Sikh Anand Karaj Invitation Guide: Gurbani Blessings & Traditional Wording

Anand Karaj, meaning "Blissful Union", is the Sikh wedding ceremony performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib at a Gurdwara. The invitation card for it follows its own conventions, distinct from a general Indian wedding card, starting with the Ik Onkar symbol (ੴ) representing the oneness of God.

Opening with Ik Onkar and a Gurbani line

Just as Hindu cards open with Ganesha and Muslim cards with the Bismillah, Sikh Anand Karaj cards open with "ੴ" (Ik Onkar) at the very top, often followed by a short line from Gurbani. A widely used couplet is "Dhan So Vela Jit Mein Tuhanu Dithaam" — a blessing on the auspicious moment of union — though families sometimes choose a line specific to marriage from the Anand Sahib itself.

Naming the Gurdwara, not just a "venue"

Since Anand Karaj must take place at a Gurdwara, the card should name the specific Gurdwara Sahib clearly rather than a generic "venue" — this matters for guests, since the reception (often at a banquet hall or hotel) is usually a separate location and time from the ceremony itself.

Ik Onkar. With the blessings of Waheguru Ji, S. Baldev Singh & Smt. Amarjit Kaur request your gracious presence at the Anand Karaj of their daughter Simran Kaur with Gurpreet Singh, son of S. Manjit Singh & Smt. Jasbir Kaur, at Gurdwara Sahib, 10:00 AM, followed by Langar.

Mentioning Langar

It's customary to mention that Langar (the communal meal) will follow the ceremony, since it's open to all guests regardless of the reception invite list — a small phrase like "Langar to follow" after the ceremony time covers this.

Reception cards are worded differently

If there's a separate evening reception, that card typically drops the religious invocation in favour of a warmer, celebratory tone — "You are cordially invited to celebrate the marriage of..." — since the reception isn't a religious ceremony, just a social celebration of it.

ShadiCardMaker's Sikh templates include the Ik Onkar symbol, a pre-written Gurbani blessing line, and a dedicated field for Gurdwara name separate from the reception venue.