# Punjabi and Sikh wedding card wording, in Gurmukhi and English

By Zaroor Aana. Last updated 15 November 2026. Page: https://zarooraana.com/blog/punjabi-sikh-wedding-card-wording

> A Sikh wedding card opens with ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ (Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad). Then come the hosts as Sardar and Sardarni, a humble request, the couple with their parents, and the programme: baraat, milni, Anand Karaj at the gurdwara, Guru ka Langar and doli. Samples in Gurmukhi and English are below.

## In brief

- A Sikh wedding card begins with ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥, which means “One Creator, known by the grace of the True Guru”.
- The wedding ceremony is named Anand Karaj on the card, with the gurdwara’s name and the time, and Guru ka Langar after it.
- Elders are written as Sardar and Sardarni, often shortened to S. and Sdn., and the bride’s and groom’s names take Kaur and Singh.
- Punjabi cards list more functions than most: roka or thaka, chunni, maiyan, jaggo, sehra bandi, milni, Anand Karaj, doli and reception.
- Hindu Punjabi families use the same functions but open with their own invocation and name the pheras, not Anand Karaj.

## What is written at the top of a Sikh wedding card?

A Sikh wedding card opens with Ik Onkar. Most cards print the symbol ੴ alone, large, at the top. Many print the full line that opens almost every section of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

> ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥

In Roman letters this is Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad. You will also see it spelt Ik Oankar Satgur Parsad. It means “One Creator, known by the grace of the True Guru”.

Under it, some families print a line of Gurbani. These three are common on wedding cards. Each is given with the Ang (page) of Sri Guru Granth Sahib it comes from, so you can check the spelling yourself. Copy Gurbani exactly; do not retype it from memory.

**Gurbani lines often printed on Sikh wedding cards**

| Line | In Roman letters | Meaning | Ang |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| ਲਖ ਖੁਸੀਆ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀਆ ਜੇ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਕਰੇਇ ॥ | Lakh khusia patisahia je satgur nadar karei | Countless joys, like those of kings, come when the True Guru looks on with grace | 44 |
| ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਕੰਮੁ ਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਆਖੀਐ ॥ ਕਾਰਜੁ ਦੇਇ ਸਵਾਰਿ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸਚੁ ਸਾਖੀਐ ॥ | Keeta loriai kamm su har peh aakhiai. Kaaraj dei savaar satgur sach saakhiai | Whatever work you want done, tell the Lord; He will set it right, the True Guru is witness | 91 |
| ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਏਹਿ ਨ ਆਖੀਅਨਿ ਬਹਨਿ ਇਕਠੇ ਹੋਇ ॥ ਏਕ ਜੋਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਮੂਰਤੀ ਧਨ ਪਿਰੁ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਇ ॥ | Dhan pir eh na aakhian bahan ikatthe hoe. Ek jot dui moorti dhan pir kahiai soe | They are not husband and wife who only sit together; husband and wife are one light in two bodies | 788 |

Practice differs here. A card is often thrown away after the wedding, and Gurbani is treated with great respect, so some families and gurdwaras prefer that no Gurbani is printed on a card at all. Ask your elders or your gurdwara before you add a line. The ੴ symbol on its own is the usual choice when in doubt.

Hindu Punjabi families do not use Ik Onkar as the opening. Their cards begin with a line to Ganesh or to the family’s deity. The order of the rest of the card is the same as in [wedding card matter in Hindi and English](https://zarooraana.com/blog/wedding-card-matter-hindi-english).

## How are the hosts and the couple named on a Punjabi card?

The hosts on a Punjabi card are named with Sardar and Sardarni. Sardar is the title for a Sikh man and Sardarni for his wife. Cards often shorten them to S. and Sdn. The family that sends the card is the host, so the groom’s side names the groom first and the bride’s side names the bride first.

**Titles and words on a Punjabi wedding card**

| On the card | In Gurmukhi | Used for |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sardar, S. | ਸਰਦਾਰ, ਸ. | A Sikh man: the fathers and grandfathers |
| Sardarni, Sdn. | ਸਰਦਾਰਨੀ | His wife: the mothers and grandmothers |
| Bibi | ਬੀਬੀ | A respectful title for a woman, used by some families for the bride or for elders |
| Kaka | ਕਾਕਾ | “Young man”, written before the groom’s name on some Punjabi cards |
| Biba | ਬੀਬਾ | “Dear girl”, written before the bride’s name on some Punjabi cards |
| Saputtar / Saputtri | ਸਪੁੱਤਰ / ਸਪੁੱਤਰੀ | Son of / daughter of |
| Shubh Viah | ਸ਼ੁਭ ਵਿਆਹ | “Auspicious wedding”, the heading or the phrase in the request line |

Singh and Kaur are part of the name, so they stay: Kaka Gurpreet Singh, Biba Harleen Kaur. English cards usually drop Kaka and Biba and keep Sardar and Sardarni for the elders. If a grandparent has passed away, write “Late” before the name.

Grandparents are honoured in a blessings line above the hosts, as in “With the blessings of Sardarni [Grandmother] and Sardar [Grandfather]”. Some families put the grandfather first; follow what your family has always printed.

## How is the Anand Karaj written on the card?

The Anand Karaj is written by its own name, not as “wedding ceremony”. Anand Karaj (ਅਨੰਦ ਕਾਰਜ) is the Sikh marriage rite, in which the couple walk four times around Sri Guru Granth Sahib while the four laavan are sung. Guests plan their morning around it, so give it a clear line.

> Anand Karaj: [Day], [Date], at [Time].
> [Gurdwara name], [City].
> Followed by Guru ka Langar.

> ਅਨੰਦ ਕਾਰਜ: [Date], [Day], [Time]
> [Gurdwara name], [City]
> ਗੁਰੂ ਕਾ ਲੰਗਰ: [Time]

Three small points help guests. Give the gurdwara’s full name and area, since a city can have several with similar names. Give the time the Anand Karaj starts, not the time the baraat leaves. And keep the evening reception in its own block, because it is usually at a different venue.

## Which functions are listed on a Punjabi wedding card?

A Punjabi wedding card lists more functions than most Indian cards. Not every family holds all of them, and the names change a little between Majha, Malwa and Doaba, and between Sikh and Hindu families. Print only the ones you are inviting guests to.

**Punjabi wedding functions, as they are named on cards**

| Function | In Gurmukhi | What it is |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Roka or Thaka | ਰੋਕਾ, ਠਾਕਾ | The families agree to the match. Thaka confirms the roka; many families hold one event and call it either name |
| Kurmai or Mangni | ਕੁੜਮਾਈ, ਮੰਗਣੀ | The engagement, often with a shagun (ਸ਼ਗਨ) for the groom |
| Chunni chadhana | ਚੁੰਨੀ ਚੜ੍ਹਾਉਣਾ | The groom’s family drape a chunni over the bride. Often done on the thaka or kurmai day |
| Maiyan and Vatna | ਮਾਈਆਂ, ਵਟਣਾ | A paste of turmeric, curd and mustard oil is rubbed on the bride and the groom at their own homes. The haldi of other regions |
| Mehndi | ਮਹਿੰਦੀ | Henna for the bride, usually the day before the wedding |
| Jaggo | ਜਾਗੋ | The night before the wedding. The maternal family (nanke) carry a lit pot through the lane, singing |
| Ladies Sangeet | ਲੇਡੀ ਸੰਗੀਤ | An evening of songs, giddha and bhangra. Often held with the jaggo |
| Sehra Bandi | ਸਿਹਰਾਬੰਦੀ | The sehra is tied on the groom before the baraat leaves |
| Baraat | ਬਰਾਤ | The groom’s procession. Older Punjabi uses janj (ਜੰਞ) |
| Milni | ਮਿਲਣੀ | The two families greet each other, relative by relative, when the baraat arrives |
| Anand Karaj | ਅਨੰਦ ਕਾਰਜ | The Sikh wedding ceremony, with the four laavan (ਲਾਵਾਂ) |
| Doli | ਡੋਲੀ | The bride’s farewell from her parents’ home |
| Reception | ਰਿਸੈਪਸ਼ਨ | The dinner party, usually that evening or the next day |

The card carries only the name, date, time and venue of each function. The short, friendly note for each one goes on WhatsApp; there are ready ones in [haldi, mehendi and sangeet invitation messages](https://zarooraana.com/blog/haldi-mehendi-sangeet-invitation-messages).

## What is a complete Sikh wedding card wording in English?

A complete Sikh wedding card in English keeps Ik Onkar at the top, then the blessings line, the hosts, the request, the couple and the programme. This sample is from the groom’s parents.

> ੴ
> Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad.
> With the blessings of Sardarni [Grandmother] and Sardar [Grandfather],
> Sardarni [Mother] and Sardar [Father]
> request the pleasure of your company
> on the auspicious occasion of the marriage of their son
> [Groom]
> with
> [Bride]
> (daughter of Sardarni [Mother] and Sardar [Father], [City])
> on [Day], [Date].

This sample is from the bride’s parents.

> ੴ
> Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad.
> Sardarni [Mother] and Sardar [Father]
> request the honour of your presence
> at the Anand Karaj of their beloved daughter
> [Bride]
> with
> [Groom]
> (son of Sardarni [Mother] and Sardar [Father], [City])
> on [Day], [Date], at [Gurdwara name], [City].

The programme follows as a plain list. Keep the order of the day.

> Programme.
> Departure of Baraat: [Date], [Time].
> Milni and tea: [Time].
> Anand Karaj: [Time], at [Gurdwara name], [City].
> Guru ka Langar: [Time].
> Doli: [Time].
> Reception: [Date], [Time] onwards, at [Venue], [City].
> With best compliments from: [Name], [Name] and the [Surname] family.

## What is the same wording in Punjabi (Gurmukhi)?

The Punjabi wording follows a set pattern: the hosts humbly make a request, the wedding “has been fixed”, and the guest is asked to give darshan with the family. This sample is from the groom’s parents.

> ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥
> ਸਰਦਾਰਨੀ [Mother] ਅਤੇ ਸਰਦਾਰ [Father]
> ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੂੰ ਨਿਮਰਤਾ ਸਹਿਤ ਬੇਨਤੀ ਕਰਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿ
> ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਲਾਡਲੇ ਸਪੁੱਤਰ
> ਕਾਕਾ [Groom]
> ਦਾ ਸ਼ੁਭ ਵਿਆਹ
> ਬੀਬਾ [Bride]
> (ਸਪੁੱਤਰੀ ਸਰਦਾਰਨੀ [Mother] ਅਤੇ ਸਰਦਾਰ [Father], ਵਾਸੀ [City])
> ਨਾਲ ਹੋਣਾ ਨਿਯਤ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ।
> ਸੋ ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਸਮੇਤ ਦਰਸ਼ਨ ਦੇਣ ਦੀ ਕਿਰਪਾਲਤਾ ਕਰਨੀ।

In Roman letters: Sardarni [Mother] ate Sardar [Father] aap ji nu nimrata sahit benti karde han ki unhan de laadle saputtar Kaka [Groom] da shubh viah Biba [Bride] (saputtri Sardarni [Mother] ate Sardar [Father], vaasi [City]) naal hona niyat hoya hai. So aap ji ne parivaar samet darshan den di kirpalta karni.

It means: Sardarni [Mother] and Sardar [Father] humbly request you. The auspicious wedding of their dear son [Groom] with [Bride], daughter of Sardarni [Mother] and Sardar [Father] of [City], has been fixed. Please be kind enough to grace the day with your family.

For a card from the bride’s parents, change two lines. Everything else stays.

> ਉਹਨਾਂ ਦੀ ਲਾਡਲੀ ਸਪੁੱਤਰੀ
> ਬੀਬਾ [Bride]
> ਦਾ ਸ਼ੁਭ ਵਿਆਹ
> ਕਾਕਾ [Groom]
> (ਸਪੁੱਤਰ ਸਰਦਾਰਨੀ [Mother] ਅਤੇ ਸਰਦਾਰ [Father], ਵਾਸੀ [City])
> ਨਾਲ ਹੋਣਾ ਨਿਯਤ ਹੋਇਆ ਹੈ।

The programme in Punjabi sits under the word ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ. The closing names go under ਸਵਾਗਤ ਕਰਤਾ, “those who welcome you”.

> ਪ੍ਰੋਗਰਾਮ
> ਬਰਾਤ ਦੀ ਰਵਾਨਗੀ: [Date], [Time]
> ਮਿਲਣੀ: [Time]
> ਅਨੰਦ ਕਾਰਜ: [Time], [Gurdwara name], [City]
> ਗੁਰੂ ਕਾ ਲੰਗਰ: [Time]
> ਡੋਲੀ: [Time]
> ਸਵਾਗਤ ਕਰਤਾ: [Name], [Name] ਅਤੇ ਸਮੂਹ [Surname] ਪਰਿਵਾਰ

In Roman letters: Programme. Baraat di ravangi. Milni. Anand Karaj. Guru ka Langar. Doli. Swagat karta: [Name], [Name] ate samooh [Surname] parivaar. That last line means “[Name], [Name] and the whole [Surname] family”.

## What can you send on WhatsApp in Punjabi?

A WhatsApp message in Punjabi can be two or three lines. It needs the names, the date, the place and a warm “do come”. Each message below is in Gurmukhi first, then in Roman letters for family who read Punjabi that way.

For relatives and elders:

> ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਦੀ ਕਿਰਪਾ ਨਾਲ [Groom] ਅਤੇ [Bride] ਦਾ ਅਨੰਦ ਕਾਰਜ [Date] ਨੂੰ [Gurdwara name], [City] ਵਿਖੇ ਹੋਣਾ ਹੈ। ਆਪ ਜੀ ਨੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਸਮੇਤ ਜ਼ਰੂਰ ਆਉਣਾ ਜੀ।

> Waheguru ji di kirpa naal [Groom] ate [Bride] da Anand Karaj [Date] nu [Gurdwara name], [City] vikhe hona hai. Aap ji ne parivaar samet zaroor aauna ji.

It means: by Waheguru’s grace, the Anand Karaj of [Groom] and [Bride] is on [Date] at [Gurdwara name], [City]. Please do come with your family.

For friends:

> ਸਾਡੇ ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀ ਤਾਰੀਖ਼ ਪੱਕੀ ਹੋ ਗਈ ਹੈ: [Date], [City]। ਤੁਸੀਂ ਜ਼ਰੂਰ ਆਉਣਾ ਹੈ। ਸੱਦਾ ਪੱਤਰ ਇੱਥੇ ਹੈ: [Link]

> Saade viah di tareekh pakki ho gayi hai: [Date], [City]. Tusi zaroor aauna hai. Sadda pattar itthe hai: [Link]

It means: our wedding date is fixed. You must come. The invitation is here.

For the jaggo and sangeet night:

> ਜਾਗੋ ਅਤੇ ਲੇਡੀ ਸੰਗੀਤ: [Date], ਸ਼ਾਮ [Time] ਵਜੇ, [Venue]। ਸਾਰੇ ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਨਾਲ ਆਉਣਾ ਜੀ।

> Jaggo ate Ladies Sangeet: [Date], shaam [Time] vaje, [Venue]. Saare parivaar naal aauna ji.

For more messages in English and Hindi, see [wedding invitation messages for WhatsApp](https://zarooraana.com/blog/wedding-invitation-message-for-whatsapp). At Zaroor Aana a wedding invite is ₹2,999 and opens as a link with a screen for each function. The shop does not have a Sikh opening line built in yet, so [write to us](https://zarooraana.com/contact) before you order if you want ੴ and Gurmukhi on the invite. You can [see the wedding invites](https://zarooraana.com/invites) with sample names first.

## Questions families ask

### What does Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad mean on a wedding card?

Ik Onkar Satgur Prasad, written ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥, means “One Creator, known by the grace of the True Guru”. It opens most sections of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, and Sikh families print it at the top of a wedding card to begin with the Guru’s blessing.

### What is Anand Karaj on a Sikh wedding invitation?

Anand Karaj is the Sikh wedding ceremony. The couple walk four times around Sri Guru Granth Sahib while the four laavan are sung. On the invitation it is listed by name with the gurdwara and the starting time, usually followed by Guru ka Langar.

### What do S. and Sdn. mean before names on a Punjabi card?

S. stands for Sardar, the title for a Sikh man, and Sdn. stands for Sardarni, the title for his wife. On a Punjabi wedding card they are written before the names of parents and grandparents, in the way Shri and Smt. are written on a Hindi card.

### Should Gurbani be printed on a Sikh wedding card?

Families differ on printing Gurbani on a wedding card. Many print one line under Ik Onkar. Others print only the ੴ symbol, because cards are often thrown away and Gurbani should be treated with respect. Ask your elders or your gurdwara and follow their advice.

### Is a Punjabi Hindu wedding card worded differently from a Sikh card?

Yes. A Punjabi Hindu wedding card opens with a line to Ganesh or the family’s deity, not with Ik Onkar, and it names the pheras, not Anand Karaj. The functions around the wedding, such as roka, mehndi, sangeet and doli, are shared by both.

### What is the difference between roka and thaka?

Roka and thaka both mark the families agreeing to the match. In some families the roka is the first, small promise and the thaka confirms it with gifts; in others the two words mean one event. Print the name your own family uses.

### Can a Sikh wedding card be in both Punjabi and English?

Yes. Many Sikh wedding cards print Punjabi in Gurmukhi on one side and English on the other, or keep ੴ and the invocation in Gurmukhi and the rest in English. Use the same names, dates and times on both sides so no guest is confused.

## See it for yourself

- [See the wedding invites](https://zarooraana.com/invites)
- [How ordering works](https://zarooraana.com/how-it-works)
- [Wedding card matter in Hindi and English](https://zarooraana.com/blog/wedding-card-matter-hindi-english)
- [Wedding invitation messages for WhatsApp](https://zarooraana.com/blog/wedding-invitation-message-for-whatsapp)

## Sources

- [BaniDB (the Gurbani database used by SikhiToTheMax), Ang 8: ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥ with its English meaning](https://api.banidb.com/v2/angs/8/G)
- [SriGranth.org, Sri Guru Granth Sahib page 8: ੴ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਪ੍ਰਸਾਦਿ ॥](https://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=8&g=1&h=0&r=0&t=0&p=0&k=0)
- [BaniDB, Ang 44: ਲਖ ਖੁਸੀਆ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀਆ](https://api.banidb.com/v2/angs/44/G)
- [SriGranth.org, page 44: ਲਖ ਖੁਸੀਆ ਪਾਤਿਸਾਹੀਆ](https://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=44&g=1&h=0&r=0&t=0&p=0&k=0)
- [BaniDB, Ang 91: ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਕੰਮੁ ਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਆਖੀਐ](https://api.banidb.com/v2/angs/91/G)
- [SriGranth.org, page 91: ਕੀਤਾ ਲੋੜੀਐ ਕੰਮੁ ਸੁ ਹਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਆਖੀਐ](https://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=91&g=1&h=0&r=0&t=0&p=0&k=0)
- [BaniDB, Ang 788: ਏਕ ਜੋਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਮੂਰਤੀ](https://api.banidb.com/v2/angs/788/G)
- [SriGranth.org, page 788: ਏਕ ਜੋਤਿ ਦੁਇ ਮੂਰਤੀ](https://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=788&g=1&h=0&r=0&t=0&p=0&k=0)
- [Punjabi Wikipedia: ਗੰਢ ਭੇਜਣਾ (the old way of sending invitations, with the text of a sample Punjabi wedding card)](https://pa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A8%97%E0%A9%B0%E0%A8%A2_%E0%A8%AD%E0%A9%87%E0%A8%9C%E0%A8%A3%E0%A8%BE)
- [Punjabi Wikipedia: ਵਿਆਹ ਦੀਆਂ ਰਸਮਾਂ (roka, thaka, maiyan, vatna, jaggo, milni, doli)](https://pa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%BF%E0%A8%86%E0%A8%B9_%E0%A8%A6%E0%A9%80%E0%A8%86%E0%A8%82_%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%AE%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%82)
- [Punjabi Wikipedia: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿਆਹ ਦੇ ਰਸਮ-ਰਿਵਾਜ਼ (thaka, chunni, vatna, jaggo, sehrabandi, milni, doli)](https://pa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A8%AA%E0%A9%B0%E0%A8%9C%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%AC%E0%A9%80_%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%BF%E0%A8%86%E0%A8%B9_%E0%A8%A6%E0%A9%87_%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%AE-%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%BF%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%9C%E0%A8%BC)
- [Punjabipedia (Punjabi University, Patiala): ਵਿਆਹ](https://punjabipedia.org/topic.aspx?txt=%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%BF%E0%A8%86%E0%A8%B9)
- [Punjabi Wikipedia: ਅਨੰਦ ਕਾਰਜ](https://pa.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%A8%85%E0%A8%A8%E0%A9%B0%E0%A8%A6_%E0%A8%95%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%9C)
- [Urban Company: wedding invite wording guide (Sikh examples with “Sardar & Sardarni” and “Anand Karaj”)](https://www.urbancompany.com/blog/wedding-invite-wording-guide-what-to-say-on-the-wedding-card)
- [Magical Star (an e-invite studio): Punjabi wedding invitation wording (Ik Onkar on Sikh cards, other openings on Hindu Punjabi cards)](https://magicalstar.in/blog/punjabi-wedding-invitation-wording-ideas/)