Deepi and Gary

We’re sorry we haven’t posted in a while. We’ve been busy enjoying married life!  Deepi’s busy teaching her fourth grade class, and Gary is working, working working.  Ziggy enjoys running circles around the sofa, causing havoc, and is currently enrolled in puppy training.  Thank you cards are a work in progress.  Report cards and parent conferences are in the next two weeks, so the Thank you cards will hopefully roll out soon after. Take care!

Love,

The Manns

Before we leave for our honeymoon tonight, we want to thank everyone for coming out and helping us celebrate our first day together as husband and wife.  It was nice to see all of our friends and family come together just for us.  We were sad that we couldn’t spend more time with everyone, especially the people that we do not have a chance to see often.  We’re also sorry that we were not able to meet and greet everyone at the wedding and reception;  things were just flying by us the whole day, because we were so excited.  We are especially thankful to all those who helped us prepare and organize for 07.21.07 to make it such a memorable day, and we hold a special place in our hearts for everyone there.

On a side note, there are a lot of pictures from our wedding;  We would appreciate it if you could email us the pictures; Gary will compile them together and post them online for everyone to see.  Thank you again!

love,

deepi and gary mann.

One week until the wedding!!  I can’t wait until I see all of the last minute details that Gary’s been working on!  It’s hard to believe that the day i’ve been waiting for is finally here!!!!

~Deepi~

Reception of the Baraat (Groom’s family and friends) - Gary and his family will arrive at the Gurdwara (Temple) and be received by the bride’s family. Traditionally, the groom arrives on a horse or an elephant, but Gary decided to play it safe and dance in with his friends and family.

Milni (Introductions)-The Milni will begin by the Granthi’s (priests) saying Ardas (a prayer). A number of family members on both sides will be introduced and exchanges garlands with each other. After the milni, breakfast and tea will be served.

Anand Karaj (Actual wedding Ceremony) - The wedding will take place in the Gurduwara (Temple). All guests must take their shoes off and cover their heads before entering. Kirtan (hymns) will be sung by the priests as guests enter and pay respects to the Guru Granth Sahib. Non-Sikh guests can choose to pay respects, or if you feel uncomfortable, you may just take a seat. Men and women sit on opposite sides of the temple on the carpeted floor. During the wedding, seating may be tight, so guests may opt to move to the langar hall (dining room), where they can watch the wedding on screens and sit freely. After a number of guests are seating, the groom and his family will arrive and take a seat. Gary’s female cousins will remove his Sera (broach), which decorates his turban. Just before Deepi arrives, Gary will take a seat in front of the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book). Deepi will arrive with her family, pay respects to the Guru Granth Sahib and then sit to the left of Gary. The Granthi (priest) will then ask Deepi and Gary and their parents to stand while the priests sing a special Ardas (prayer); the rest of the congregation remains seated. Deepi’s father will then place Gary’s Pulla (Scarf) in Deepi’s hands to signify that he is giving her away and blessing the union. The priests will sing Slok Mahala Panjwa (the joining him). The Granthi will then sing the Lavan (wedding hymns) and with each stanza, Gary and Deepi will circle the Guru Granth Sahib a total of four times.

Ardas (Prayer) - During this prayer the entire congregation stands and prays.

Kara Parshad - The Granthis will pass out parshad (Sweet pudding) to all guests.

Shaagan/Lunch - Family members will walk up behind the couple and offer their blessings to the marriage. During this time, lunch will be served outside for all guests.