Laavaan

Origins and text

These nuptial verses were composed by Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru. They appear in the Guru Granth Sahib between pages 773 and 774. The text outlines the duties of marriage and the journey toward the Almighty. Earlier teachings by Guru Amar Das clarify that true marriage unites two bodies into one soul. The hymns serve as a blueprint for living a righteous life together under divine guidance.

Ceremonial practice

During the Anand Karaj, the bride and groom join hands with a cloth called a rumala sahib. They walk around the Guru Granth Sahib four times, once for each hymn. A priest or granthi sings the verses while the couple moves. This circular movement symbolizes their commitment to God, with the Guru acting as a spiritual witness. The congregation provides worldly support for this sacred bond.

Spiritual stages

Each round addresses a specific phase of spiritual growth. The first verse encourages renouncing sin and following righteousness. The second focuses on removing ego and singing praises to the Creator. The third emphasizes finding peace within the holy congregation and remembering the divine name. The final stage describes achieving inner peace and accepting the will of God, where the souls merge with the divine presence.

How Laavaan is kept

The couple joins hands with a cloth and circles the Guru Granth Sahib four times. A religious leader sings the Laavaan hymns from the scripture. Each circle corresponds to one verse, guiding the partners through stages of righteousness, devotion, community connection, and divine peace. The Guru Granth Sahib remains the focal point throughout the ritual.

When and where

This custom occurs during the Anand Karaj ceremony. It takes place after the initial blessings and before the final prayers. The timing is fixed within the structure of the Sikh wedding service.

The practice is central to Sikh weddings worldwide. It is most prominent in India and Pakistan, where Sikh communities are largest. Any gurdwara can host this ceremony.

What Laavaan means

The four rounds represent the soul's journey toward God. Circling the scripture shows that the Guru is the center of their lives. The cloth joining their hands signifies unity. The verses teach that marriage is a spiritual partnership aimed at self-improvement and divine connection rather than just social union.

Who takes part

• The couple: Circle the Guru Granth Sahib holding a cloth
• The granthi: Recite and sing the four hymns
• The congregation: Provide spiritual witness and support

If you are a guest

Guests sit in the prayer hall and listen to the hymns. They may sing along if they know the verses. Their presence serves as a temporal witness to the couple's vows. No specific gifts are required, but respectful attendance is expected.

Then and now

The tradition remains unchanged in standard Sikh weddings. Some modern couples may shorten the ceremony length but keep the four rounds intact. The core meaning of spiritual union continues to be valued across generations.

On the wedding table

Symbols: Garlands and flowers The colour red

Questions people ask about Laavaan

See also

MayianThe turmeric paste ceremony held the day before Punjabi weddings in India and Pakistan.Bengali Muslim weddingA multi-day Bengali Muslim marriage blending Islamic rites with local folk traditions.Odia Hindu weddingThe traditional Hindu marriage ceremony of the Odia people in Odisha, India.Maithil VivahThe arranged Hindu marriage of Maithils in the Mithila region, guided by Vedic texts and local customs.

Good reading and sources

• Laavaan on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.