New Delhi (KP) – Taking a positive step to ensure Gurmat maryada is followed at Sikh weddings, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has passed directives asking Sikhs all across Delhi and other places to boycott marriages in which meat or alcohol are served. This latest directive by the DSGMC is also in accordance to Akal Takhat Sahib Maryada which applies to all Sikhs, irrespective of their background, affiliation, demographics or social status. The call to boycott such weddings is an interesting move as Sikhs based in New Delhi mostly belong to affluent families that are able to afford large budget weddings. Furthermore, the DSGMC manages over 350 Gurdwaras in Delhi and all their management committees have been asked to comply with the newly passed directive. The new directives uphold the common norm that events in which meat and alcohol are served are against the standards of Gurmat. In addition, those weddings that aren’t over by the evening are also not to be attended .
Traditionally, all Sikhs were of the belief that weddings are to be kept as simple as possible, but as times have progressed, a lot of ego has entered into the Sikh folds and our practices have gone astray from basic principles of Gurmat. In order to follow societal norms, even the average income earners have to take out loans to pay for their daughters’ weddings. In simple terms, such practices support the dowry system and female feticide, two principals which were both looked down upon by the Sikh Gurus. According to the Committee President Paramjit Sarna, even though the Panthic Maryada asks Sikhs to shun such worldly practices, there has only been an increase in recent years as the responsible Sikh organizations have not played their part in spreading Gurmat at a large scale. The worst thing about such weddings is that they put a burden on the shoulders of the bride's family. As the brides' families have to cope with the illegal demands of dowry, they have to bury the ultimate costs of ritualistic and social gatherings.
Sikhs who do not comply with these directives will not be issued wedding certificates from any of the 350 Gurdwaras based throughout Delhi. Furthermore, weddings that include evening or night parties will also not be allowed to hold anand karaj ceremonies at Gurdwara Sahibs.
