AMRITSAR SAHIB – The Akal Takht has reinforced its stance on the sanctity of the Sikh marriage ceremony, imposing a “complete ban” on performing the Anand Karaj at destination venues, including beaches, resorts, and commercial farmhouses.
Addressing the media following the Sunday congregation, Jathedar Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj announced that the Sikh wedding ceremony must now be conducted strictly within the premises of a Gurdwara Sahib. The ruling comes as a response to a rising global trend where the Anand Karaj is often treated as a social “event” rather than a religious sacrament.
Restoring the Sanctity of the Saroop
A central part of the decree focuses on the transportation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The clergy has prohibited the carrying of the Holy Saroop to:
- Marriage palaces and hotels.
- Open-air parks and farmhouses.
- Beaches or any location where alcohol, meat, or tobacco may be served.
“The presence of the Guru Granth Sahib requires a specific environment of reverence and discipline,” the Jathedar remarked. “Performing the ceremony in commercial settings dilutes the spiritual essence of the Lavaan and violates the established Sikh code.”
Warnings and Consequences
The Akal Takht warned that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those who facilitate these violations. This includes:
- Granthis and Ragi Jathas: Who agree to perform ceremonies at prohibited venues.
- Gurdwara Managements: Who allow the Saroop to be taken to such locations.
- Venue Owners: Who market their properties as “Sikh wedding destinations.
The Sangat has been urged to return to the traditional values of the Panth, ensuring that the start of a married life is rooted in the spiritual atmosphere of the House of the Guru.