the groom’s home. There are traditional prayers, the groom receives a ceremonial sword, and light snacks and tea are served. In a very sweet moment, the groom is fed traditional sweets by his mother.

While the bride’s family has gathered at the place of the wedding, the groom reaches the parking lot where he mounts a white horse who leads the parade of the groom and his attendants to take him to join with the bride’s family. Here, both families meet and say the traditional Ardas prayer. The groom serves Karah Prashad (a sweet made of butter, sugar, and wheat) to all. Again, everyone enjoys light snacks and tea.

On to the Gurdwara (the religious building) where friends and relatives are seated on the floor and singing traditional hymns.

The groomand his parents enter and he presents a cash offering as well as a Rumala, a new silk covering for Sri Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh scriptures). The groom sits in front of the Guru Granth Sahib, facing his family and guests.

Next, the bride and her family enter the Gurdwara. The bride sits down beside the groom and waits as people continue to arrive.

To begin the ceremony proper, the officiant first ascertains that both the bride and groom are Sikh. The reading of the four Lavans or promises follows. The officiant reads one at a time and the couple goes around the Guru Granth sahib with the groom leading and holding on to one end of a scarf and the bride holding the other end. Ragis sing the