Singh Sahibs from the Five Akal takhts have issued new guidelines regarding Anand Karaj (literally the ‘blissful ceremony’), at Takht Shri Hazur Sahib in Nanded. They asked to strictly implement the resolution passed after meeting in Nanded Sahib. If these are not followed properly then strict action will be taken. These instructions have also been given in view of the increasing practice of ostentation during marriages and ceremonies.
Most importantly, the brides have been instructed not to wear lehengas that are too ostentatious during the lavas (recital of verses from Shri Guru Granth Sahib), but to attend only in simple clothes like a kameez, salwar and a chunni to cover their head. In fact, it has been seen that during the time of 'Lavas', the brides come to Gurudwaras wearing very expensive and fashionable lehengas and ghagras. Those clothes are so heavy that it becomes difficult for the bride to get up, walk and sit (For the pheres, or the rounds of the Holy prose) while wearing them and even to bow before Guru Maharaj.
There is also a ban on covering the bride in the shade of the chunni. Jathedars of the five Takhts uninanimously agreed that from now onwards the brides will come wearing salwar, kameez and chunni on the head instead of expensive and heavy lehengas and ghagras. Singh Sahibs said that during Anand Karaj, the trend of putting shade of chunni or flowers on the bride has started, which is not right.
The relatives bring the bride a chunni and a shade of flowers in front of the Guru Granth Sahib. In light of this, there has now been a ban on bringing flowers or Chunni shade to Gurudwaras during Lavas.
It was also announced that putting Kaur or Singh before the name on invitation cards is now necessary. Singh Sahibs told that nowadays Singh and Kaur is not written before the names of the bride and groom on the invitation cards of Anand Karaj. This is also not acceptable. In view of this, it is now mandatory to write Kaur and Singh before the names of the bride and groom both outside and inside the card. Singh Sahibs have urged the Sikh community to follow these guidelines. Strict action will be taken against those who do not comply.
Ban on taking Sri Guru Granth Sahib to the beach or resort:
Previously it had come to the notice of Shri Akal Takht Sahib that the trend of destination weddings has increased these days. Due to this some people take Shri Guru Granth Sahib to the sea shore or resort for the Anand Karaj Ceremony. Therefore, the Singh Sahibs had prohibited the carrying of Shri Guru Granth Sahib during such marriages.