Click to play videoNew Delhi: It’s a busy time for Manjit Singh. His daughter is getting married in two weeks’ time. The family is busy sorting out minor matters like wedding invitations but they have bigger problems.
The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has enforced a strict code of conduct that says Sikhs must practice austerity in their weddings.
“The cocktail party is ruled out but I am holding a sangeet and one party before the marriage. But the wedding is in the gurudwara and there I am abiding by moral code of conduct,” said Singh.
Like Manjit many Sikhs in the Capital are now hastily cutting down wedding plans, aimed at cutting down unnecessary costs and ensuring the Guru Granth does not leave the gurdwara.
The DSGMC is insisting on day weddings and baraats, else a marriage certificate will not be issued by them.
Committees comprising 11 members each will be spread across the 46 circles Delhi is divided into, to monitor if the moral code of conduct is executed properly. Moreover, the committee plans to put around 400 billboards requesting and reminding people to abide by the gurudwara rules.
While most agree that weddings should be simple, alcohol free and retain the sanctity of the religious ceremony, they are skeptical about its practicality outside of the four religious walls.
“It’s a moral code of conduct. There's no law behind it. We can only request them not to have lavish marriages. In gurudwaras it is always simple. Outside, they can do what they wish, what can we do,” said General Secretary, Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Avtar Singh.
With the wedding season around the corner, it may be too soon to say whether weddings like this will be history.
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