Sikh Wedding Insult

[DiscoverSikhism]

Like most "Punjabi weddings" this article is an insult to Anand Karaj and incorrectly labels Sikhism - http://www.thestar.com.my/Lifestyle/Features/2013/09/25/Sikh-wedding-thats-steeped-in-splendour.aspx

If ever you need an example of how Sikh weddings should NOT be performed then read this article.

1) "Sikh wedding that's steeped in splendour" - Sikh weddings should be simple and humble.
2) "Family and friends were swept up in the excitement as they purchased new suits and kurtas for the five-day ceremony." - New suits and kurtas and a five day ceremony are not required.
3) "As the wedding date neared, invitations were sent out personally, in keeping with Sikh tradition." - This is not a Sikh tradition but a Punjabi 'cultural' tradition.
4) "The first ceremony began with the maiyan (oil ceremony) whereby the bride-to-be was cleansed, followed by the mehendi (applying of henna) which was attended by close relatives and friends." - Sikhi is against pointless rituals. How does oil cleanse a soul?
5) "On the eve of the wedding, there was the sangeet event. It was a night of feasting and laughter, music and dancing. It was here that the groom’s entourage of almost 100 people made their grand appearance." - Another Punjabi cultural tradition, not part of Sikhism.

6) "The pulsating beat of the dhol (Punjabi drum) filled the air and soon enough, everyone was tapping their feet. Members from the groom and bride’s side took to the dance floor, swaying to the rhythmic beat of Bhangra music." - Another Punjabi cultural tradition, not part of Sikhism.

7) "Expectations are high as this is a traditional wedding. Gone are the days when family and friends attended a wedding as observers. Expectations have soared since. Meticulous planning is necessary to ensure that everyone invited to the wedding is entertained and taken care of." - More Punjabi cultural traditions, not part of Sikhism.

8) "My sister and her husband took full ownership of the wedding, following the rituals from A-Z." ??? What rituals were these?

9) "Although it has been more than a month, the wedding remains a talking point among friends and relatives. It was truly a wedding to remember." - Remembered for the wrong reasons...

The author 'Dr Pola Singh' seems to be proud of his niece's wedding however that is no excuse to portray "Sikh" weddings in such an incorrect manner. Bu all means label this as a 'Secular Modern Punjabi Wedding' but not Sikh.

Anand Karaj is the 'joyful union' of two souls in front of (and by) Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhism/empty_ceremony.html

http://www.discoversikhism.com/sikhism/sikh_anand_karaj.html

[luckysingh99]

Most of the stuff above that is done by most punjabis is NOT Gurmat and shouldn't be mixed wih sikhism. All this mehndi, henna..etc..is ALL cultural and of geographical origin.

[Shamshere]

Let's not get too extreme now. There's nothing wrong with having some punjabi culture (minus the drinking) in our weddings.

You cannot get rid of culture.

[DiscoverSikhism]

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

As with anything in life, everyone has free will and people can choose to what they wish or what they believe is right.

However the point being made is the distinction between Sikh marriage (Anand Karaj) which takes place in front of Dhan Sri Guru Granth Sahib and Punjabi 'cultural' traditions.

These are two different things and many people do not understand this.

[BoleSoNihal]

I've had some open conversations with western friends. They cannot understand how Sikhs can be so hypocritical ie. spending so much, having weird rituals, marrying in front of something holy, then partying, eating meat and drinking alcohol like no tomorrow. They do not understand what is or what is not part of Sikhism. Some have mentioned whether as a result of what they have seen, the same happens in Gurdwaras. Most think the hypocrisy is the same in their own religion...

Some have mentioned that muslim's would not dare eat pork, hindus would not eat beef so why do the majority of Sikhs (including both genders) drink or take intoxicants? Others have asked whether if Gurdwaras allow interfaith marriage (which is against Reht (a Sikh must marry a Sikh)) they will allow gay and lesbian weddings?

The only reply that can be given is that the majority of so called Sikh's are not Sikh's and have lack of knowledge/ understanding about Sikh beliefs, history and Sikhism in general.. but the circus looks good to those people and their friends/ families who seek to outdo each other.

[Jonny101]

I've had some open conversations with western friends. They cannot understand how Sikhs can be so hypocritical ie. spending so much, having weird rituals, marrying in front of something holy, then partying, eating meat and drinking alcohol like no tomorrow. They do not understand what is or what is not part of Sikhism. Some have mentioned whether as a result of what they have seen, the same happens in Gurdwaras. Most think the hypocrisy is the same in their own religion...

Some have mentioned that muslim's would not dare eat pork, hindus would not eat beef so why do the majority of Sikhs (including both genders) drink or take intoxicants? Others have asked whether if Gurdwaras allow interfaith marriage (which is against Reht (a Sikh must marry a Sikh)) they will allow gay and lesbian weddings?

The only reply that can be given is that the majority of so called Sikh's are not Sikh's and have lack of knowledge/ understanding about Sikh beliefs, history and Sikhism in general.. but the circus looks good to those people and their friends/ families who seek to outdo each other.

excellent points. In the west Sikhs have built magnificent Gurdwaras spending millions. But what use is all of this if Sikhs living in the west have little or no understanding of Gurmat. Due to this lack of understanding first Gurdwaras okay'ed inter religious marriages and now thanks to this lax attitude of 'anything goes', we are now on the verge of allowing Gay Anand Karaj seeing so many western Sikhs here being being completely okay with it. Pure kaliyug