1. Roka or Kurmai
2. Chunni Ceremony
3. Maiyaan
4. Jaggo
5. Mehndi Night
6. Anand Karaj (Wedding Ceremony)
7. Langar
8. Reception
Roka or Kurmai: The First Step in a Sikh Wedding
The journey to a Sikh wedding often begins with a ceremony full of quiet excitement and deep meaning — the Roka or Kurmai. If you’re planning a Sikh wedding or a mixed culture wedding with Sikh traditions, this is usually the first formal step.
What is a Roka or Kurmai?
Roka means “to stop” — as in, both families are agreeing to stop searching for a match because the couple is now committed. It’s an informal engagement but still full of significance. Kurmai is a slightly more formal version of this, often involving a prayer, a gift exchange, and sometimes the giving of an engagement ring.
You’ll often see both terms used, but Kurmai tends to include a few more rituals and is slightly more ceremonial. In some weddings, both are combined into one event.
Who is invited?
Usually just close family and relatives, especially if it’s a Roka. A Kurmai might include extended family and is often followed by a small celebration with food and blessings.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. Even if it’s a smaller event, a thoughtful wedding invitation helps bring clarity and warmth. At Raw Invites, we offer both print and digital South Asian wedding invitations, tailored for every event in your wedding timeline. Whether you use a wedding template or go fully custom, we make sure your invitations reflect your story.
How to personalise your Roka or Kurmai invite
Why it matters
The Roka or Kurmai sets everything in motion. It marks the beginning of your wedding story and brings both families together in a spirit of joy and unity.
Chunni Ceremony: Welcoming the Bride Into the Family
The Chunni Ceremony is a beautiful moment in the Sikh wedding timeline when the groom’s family officially visits the bride’s home to express their acceptance and love.
What is the Chunni Ceremony?
During this ritual, the groom’s mother or elder female relative places a red or pink scarf (chunni) over the bride’s head as a symbol of blessing and acceptance. She is also presented with jewellery, sweets, and sometimes traditional clothes. It is seen as a loving gesture of welcome into the family.
Who is invited?
It is typically an intimate ceremony with close family and a few relatives. Sometimes it’s followed by a lunch or dinner.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. It helps set expectations for attire, timing, and whether gifts or rituals will be included. At Raw Invites, we offer elegant wedding invitations that can highlight the spiritual and emotional meaning behind events like this.
How to personalise your Chunni invite
Why it matters
This is one of the most personal ceremonies in a Sikh wedding. It symbolises not just an engagement, but the beginning of a new family connection.
Maiyaan: A Blessing of Glow and Positivity
The Maiyaan is a pre-wedding ceremony filled with laughter, blessings, and turmeric. It’s the Sikh version of the Haldi but with its own unique flair.
What is Maiyaan?
The bride and groom each have a Maiyaan ceremony, usually held separately. Family members apply a paste of turmeric, flour, and mustard oil to their face, arms, and feet. It’s believed to cleanse the skin and bring a natural glow. The ceremony also includes prayers, songs, and teasing from friends.
Who is invited?
Close friends and family, sometimes neighbours. It’s usually a daytime event held at home.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. Especially if guests are attending multiple events in one day. Raw Invites can include your Maiyaan as part of a larger timeline or as its own vibrant invite.
How to personalise your Maiyaan invite
Why it matters
The Maiyaan sets a light, happy tone before the wedding. It’s about blessing the couple, sharing joy, and enjoying tradition.
Jaggo: The Ultimate Pre-Wedding Party
Jaggo means “wake up” — and it absolutely lives up to its name. It’s the loudest, most energetic night before the wedding in a Sikh wedding timeline.
What is Jaggo?
Held the night before the wedding, this celebration includes singing, dancing, and carrying lit copper pots (jaggo) filled with candles or oil lamps. The family dances through their home or neighbourhood, announcing the upcoming wedding to the world.
Who is invited?
Everyone. This is a full-on party. Friends, family, neighbours, and even distant relatives.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. Since it often goes late into the night and may require special attire or performances, a clear invite helps. At Raw Invites, we design wedding invitations that balance tradition with a touch of hype.
How to personalise your Jaggo invite
Why it matters
Jaggo brings everyone together in the spirit of joy. It is your party before the party.
While Mehndi is not originally a Sikh tradition, it has become a beloved part of modern Sikh weddings.
What is Mehndi Night?
The bride and her close friends and family gather to apply intricate henna designs. The event usually includes food, music, and light-hearted celebrations. Some families combine it with other functions like the Chunni or Maiyaan.
Who is invited?
Mostly women, but modern weddings often include all friends and cousins.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. This is a social event that often has themed outfits or coordinated decor. Invitations can help tie it into your full wedding suite.
How to personalise your Mehndi invite
Why it matters
Even if it’s a borrowed tradition, Mehndi brings joy and a sense of celebration that fits perfectly into the Sikh wedding energy.
Anand Karaj: The Sacred Sikh Wedding Ceremony
This is the heart of a Sikh wedding. Anand Karaj means “Blissful Union” — a calm, spiritual, and deeply symbolic ceremony.
What is Anand Karaj?
Held at the gurdwara, the bride and groom sit before the Guru Granth Sahib and walk around it four times as the prayers are read. Each round (laavan) symbolises a step in their spiritual and emotional journey together.
Who is invited?
Everyone. It’s the main wedding ceremony.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. The time, location (especially if it’s at a gurdwara), and dress code should be clearly shared. At Raw Invites, we create invitation suites that reflect the respect and beauty of this ceremony.
How to personalise your Anand Karaj invite
Why it matters
The Anand Karaj is sacred. It is the moment two souls are joined in the presence of the divine and their families.
Reception: The Grand Sikh Wedding Celebration
The wedding reception is where formality meets fun. After all the ceremonies, this is your time to let loose and celebrate.
What is the reception?
A glamorous evening with food, speeches, dancing, and often multiple outfit changes. It can include first dances, cake cutting, and performances by friends and family.
Who is invited?
Usually all wedding guests, with the occasional addition of colleagues or extended social circles.
Do you need an invitation?
Yes. This is your final event and should be clearly outlined in your wedding suite. Raw Invites can help you make it feel as grand or laid-back as you want.
How to personalise your reception invite
Why it matters
The reception is your last chance to thank your guests, take in the moment, and dance into married life.
