tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23765492536342048002024-03-13T15:58:17.592+08:00Prithipal weds HarjyotUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376549253634204800.post-55211494407038339332008-01-29T08:21:00.000+08:002008-01-29T04:53:56.630+08:00Welcome to our weblog!<p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span id="text_1_wrapper"><span id="text_1"><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Jyot and I would be very honoured to have you at our marriage. Not only would we like for you to join us in our wedding celebrations but also, we request your blessings for us to continue our married life with love, respect and trust for each other.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">This weblog has been created to help you understand our Sikh wedding customs and traditions, as well as, to provide you with information on all our wedding events. Do check back for updates and new posts.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Please RSVP below or contact us with your queries. We look forward to meeting you at our marriage! </span></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376549253634204800.post-85146061514742101712008-01-29T08:20:00.000+08:002008-01-29T04:39:09.892+08:00You're Invited!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pmGJwP1iZakGOL9lvoP6dDBQyt9LI7QdPsXSxLauEPHMPbuibIVRwKrKjBNhudVoKrJw8N-IMV0a8eia5zAm0kujodgQKrXHsFAJZifaTE9jCZzn8HpNcp7IUPs53HfXgmP74QarN5np/s1600-h/Wedding_Invitation_BP.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160553727621209042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: pointer; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0pmGJwP1iZakGOL9lvoP6dDBQyt9LI7QdPsXSxLauEPHMPbuibIVRwKrKjBNhudVoKrJw8N-IMV0a8eia5zAm0kujodgQKrXHsFAJZifaTE9jCZzn8HpNcp7IUPs53HfXgmP74QarN5np/s320/Wedding_Invitation_BP.jpg" border="0" /></a>Print and include your name<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPcTQAmqRQ2NdUfng9GR_zjrq0RvJw5AGbjyEFv1TJEEBA5z2WXPNvkdtSyeYeH-qdgE1zo2dQC-T77S5yHyl4po3xZOYNdddr-MaJ9Vldu5p0hfNP05SQkOvg0V3VnguDseVWRGO4BYhj/s1600-h/boardingpass_large.jpg"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376549253634204800.post-71853411001020855382008-01-29T08:19:00.000+08:002008-01-29T05:00:25.158+08:00About Us<span style="font-family:arial;">Our story began in 2002 when we met at a party. It was a pretty brief meeting at the time, but luckily for me, I managed to get her number. I called her a couple of days later and from there, we started to get to know each other better. A few weeks and a few dates later, unfortunately, she had to return to Canada where she was completing her business degree. Two more years would go by before she sent me an email to say that she was back in town. That was the moment we reconnected and pretty soon we realized that we still got along really well. Over the next two years, our relationship steadily grew stronger. As a consequence, I first met her family at the end of 2006. Plucking up enough courage, I asked her father for her hand soon after. He said "yes" and the rest you can say is history!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376549253634204800.post-69184515379561813572008-01-29T08:17:00.000+08:002008-01-29T05:07:44.536+08:00Events at a Sikh Wedding<span style="font-family:arial;">In a Sikh wedding, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ambiance</span> is set months before the wedding. In the case of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jyot</span> and myself, the first function we had was a <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Thaka</span> Ceremony</strong> or Announcement of the Engagement. This happened once both families had agreed to the alliance. The ceremony is an indication to the community, that the couple is spoken for and they will receive no more offers of marriage.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">A week before the actual wedding date, i.e. on the 3rd of February, I will have my <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Shagun</span></strong> or Engagement in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Gurdwara</span>. On this occasion the two families exchange gifts to confirm the engagement. The ceremony is held in the morning with the Groom's family receiving gifts of sweets, fruits and other gifts of clothes and jewellery. The sweets and fruits are distributed to the Holy Congregation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">After the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Shagun</span>, the Groom's family goes to the Bride's residence with the wedding <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">chunni</span></strong> (veil) and is given gifts. The Groom's mother or close female relatives such as sisters and Aunts put a bit of <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">mehndi</span></strong> (henna) on the Bride's palms, a red <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">chunni</span> on her head, gold jewellery on her neck and ears, makeup, etc to symbolize her marriage.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The <strong>Ring Ceremony & <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sangeet</span></strong> will be held on the 7<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">th</span> of February at the </span><a href="http://www.rafflestownclub.com.sg/location.html"><span style="font-family:arial;">Raffles Town Club</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;">. The couple will exchange rings followed by an event where both sides come together for a night of great food, dancing and singing. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sangeet</span> is the Indian version of the Western bridal shower. At the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sangeet</span>, ladies sing traditional Indian songs, using the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">dhol</span> (a two sided drum), performances are put up by members of the family, as well as, professional dancers, ending with an open <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">dance floor</span> for everyone to join in the fun.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Sangeet</span> also includes the <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Jaggo</span></strong> where the Bride/Groom's maternal aunt (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">mami</span>) carries a copper vessel decorated with lighted divas (clay lamps) on her head, and another lady will have a long stick with bells, and she will be shaking it. The copper vessel will the be passed between the female members of the family.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">On the following morning, 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">th</span> February, there will be <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Vatna</span></strong>, a ceremony where the couple's families rub yellow <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">turmeric</span> paste on their legs, face, and arms while they sit on a <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">patri</span></strong> (a special red board with embroidery) and are under a red cloth held by four women. This ceremony is done to cleanse and balance the body for his/her marriage life. There is always <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">rangoli</span></strong> (a intricate floor design using coloured powder) in front of where the Groom/Bride is sitting. A red thread is tied to the wrists of the Bride and Groom. After this the mother will clean the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">rangoli</span>, and mix it with water, and put it on the front walls of the house. Indians say the longer it lasts, the more love a mother has for her son or daughter.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In the afternoon, the Bride's family will host a <strong><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Mehndi</span> Lunch</strong> (Henna ceremony) at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">their</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOMe-eAhtmDYzxB4AZwBP2sbNFLoOfvmi5Ye39EIbxnpV50GXLUAaIedqPaS7_2vQIpS6h0NeqSUgQZZlM3-zROQ8rwwgekZ9EEspNLlIg7XTDzx8F_XHGwbcwpgGORweE_uW0z15yTMi/s1600-h/mehndi.jpg"><span style="font-family:arial;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160619281707047954" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOMe-eAhtmDYzxB4AZwBP2sbNFLoOfvmi5Ye39EIbxnpV50GXLUAaIedqPaS7_2vQIpS6h0NeqSUgQZZlM3-zROQ8rwwgekZ9EEspNLlIg7XTDzx8F_XHGwbcwpgGORweE_uW0z15yTMi/s200/mehndi.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"> residence. Here the Bride's hands and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">feet</span> are covered in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">mehndi</span> design. This is also where all the other ladies who are friends and family can get their hands stained in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">mehndi</span> for the </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LL2TOLv69GM/R4NRMYp0uvI/AAAAAAAAAAY/t0bX8niXQ20/s1600-h/mehndi.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:arial;">wedding. There is a saying in India that when you get married, and have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">mehndi</span> applied to your hands, that the darker it is, the more love your future mother-in-law has for you. The Groom, by tradition will also have a little bit of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">mehndi</span> applied on his palm or on the front of his hands.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">On the day before the wedding, the Bride and Groom follow the Sikh custom of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Maiya</span> where both are not allowed to leave their house before the wedding.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376549253634204800.post-80445286827150071512008-01-29T08:00:00.000+08:002008-01-29T05:14:57.536+08:00The Wedding Day<div><span style="font-family:arial;">The wedding morning starts off with the <strong>Departure of the Barat</strong> from the Groom's house. <strong>Barat</strong> is the term used to describe the party from the Groom's side. A <strong>Sehra</strong> or veil of golden threads is tied on the Groom's turban by his sisters and for the rest of the day, the Groom will be accompanied by the <strong>Sarbala</strong> (a young boy, who is my nephew).</span></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0L9nACFPIry_7jFvhyphenhyphenUPmjTgMvHAOzUYnR2LgDVo7QrPzDI6H7cH01ZJGP9cQhLjTcAcOP6QWluulqt7QUUR6FzF1amDlP4EyT5Bh-ZAZkbaoTCbwGbgwkNTyMY9BZxfQRHAKyKSfkj-O/s1600-h/punjk2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160638196743019554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0L9nACFPIry_7jFvhyphenhyphenUPmjTgMvHAOzUYnR2LgDVo7QrPzDI6H7cH01ZJGP9cQhLjTcAcOP6QWluulqt7QUUR6FzF1amDlP4EyT5Bh-ZAZkbaoTCbwGbgwkNTyMY9BZxfQRHAKyKSfkj-O/s200/punjk2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The Barat leaves from the Groom's house to the <strong>Gurdwara</strong> (Sikh temple), where the wedding will take place. The tradition is for the Groom and the Sarbala to ride to the temple on a richly caparisoned mare with his sisters and cousins braiding the bridle with golden tassels, for which they receive gifts from the Groom's mother. In my case, however, a continental car will replace the mare and the golden tassels will be tied onto the vehicle instead.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">In the Bride's house, on the morning of the wedding, her mother's brother and his wife (the Bride's 'mama' and 'mami') then adorn her wrists with the traditional wedding bangles. The bangles are always uneven in number and are blessed by five ladies in the family who have been happily married for a long time. The bride also wears a steel bangle or <strong>kada</strong> on each wrist onto which her family and friends tie the <strong>kaleeran</strong> or dangling golden baubles, symbols of good luck!</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Next we have the <strong>Reception of the Barat </strong>where the Groom's party is "received" by the Bride's party at the Gurdwara. The Barat arrives in a parade style, with dancing and <strong>dhol</strong> (two sided drum) music. This is followed by <strong>Milni </strong>which literally means "Introductions". The Groom and the Bride's family meet by embracing each other. The <strong>Ardas </strong>(prayer) is performed by the <strong>Giani</strong> (priest) followed by the formal introductions of the main male players in the families, where they exchange garlands of flowers and money. This is followed by the ladies' Milni and then onto the <strong>Guru ka Langar Hall </strong>(communal eating hall) for a vegetarian breakfast.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">The wedding party moves into the main prayer hall for the <a href="http://prithiwedsjyot.blogspot.com/2008/01/anand-karaj.html"><strong>Anand Karaj</strong> </a>or main wedding ceremony. After t</span><span style="font-family:Arial;">he wedding ceremony, the congregation then proceeds to the Guru ka Langar Hall for a vegetarian meal. The Barat will be invited for a lunch provided by the Bride's family to be held at the <a href="http://www.sswimclub.org.sg/location.asp">Singapore Swimming Club</a>.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">At some point during the lunch, the Bride returns to her home to prepare for the departure of the <strong>Doli</strong>, the ceremony where the Bride departs her parents' home for her new home - a very sad and touching occasion.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">While she changes into new clothes that are presented to her by the groom's family, the Groom will have to contend with the Bride's young relatives, who will grab the Groom's untended shoes and hide them away to be returned after the ceremony for a fee which is <strong>Kalecharis </strong>(rings) of gold for the Bride's sisters and of silver for her cousins!</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">When the Bride leaves, she throws puffed rice over her shoulders in four directions, and cannot look back. This symbolizes her new life, with her new family.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">When they reach the Groom's parents' house, his mother performs the traditional ceremony at the doorstep, where she makes seven attempts to drink water from a pitcher. The Groom must allow her to succeed only at the seventh attempt. The Bride must also, with her right foot, kick the mustard oil that is put on the sides of the entrance door before she enters the house.</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Finally, the <strong>Wedding Reception</strong> will be held on the next day, 10th February, at the <a href="http://www.orchidclub.com/moby/cms/contactus/map.html">Orchid Country Club</a>. It is a formal evening "dinner and dance" type occasion.</div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376549253634204800.post-89360237939587623462008-01-29T07:59:00.000+08:002008-01-29T05:24:21.173+08:00Anand Karaj<strong><span style="font-family:arial;">Anand Karaj</span></strong> <span style="font-family:arial;">is the prescribed form</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> of Sikh marriage, the words literally translate as "Blissful Union". The Sikh marriage is a very special ceremony in which two individuals are joined in a equal partnership. It is joyous and festive event which is very family orientated and informal in it's atmosphere. Sikh marriages are usually arranged with families acting as little more than introduction services. In our case, Jyot and I chose each other first and then sought our parents' consent and blessing.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The <strong>Reht Maryada</strong> which is the official Sikh Code of Conduct specifies that no thought should be given to the perspective spouses caste, race or lineage. As long as both the boy and girl profess the Sikh faith and no other faith they may be joined in wedlock by the Anand Karaj ceremony. The Reht Maryada strictly forbids any sort of dowry arrangement as marriage is not to be viewed as a business transaction. Sikhs are also discouraged from consulting horoscopes or following any other superstitions pertaining to determining a wedding date or time.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Anand Karaj ceremony can be performed in any Gurdwara or home where <strong>Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji</strong> (the Sikh holy book) has been respectfully installed. The religious ceremony cannot be performed in a hotel or banquet hall. There are no restrictions as to what time the ceremony should start or what time it should end although they are usually performed in the morning with the religious ceremony taking no more than a few hours.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Before the ceremony begins, you are to be seated in the Gurdwara. While you are waiting for the Groom to enter, you will be listening to <strong>kirtan</strong> (the singing of hymns). When the Groom arrives he will be seated in front of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The bride will arrive traditionally escorted by her father and brothers as well as cousin-brothers, but it is not uncommon for her to be escorted by her parents alone. Now that both the bride and groom are present, the Anand Karaj will begin.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">The Giani will address the significance of the union that the couple is about to embark on. Next, the couple and their parents will rise for <strong>Ardas</strong> (prayers asking for God's blessing for the union). Ardas will be followed by the <strong>Palaa Ceremony</strong>. The palaa is a shawl that is folded lengthwise and the right end is draped over the Groom's shoulder and into his hands. During this ceremony, the Bride's father takes the left end of the palaa and places it into the hands of his daughter. The palaa bonds the couple together with the consent of the bride's father.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Next the most import<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVfwCj9kGFWPJZtDlq3r8Sr3NHTzxa_PbhQWGizWbGteC-YVHYUmikyR1ku4pbovg_Aj0cVZspOzVZmlgLzfcHSTj1qhSYbuTdBYWt4OgU95Pg5WTDAUAb-NyjZpD_dtoR68HYWIXqNPf/s1600-h/Laava_3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160639828830592066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNVfwCj9kGFWPJZtDlq3r8Sr3NHTzxa_PbhQWGizWbGteC-YVHYUmikyR1ku4pbovg_Aj0cVZspOzVZmlgLzfcHSTj1qhSYbuTdBYWt4OgU95Pg5WTDAUAb-NyjZpD_dtoR68HYWIXqNPf/s200/Laava_3.jpg" border="0" /></a>ant ritual in a Sikh wedding ceremony is the <strong>Laava</strong>. The laava is a series of four prayers that describe the four stages of love and married life. During each of the four prayers, the Groom leads the Bride around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Bride walks behind the Groom and is assisted by her brothers or in the absence of brothers, her cousin-brothers. After each verse, the couple bows to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When the couple circles the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji each time, they are making a commitment to God with the Guru as spiritual witness and support. And as one circles the </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Sri Guru Granth Sahib</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> Ji the couple are reminded that the Guru should be the center of their life, from which springs their spiritual guidance and understanding that the couple will require for their souls' long journey across this world ocean. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the centre and the </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Sadh Sangat</strong> (Holy Congregation)</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> is their worldly witness and support.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">When the four laavas are complete, the hymn of </span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Anand Sahib</strong> (prayer of Complete Happiness)</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> is read by the <strong>Ragis</strong>. There is also an Ardas, which marks the completion of the ceremony. A Holy "<strong>Vaak</strong>", which is a random reading of the of a hymn in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is read out whilst <strong>Karah Parshad</strong> (holy food) is distributed to the whole congregation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">This marks the end of the Anand Karaj or wedding ceremony.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2376549253634204800.post-47583368233206859152008-01-29T07:58:00.000+08:002008-01-29T05:24:52.333+08:00Attending A Sikh Wedding<span style="font-family:arial;">If you've never attended a Sikh wedding or even a Gurdwara, don’t panic, below is a brief guide to what to expect and what to wear:<br /></span><a title="Enlarge" href="http://www.sikhiwiki.org/index.php/Image:Darbar_Hall.JPG"></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">All visitors to a </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Sikh</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Gurdwara</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> should be aware of the following guidelines when visiting:</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />- Please dress appropriately so that you can sit comfortably and with decency on the carpeted floor. It is recommended to wear loose fitting clothing which covers most of your legs. Low hanging pants/trousers may not be suitable. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />- All visitors entering the Main Prayer Hall will have to remove their shoes and place them in the shoe racks provided.<br /><br />- All visitors MUST cover their heads while in the main </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Gurdwara</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> areas. Head scarves for men/boys will normally be available in the Gurdwara but a large knotted handkerchief is acceptable. Sikh men normally wear a </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Turban</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.<br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">- Women/Girls will need to wear a <strong>dupatta/chunni</strong> or headscarf. The Gurdwara usually has a box of scarves, but you could bring your own headscarf for this purpose. The Sikh ladies usually wear a "</span><span style="font-family:arial;"><strong>Chunni</strong></span><span style="font-family:arial;">", which is normally a long, flowing semi-transparent plain cloth with a decorated, veiled edging. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />- Chairs are not provided in the Gurdwara and so, when sitting, this will be on the carpeted floor both in the Main Prayer Hall. Chairs are provided in the Guru ka </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Langar Hall</span><span style="font-family:arial;">.<br /></span><br /></span><span style="font-family:arial;">- On first entering the large prayer room, a small bow to the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the holy book) shows respect to the host community. Backs should not be turned to the Sri </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Guru Granth Sahib Ji</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> or the soles of the feet pointed towards the Sikh holy book when sitting on the carpet. It is normal to sit cross-legged yoga style.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- Visitors will usually be offered </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Karah Parshad</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> (sweet flour and oil based food offered as a gift) in the worship hall, which is usually given in cupped hands and eaten with the right hand. If you are uncertain about your ability to eat a lot of this food – Say “very small portion” to the </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Sewadar</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> (volunteer) serving the Karah Parshad. You should take a small plastic bag (or ask for one from the </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Sewadar</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> (volunteer) serving the Kara Parshad to save your Karah Parshad if it is not to your taste. Please do not refuse it or throw it away as it is considered very disrespectful.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">- You may be offered </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Langar</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> (vegetarian food from the communal kitchen). If not too certain about consuming this food you can ask to be excused although most people should take langar as it is regarded as a blessing by the </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Guru</span><span style="font-family:arial;">. When in the Guru ka Langar Hall, it is better to ask for less rather than take too much and waste the food. Say “very little” to the </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Sewadar</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> (volunteer) serving the Langar. If you require more later, just wait for the Sewadar to come around.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1