Understanding Anand Karaj: History, Community, and Legal Recognition

What is Anand Karaj?

Anand Karaj is the traditional Sikh marriage ceremony, literally meaning “Blissful Union.” It involves the recitation of the Lavan (four hymns) from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Unlike Hindu weddings, which often revolve around pheras around a sacred fire, Anand Karaj places the Sikh scripture at the center, symbolizing the spiritual foundation of the marital bond.

Who Follows Anand Karaj?

Anand Karaj is followed by the Sikh community worldwide. It reflects Sikh values of equality, simplicity, and spiritual union. The ceremony is performed in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib in a gurdwara or another sacred place.

  • Distinctiveness: It differentiates Sikh marriages from Hindu customs, highlighting the Sikh community’s distinct identity.

  • Inclusivity: The Sikh Rehat Maryada (code of conduct) provides that Anand Karaj can be performed only between two Sikhs. However, in practice, debates exist regarding interfaith marriages.

History and Origin of Anand Karaj

  • The Anand Karaj practice was institutionalized by Guru Amar Das (the third Sikh Guru) and popularized by Guru Ram Das (the fourth Guru).

  • Initially, colonial laws did not recognize Anand Karaj as a valid marriage. Sikh marriages had to be registered under the Hindu Marriage Act or Civil Marriage laws.

  • To address this gap, the Anand Marriage Act, 1909 was enacted during British rule, legally recognizing Sikh marriages performed through Anand Karaj.

Statutory Recognition of Anand Karaj

The Anand Marriage Act, 1909

  • Enacted to give statutory recognition to marriages solemnized through the Sikh rite of Anand Karaj.

  • It was a landmark in affirming the separate identity of Sikhs within India’s legal framework.

2012 Amendment to the Anand Marriage Act

  • Inserted Section 6, mandating states and union territories to frame rules for:

    • Maintaining marriage registers.

    • Facilitating registration of Anand Karaj marriages.

    • Providing certified extracts.

  • Importantly, it clarified that failure to register does not affect the validity of an Anand Karaj marriage.

Constitutional Provisions Related to Anand Karaj

  1. Article 25: Guarantees freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate religion. The Explanation to Article 25 explicitly recognizes Sikhs as a distinct religious community.

  2. Article 26: Protects the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs in matters of religion.

  3. Article 29: Safeguards the rights of cultural and religious minorities to conserve their distinct language, script, and culture.

  4. Article 371F(n) (specific to Sikkim): Allows Parliament to extend central laws, such as the Anand Marriage Act, to Sikkim with modifications.

These provisions collectively affirm the distinct identity and religious autonomy of Sikhs, under which Anand Karaj finds protection.

Other Marriage Laws Impacting Sikhs

Before the 2012 amendment, and even today in some states where Anand Marriage Act rules are not notified, Sikhs often rely on:

  • Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Many Sikh marriages are still registered under this Act due to administrative delays.

  • Special Marriage Act, 1954: Provides a civil, religion-neutral route for interfaith couples, including Sikhs.

  • Indian Christian Marriage Act & Muslim Personal Laws: Not directly applicable but represent the plurality of marriage statutes in India.

Current Supreme Court Directions (2025)

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court of India directed all states and UTs to notify rules under Section 6 of the Anand Marriage Act, 1909, within four months.

  • States that have not yet framed rules must do so urgently.

  • Meanwhile, existing marriage registration frameworks must accept Anand Karaj marriages without discrimination.

  • The Centre has been asked to act as a coordinating authority and compile model rules to guide states.

This ruling is seen as a historic affirmation of Sikh identity, dignity, and equality, ensuring Anand Karaj marriages are officially recognized across India.

Conclusion

Anand Karaj is more than just a marriage ritual — it is a cultural and spiritual assertion of Sikh identity. Its recognition under law ensures that Sikhs can solemnize marriages under their own traditions without being compelled to rely on parallel frameworks.

The Supreme Court’s intervention bridges the gap between ritual and record, reaffirming that constitutional promises of equality and religious freedom must translate into practical rights for citizens.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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