come before a Sikh wedding?
Common functions are Roka, Chunni Chadai or Shagan, Maiyan, Mehndi, Jaggo and the Chooda ceremony, followed by the Anand Karaj, Doli and reception.