The Sangeet party welcomes the wedding guests with music, dance and food. The program will be informal but be prepared for love, joy, and festivity! We will have an opportunity for wedding guests to receive mehndi, bringing further exuberance to the occasion.

Traditional Indian or Party-Festive.

Buses will be provided to and from Hilton Netherlands Plaza hotel.
For those making their own transportation arrangements, street parking is available in the neighborhood.

The wedding ceremony will be performed in the Sikh tradition. The Baraat is the entrance and procession of the groom and his family to meet the bride’s family at the entrance of the Gurdwara (Sikh Temple). The Baraat is welcomed by the Janaath (bride’s family) in a ceremonial coming together of the families called the Milni. The Milni initiates the intertwining of Maanik and Sheetal’s families as they open this chapter. Maanik and his family will be greeted by Sheetal’s in an exchange of garlands and gifts. Sometimes they jocularly flex their strength, forging the enduring new familial bond.

After the Baraat and Milni, the program will move inside the Gurdwara where the Anand Karaj (Ceremony of Bliss) will take place. The Anand Karaj is solemnized and sanctified by the reading of four Lavaan or four stanzas, from the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Scriptures). The Lanvaan describe the union of the human soul (Atma), with God (Parmatma) using the progression of marital love between the husband and wife as an analogy.

Each Lanv is read by the Granthi then repeated in muscial verse. As each Lanv is sung the bride and groom will circumnavigate the Guru Granth Sahib. At the end of the fourth Lanv the couple are declared married. The entire Sangat stands as an Ardaas (prayer) is recited asking for the couple to blessed.  

Langar, a communal meal that reflects the Sikh principles of equality and humility, will be served following the Anand Karaj. An inclusive meal is prepared and served by volunteers and is an integral part of the wedding festivities.

Traditional Indian or Semi-Formal Modest (suits/ties, conservative dresses).
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You will need to remove your shoes and cover your head when entering the Gurdwara. Women typically cover their head with a chunni (head scarf). Men typically wear a paghari (turban) or wear a ramaal (bandana). Head coverings will be available at the Gurdwara if you do not have one.

Additional info on guidelines for the Gurdwara are here.  

Buses will be provided to and from Hilton Netherlands Plaza hotel.
The Gurdwara has ample parking for those making their own transportation arrangements.

Let's have a good time and celebrate. Ceremony and reception are not back to back, please plan accordingly.

Festive Indian or Formal Party (dark suits/ties, formal dresses).

Valet parking with direct access to the ballroom will be available below the building for an additional cost. Enter the parking garage via the 35 W 5th Street entrance.