Anand Karaj Invitation: What to Include & Wording Guide
The Anand Karaj, meaning "blissful union" in Punjabi, is the sacred Sikh wedding ceremony performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib. Rooted in the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, this ceremony celebrates devotion to Waheguru, the unity of two souls, and the coming together of families and the broader Sikh community, known as the Sangat. Your wedding invitation is the first glimpse your guests receive of this joyous occasion, so it should reflect the core Sikh values of faith, humility, equality, and love. Whether you are planning a traditional ceremony at a Gurdwara or a modern celebration that honors Sikh heritage, getting the wording and design of your invitation right sets the tone for the entire event.
What to Include on an Anand Karaj Invitation
A well-crafted Sikh wedding invitation should include the following essential elements to ensure your guests have all the information they need and feel the spiritual significance of the occasion:
- Ik Onkar symbol at the top — The sacred Sikh symbol representing the one supreme reality. It is traditionally placed at the very top of the card.
- "Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh" — The traditional Sikh greeting meaning "The Khalsa belongs to Waheguru, Victory belongs to Waheguru." This is the standard opening line.
- Names of the bride and groom — Full names of the couple, often in both English and Gurmukhi script.
- Parents' and grandparents' names — In Sikh tradition, naming the elders shows respect and establishes family lineage.
- Date and time — Include both the Gregorian calendar date and the Nanakshahi calendar date for a traditional touch.
- Gurdwara name and full address — Specify the venue where the Anand Karaj ceremony will take place.
- Kirtan timing — Mention when the Kirtan (devotional singing) begins, as many guests arrive for this portion.
- Langar details — Include information about the Langar (community meal) that follows the ceremony, as it is an integral part of Sikh hospitality.
- RSVP and dress code — Specify how to respond and mention that formal Punjabi attire is typical. Remind guests to cover their heads in the Gurdwara.
Traditional Anand Karaj Wordings in English
Here are several examples of formal English wordings that honor Sikh tradition while being clear and inviting for all guests:
Formal Family Invitation
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
With the grace of the Almighty Waheguru, Sardar Harjinder Singh & Sardarni Gurpreet Kaur request the pleasure of your company at the Anand Karaj ceremony of their beloved daughter Simran Kaur with Arjun Singh, son of Sardar Rajinder Singh & Sardarni Manpreet Kaur.
Saturday, 15th March 2026 at 10:00 AM
Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Sector 34, ChandigarhKirtan: 9:00 AM · Langar to follow the ceremony
With Waheguru Blessing Opening
By the grace of Waheguru
The Singh and Kaur families joyfully invite you to celebrate the Anand Karaj of Navneet Kaur & Harpreet Singh. Come witness this blissful union as the couple takes their Laavaan around the Guru Granth Sahib in the presence of the Sangat.
Date: Sunday, 22nd March 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Venue: Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New Delhi
Both Families Hosting Together
Ik Onkar — There is One God
The families of Sardar Balwinder Singh Sandhu and Sardar Kuldeep Singh Gill together invite you with love and humility to the Anand Karaj of their children, Jasleen Kaur Sandhu and Gurdeep Singh Gill.
We request your presence and blessings as they begin their journey together under the guidance of Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
Saturday, 5th April 2026 at 9:30 AM
Gurdwara Sahib, Amritsar
Shorter Elegant Format
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
You are cordially invited to the Anand Karaj of Manpreet Kaur & Tejpal Singh. Join us as two families unite in love, faith, and devotion.
March 29, 2026 · 10:00 AM
Gurdwara Singh Sabha, LudhianaLangar Seva to follow. Kindly cover your head in the Gurdwara.
Destination Wedding Format
With Waheguru's blessings
Sardar Jaswant Singh Dhillon & family joyfully invite you to Amritsar, the holy city, for the Anand Karaj of their son Ranveer Singh with Amandeep Kaur, daughter of Sardar Sukhdev Singh Brar & family.
Sunday, 12th April 2026
Gurdwara Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), AmritsarYour presence is the greatest gift.
Punjabi Wedding Card Wordings (Transliterated)
Including Punjabi text on your invitation adds an authentic cultural touch. Here are several examples in Romanized Punjabi with their English meanings:
Traditional Sat Sri Akal Greeting
Sat Sri Akal Ji
"Waheguru di mehar naal, assi apne pyaare bete / beti de viah dey shubh mauke te, tuhanu saadey naal khushi saanjhi karan da sadaa dinde haan."
Translation: By the grace of Waheguru, on the auspicious occasion of our beloved son/daughter's wedding, we invite you to share our happiness.
Formal Punjabi Invitation
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
"Sanu khushi hai ke assi apni beti Simran Kaur da Anand Karaj Arjun Singh naal karwaa rahe haan. Tuhade aashirwaad di zaroorat hai."
Translation: We are delighted to announce the Anand Karaj of our daughter Simran Kaur with Arjun Singh. We seek your blessings.
Warm Informal Punjabi
Sat Sri Akal
"Saade ghar khushi da mauka aaya hai! Saade ladke / ladki de viah vich zaroor aao. Tuhade bina saadi khushi adhuri hai."
Translation: A joyous occasion has come to our home! Please come to our son/daughter's wedding. Our happiness is incomplete without you.
With Ardaas (Prayer) Reference
"Waheguru agge ardaas hai ki oh saade bachcheyan nu sukhi jeevan bakshan. Tuhanu Anand Karaj dey shubh mauke te sadaa dinde haan."
Translation: We pray before Waheguru to bless our children with a happy life. We invite you on the auspicious occasion of the Anand Karaj.
Shabads & Blessings for Sikh Wedding Cards
Including lines from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji adds deep spiritual meaning to your Anand Karaj invitation. Here are some widely used Shabads and blessings:
From Guru Ram Das Ji (The Laavaan)
"Har pehlarhi laav parvirti karam drirhaaiaa Bal Raam Jio."
Translation: In the first round of the marriage ceremony, the Lord sets out His instructions for performing the daily duties of married life.
This is the opening line of the four Laavaan (wedding hymns) that form the heart of the Anand Karaj ceremony.
Waheguru Blessing for the Couple
"Dhan pir eh na aakhian behan ikathey hoey. Ek jot duey moorti dhan pir kehiey soey."
Translation: They are not said to be husband and wife who merely sit together. Rather, they alone are called husband and wife who have one soul in two bodies.
— Guru Amar Das Ji, Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 788
Blessing of Unity
"Sab te vadaa Satgur Nanak Jin kal raakhi meri."
Translation: The greatest of all is Guru Nanak, who has protected my honor in this age.
A widely used blessing invoking the grace of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to protect and guide the newlyweds.
Prayer for a Blissful Union
"Viahu hoaa mere Baabulaa Gur Mukh hari melaa hoey."
Translation: My marriage has been performed, O my father. The union with the Lord has been achieved through the Guru.
— Guru Granth Sahib
Modern Sikh Wedding Invitation Wordings
For couples who want to honor tradition while embracing a contemporary style, these modern wordings blend Sikh heritage with a fresh, personal voice:
Contemporary Couple-Led Invitation
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Two families, one love, endless blessings.
Simran & Arjun invite you to witness their Anand Karaj as they walk around the Guru Granth Sahib together and begin their journey as one.
March 15, 2026 · 10 AM · Gurdwara Sahib, Sector 34, Chandigarh
Kirtan from 9 AM · Langar to follow
Bilingual Punjabi + English
Sat Sri Akal · God is the Ultimate Truth
"Waheguru di mehar naal" — By the grace of Waheguru
We joyfully announce that Navneet Kaur & Harpreet Singh are getting married! Join us for a day of love, Kirtan, the sacred Laavaan, and lots of celebration (and Langar!).
22 March 2026 · 11:00 AM
Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, New DelhiDress code: Formal Punjabi attire · Please cover your head
Minimalist Modern
Together with Waheguru's blessings and our families' love
Jasleen & Gurdeep
invite you to their Anand Karaj
April 5, 2026 · 9:30 AM
Gurdwara Sahib, AmritsarCome for the Kirtan. Stay for the Langar. Dance at the reception.
Fun and Heartfelt
He put a ring on it, and Waheguru approved!
Amandeep & Ranveer are tying the knot Sikh-style.
Join us as we take our Laavaan, seek blessings from the Guru Granth Sahib, and celebrate with family, friends, and the best Langar you have ever tasted.
April 12, 2026 · 10 AM
Gurdwara Singh Sabha, LudhianaWaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh
Design Tips for Anand Karaj Cards
The visual design of your Sikh wedding invitation should complement the sacred wordings and create a cohesive experience. Here are some essential design tips:
- Use the Khanda or Ik Onkar symbol as the primary visual motif at the top of the card. These symbols immediately signal the Sikh identity of the event.
- Embrace Sikh Royal Blue and saffron as your color palette. Navy blue and deep saffron/orange are the most iconic colors associated with Sikh tradition and the Nishan Sahib.
- Use Gurmukhi script for headings or key phrases like the Waheguru greeting. This adds cultural authenticity even when the rest of the card is in English.
- Keep the layout respectful and clean — Sikh values emphasize simplicity and humility, so avoid overly ornate designs that overshadow the spiritual content.
- Try CardShilp's Sikh themes — Our Sikh Royal Blue and Punjabi Vibrant themes are purpose-built for Anand Karaj invitations, complete with Khanda, Ik Onkar, and Gurmukhi font support.
Design Your Anand Karaj Invitation with CardShilp
Ready to create a beautiful Sikh wedding invitation? CardShilp makes it easy with drag-and-drop design, authentic Sikh symbols, Gurmukhi script support, and culturally crafted themes. Start with a template, customize every detail, and export your card in minutes.