Jaggo (8/27)
Pre-wedding CeremonyAddress:
Attire:
Schedule:
Etiquette:
Event Background and Details:
The Jaggo is a joyful Punjabi pre-wedding celebration that literally means “wake up!” Traditionally held the night before the wedding, it’s all about energizing the neighborhood with music, dancing, and laughter to celebrate the upcoming marriage. In earlier times, family members would carry decorated oil lamps and make noise with pots, pans, and sticks as they paraded through the village, visiting friends’ homes, singing folk songs, and spreading cheer late into the night.
These days, the Jaggo still holds that same spirit of celebration but is often hosted as a lively party with music, food, dancing, and colorful outfits. You’ll likely see family members carrying a pot with sparking lights on their heads, passing it around while dancing to bhangra music.
Everyone’s welcome at the Jaggo! You don’t need to know the dances, just bring your best energy and a love of celebration. It’s a night to let loose, meet both families, and build joyful memories together before the big day. Come ready to eat, dance, and celebrate late into the evening.
Attire:
Schedule:
Etiquette:
Event Background and Details:
The Jaggo is a joyful Punjabi pre-wedding celebration that literally means “wake up!” Traditionally held the night before the wedding, it’s all about energizing the neighborhood with music, dancing, and laughter to celebrate the upcoming marriage. In earlier times, family members would carry decorated oil lamps and make noise with pots, pans, and sticks as they paraded through the village, visiting friends’ homes, singing folk songs, and spreading cheer late into the night.
These days, the Jaggo still holds that same spirit of celebration but is often hosted as a lively party with music, food, dancing, and colorful outfits. You’ll likely see family members carrying a pot with sparking lights on their heads, passing it around while dancing to bhangra music.
Everyone’s welcome at the Jaggo! You don’t need to know the dances, just bring your best energy and a love of celebration. It’s a night to let loose, meet both families, and build joyful memories together before the big day. Come ready to eat, dance, and celebrate late into the evening.
Anand Karaj (8/29)
Wedding CeremonyAddress:
Attire:
Schedule:
Etiquette:
Prior to entering the Gurdwara, there is a lovely ceremony called the Milni. The Milni (which means "meeting" in Punjabi) is a warm and symbolic welcome ceremony where the close family members of the bride and groom officially greet each other. It usually takes place before the main wedding ceremony begins.
During the Milni, matching relatives from each side—like fathers, uncles, and grandfathers—are called up in pairs to exchange garlands, embrace, and often share a few laughs. It’s a beautiful way to show mutual respect and the uniting of two families.
Once the Milni is complete, everyone will enter the Gurdwara. Before entering, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. Both men and women should also cover their heads as a sign of respect. If you forget a head covering, bandanas are available near the entrance on the right side, please remember to replace your bandana when you leave.
Shoes are taken off before entering the main hall, you'll find a designated shoe area near the entrance for men and women, this is also where the bathrooms are located (apologies to my non-binary friends, please go where you feel most comfortable). Afterwards, you may wash your hands at a nearby handwashing station or in the bathroom. Next, if you’d like to pay your respects to the Guru Granth Sahib, you may enter the prayer hall and walk down the middle towards the shrine, kneel, and bow your head. Traditionally, we make small donations of $1 towards maintaing the Gurdwara. Afterwards, you may exit the Prayer Hall and enter the Langar Hall across the foyer for breakfast. Guests will be notified when it is time to re-enter the Prayer Hall for the Anand Karaj. Please note that we will be seated on the floor during the Anand Karaj by gender (sit wherever you like non-binary buddies). Chairs and benches are reserved for the elderly and guests who may need the additional support.
The Ceremony:
The Anand Karaj, meaning "blissful union," is the official Sikh wedding ceremony, conducted in a Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) or a setting blessed by the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture). The ceremony centers around the couple taking four laavaan (rounds) around the Guru Granth Sahib, each round accompanied by a hymn that reflects a spiritual aspect of marriage. The Anand Karaj emphasizes equality, commitment, and the spiritual bond between the couple. It's typically simple and serene, focusing on the sacredness of the union rather than extravagance.
1st Laav – Commitment to a Spiritual Path
The first Laav marks the beginning of the couple’s journey together. It represents the decision to walk the spiritual path of righteousness and truth, guided by the teachings of the Guru. It’s a commitment to build their marriage on the foundation of love, faith, and shared spiritual purpose.
2nd Laav – Deepening Love and Devotion
In the second Laav, the couple begins to feel a deeper connection to one another and to the Divine. It symbolizes the growth of love and mutual understanding in the marriage, as the couple starts to move beyond physical connection into spiritual companionship.
3rd Laav – Detachment from the World, Attachment to God
This Laav reflects the couple’s increasing focus on their spiritual union and their journey toward inner peace. It encourages detachment from ego and worldly distractions, and a stronger connection with the divine wisdom that will guide their marriage.
4th Laav – Union with the Divine
The final Laav represents the ultimate stage of the journey: spiritual fulfillment and harmony. At this point, the couple is seen as fully united not only with each other but also with Waheguru (the Divine), living a life of purpose, devotion, and peace together.
Attire:
Schedule:
Etiquette:
Prior to entering the Gurdwara, there is a lovely ceremony called the Milni. The Milni (which means "meeting" in Punjabi) is a warm and symbolic welcome ceremony where the close family members of the bride and groom officially greet each other. It usually takes place before the main wedding ceremony begins.
During the Milni, matching relatives from each side—like fathers, uncles, and grandfathers—are called up in pairs to exchange garlands, embrace, and often share a few laughs. It’s a beautiful way to show mutual respect and the uniting of two families.
Once the Milni is complete, everyone will enter the Gurdwara. Before entering, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. Both men and women should also cover their heads as a sign of respect. If you forget a head covering, bandanas are available near the entrance on the right side, please remember to replace your bandana when you leave.
Shoes are taken off before entering the main hall, you'll find a designated shoe area near the entrance for men and women, this is also where the bathrooms are located (apologies to my non-binary friends, please go where you feel most comfortable). Afterwards, you may wash your hands at a nearby handwashing station or in the bathroom. Next, if you’d like to pay your respects to the Guru Granth Sahib, you may enter the prayer hall and walk down the middle towards the shrine, kneel, and bow your head. Traditionally, we make small donations of $1 towards maintaing the Gurdwara. Afterwards, you may exit the Prayer Hall and enter the Langar Hall across the foyer for breakfast. Guests will be notified when it is time to re-enter the Prayer Hall for the Anand Karaj. Please note that we will be seated on the floor during the Anand Karaj by gender (sit wherever you like non-binary buddies). Chairs and benches are reserved for the elderly and guests who may need the additional support.
The Ceremony:
The Anand Karaj, meaning "blissful union," is the official Sikh wedding ceremony, conducted in a Gurdwara (Sikh place of worship) or a setting blessed by the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture). The ceremony centers around the couple taking four laavaan (rounds) around the Guru Granth Sahib, each round accompanied by a hymn that reflects a spiritual aspect of marriage. The Anand Karaj emphasizes equality, commitment, and the spiritual bond between the couple. It's typically simple and serene, focusing on the sacredness of the union rather than extravagance.
1st Laav – Commitment to a Spiritual Path
The first Laav marks the beginning of the couple’s journey together. It represents the decision to walk the spiritual path of righteousness and truth, guided by the teachings of the Guru. It’s a commitment to build their marriage on the foundation of love, faith, and shared spiritual purpose.
2nd Laav – Deepening Love and Devotion
In the second Laav, the couple begins to feel a deeper connection to one another and to the Divine. It symbolizes the growth of love and mutual understanding in the marriage, as the couple starts to move beyond physical connection into spiritual companionship.
3rd Laav – Detachment from the World, Attachment to God
This Laav reflects the couple’s increasing focus on their spiritual union and their journey toward inner peace. It encourages detachment from ego and worldly distractions, and a stronger connection with the divine wisdom that will guide their marriage.
4th Laav – Union with the Divine
The final Laav represents the ultimate stage of the journey: spiritual fulfillment and harmony. At this point, the couple is seen as fully united not only with each other but also with Waheguru (the Divine), living a life of purpose, devotion, and peace together.