Sikh Priest Mexico FAQ’s

Does the Sikh Priest bring the Scriptures?

Yes, the complete 1,430 page Siri Guru Granth Sahib ji is brought with respect. Dr. Singh and Leela give the scriptures the utmost care as this is their life compass, it is an integral part of their lives, not just for weekend worship at temples. They also have access to a set of scriptures in many of the destinations.

Why should I use the services of a Destination Sikh Priest Mexico for my Moon Palace Cancun Sikh Wedding versus bringing my own relatives to conduct the ceremony?

Your Destination Sikh Wedding Priest knows of the proper set up requirements, difficulties and details required in setting up a respectful and timely Gurudwara-like situation for your Moon Palace Cancun Sikh Wedding or ceremony at another resort. Relatives at a destination are often stuck with communication issues with foreign languages spoken, items don’t arrive on time or crucial items are missing and there can be a long delay before the ceremony even begins. Often the resorts have no understanding of the norms and traditions of the Punjabi Sikh culture and this can cause great tension and disrespectful situations.

Is my Sikh Priest reliable and has he done enough Destination Weddings regularly to make the whole process professional and easy?

Your priest travels regularly to locations around the globe. This is his (their) sole profession and calling. Rest assured, you will have a non-stressed, respectful and tradition based ceremony.

Will the resort know how to set up a Gurdwara like setting?

Many destination wedding resorts are familiar with setting up weddings, but a handful have first-hand experience planning Sikh Weddings. They may be familiar with Indian or Asian weddings but Sikh Weddings are very different.

Is the Sikh priest well versed in the Sikh Tradition and how much Destination Cancun Sikh Wedding experience does he have?

Dr. Singh was born into the Sikh faith and tradition and has over 45 years experience singing Kirtan, reading Gurbani and leading the Sangat at various Sikh ceremonies around the globe.  He was baptized at the age of 16 at Anandpur Sahib, India and has sung Kirtan in all the 5 major Takhats (Sikh Shrines), while his partner Leela has been educated and trained as a professional soprano, and in devotional Indian Music, and has been passionately singing heartfelt Kirtan with him for the past 25 years.

Are your parents worried about your decision to have a Sikh destination wedding or about whether you have chosen the right Sikh Wedding Officiant?

Parents always want their children to have the best wedding ever.  Most parents realize times have changed and they are trying to accept the fact that the new generation is celebrating the Anand Karaj ceremony differently from when they were married decades ago. Parents also instill alot of trust in their children and it is their sincerest wish that their children make the best decision. We all know Punjabi Sikh Weddings can be very hectic, with many relatives coming together from a vast variety of traditional, cultural belief systems, all wanting their personal wishes fulfilled. Parents are always concerned that “nothing should go wrong” and that everyone will leave ’happy’.

Your Sikh Wedding priest team receives their spiritual guidance and blessings from the message in the Guru Granth Sahib ji. They sincerely lead a loving and all-encompassing Traditional Wedding Ceremony where your parents, relatives, and friends will feel in a state of ‘Anand’.

Have your parents attended a Sikh destination wedding or a ceremony officiated by Dr. Singh and Leela?

Have your parents seen their online videos, conducting the Milnee Ardas, Kirtan, reciting of the Lavaan, and reading of the Granth Sahib ji?

As the Gurus state, If you learn to LIVE WITHOUT FEAR, in the state of Nirbhao, in trust of a higher power,  you will have NO FEAR or WORRIES. If you trust, you ‘CAN’ have the best Anand Karaj ceremony?

See an overview of a complete Sikh Destination Wedding Ceremony they have conducted.  Watch some of their Cancun Sikh Wedding highlight videos. Learn more about Dr. Singh and Leela’s Indian Wedding Cancun Sikh priest Mexco services.  Listen to and download our Waheguru Simran on iTunes and request a quote for our  Sikh Priest Cancun Mexico services.

Please read our reviews on Facebook and Google or watch testimonial videos below:

Sikh Wedding Testimonial Punta Cana, Groom’s Parents
Sikh wedding Testimonial Punta Cana, Bridal Couple
Sikh Wedding Testimonial – Bride’s Father and President of Gurdwara
Sikh Destination Wedding Testimonials

Are you allowed to have a destination Sikh Wedding outside the Gurudwara?

Click here for answers to the  Controversy regarding Sikh Weddings and other controversies regarding the Rehat Maryada, Sikh Rulebook, its’ opinions about Sikh Destination and Interfaith Weddings, and being a Sikh.

What is the typical Parshaad used at a Sikh Destination Wedding?

The Sikh priest does not make or provide wet Parshaad at destination weddings as it is next to impossible to have access to a clean vegetarian kitchen at a resort.  As an alternative, a healthy version of dry Parshaad is recommended and acceptable in the Sikh tradition.  This can include almonds, raisins or walnuts.

Most of the ceremony guests use English as their primary speaking medium, does the priest conduct the ceremony in Punjabi and/or English?

Their Indian wedding in Cancun ceremony is designed specifically to keep the couple, peers, elders and youngsters fully engaged for the entire time. Your priest excels in both English, Punjabi, Gurmukhi, Hindi, and Spanish.  He reads the group and conducts the ceremony accordingly and appropriately to create a special moment.

If I have any questions prior to booking who do I contact for information?

Mandeep corresponds via email only regarding your Sikh Wedding in Cancun.  This allows her to keep a record of all correspondence, so nothing is misunderstood or lost in the communication.  If you have more questions, please write to her via email and she will promptly respond.

Do you provide a written quote for your services?

A comprehensive time-sensitive quote is provided when a client fully fills out this Sikh Wedding in Riviera Cancun request form.

Booking Details and Room Booking

A quote consists of 2 – 3 option choices with a variation in services. The quote does not include our 2 to 3 night’s stay at the hotel where the ceremony takes place, the couple directly books and pays for this room booking themselves, it is not part of the price quote.

When Dr. Singh and Leela turned 60 years of age, they made their policy to only stay onsite at a hotel where the wedding takes place because they found that when they stayed at alternate offsite hotels they were unable to create a peaceful and respectful setup, moreover, it started taking a toll on their physical health as they typically fly in from an international location. Sometimes exceptions are made if the wedding location does not have a hotel on site.

Once I have made a booking will I get a Chance to talk to Dr. Singh and Leela?

Mandeep will be in communication with you during the entire process via email and will set up Telephone/Facetime/Skype meetings with the couple and Dr. Singh and Leela once you have confirmed your booking.  This allows you to acquaint yourselves with each other,  and go over the ceremony protocol and the finer details for your ceremony.

I am thinking of having an ‘On the Beach Sikh Wedding’, would you suggest how to go about doing this?

‘On the Beach’ Sikh Weddings are very difficult and daunting causing a lot of damage to the religious materials and instruments.  Guests find them extremely uncomfortable in the unbearable elements.  Kindly review this link:  Avoid Beach Sikh Weddings.

Will I have choices in making reasonable modifications to the ceremony set up and delivery?

Of course, you will have choices.  A destination wedding gives the opportunity to think ‘outside the box’, respecting tradition and adding beauty to your ceremony.

Do you provide a formal agreement of your services with the client?

Yes, a formal terms of agreement is signed by both Dr. Singh, Leela and the wedding couple summarizing all services provided.

Do I have a choice as to what time I can have my ceremony?

Yes, the notion that weddings must be completed by noon is not a religious or spiritual mandate but rather a superstitious hand me down story, very contradictory to the Sikh Philosophy. You may have a ceremony at any time of the day.

Some of our relatives and guests can’t sit on the floor, can we modify seating arrangements?

Yes, the altar is always set higher than the congregational seating to accommodate chair seating when needed.

Will I receive documentation to send to the resort for setting up a Sikh Wedding?

A complete detailed document with specs and images is provided to the couple upon signing the terms. These will become the blueprint for planning your ceremony.

Will I have to pay for the flights, baggage, travel, hotel/resort, insurance on top of the service fees?

Yes, the breakdown of these costs will be sent to you with the quote. These rates vary based on the location of the ceremony.

If I have any questions prior to the wedding who do I contact to get information?

Mandeep Kaur, the Booking Manager will communicate with you via email through the entire process and your Sikh Priest will set up a Telephone /Facetime meeting before the ceremony to acquaint you with each other and the finer details for your ceremony.

Do you require a deposit to confirm your Sikh Wedding Services?

Yes, a non-refundable deposit is required to secure the booking, however, the deposit will be fully returned if for some unforeseen reason your Priest cannot physically attend and perform the wedding. This has not, and we hope will never happen.

How many people perform the wedding?

Two people perform the entire Sikh Wedding Ceremony.

Waving of the Chaur during the Sikh Ceremony.

Since there are only 2 people conduct the entire ceremony.  When Dr. Singh is not doing any readings in front of the Guru Granth Sahib ji, and singing Kirtan, a member of the family or friend attending the wedding will be chosen and honored to respectfully wave the chaur.  This guest will sit behind the Guru Granth Sahib ji and wave the Chaur when Dr. Singh is not sitting there.  This person can be male or female and will not be doing any readings, just waving the chaur.

Is the sound system included in their service?

Yes, 90% of the sound system will be provided and details of what is required will be sent in the quote, and later a PDF of Sound System Requirements is sent with the setup files.

Do you provide a marriage certificate?

No, couples are strongly advised to contact their local Justice of Peace to get a marriage document before or after their Anand Karaj Ceremony.

Do you conduct Interfaith, Multiracial, and Multicultural Sikh Weddings?

Of course, this is their specialty. All cultures and all human traditions are welcome.

Can I expect the wedding to start and end on time?

Yes, typically the ceremony will last 1 hour from the time the bride is seated in front of the altar.

Are you having 2 different ceremonies on the same day?

If you are having 2 different cultural ceremonies on the same day at the same location, the Sikh ceremony will always be the first ceremony, moreover, if you use a large mandap and stage, both the ceremonies can take place sequentially on the same stage, one after the other.

What type of Pulla can I use?

Both types of Pulla, floral and fabric are acceptable.

Do I have to carry a ceremonial sword/kirpan during the Anand Karaj?

Some grooms choose to carry a sword for the entire ceremony while others use it sporadically during the ceremony, and others do not use it at all.

Can I wear a Kalgi and/or Sehra?

You can enter the wedding space wearing both of these symbols, however, upon seating in front of the Guru Granth Sahib ji, one of your sisters will be removing this and placing it in front of the altar.

Do I need to bring a Rumalla set for the Guru Grant Sahib ji?

Your Sikh priest has a matching Rumalla and Chandoa set with gold tones which match and is ideal for all weddings.  If you want to bring a Rumalla set for the ceremony you can, otherwise, a donation for a local charity is more practical.

The sequence before the wedding starts on the Wedding Day

At destination weddings, they are intricately involved with the ceremony process. They arrive a day before the wedding, check into the hotel, and have a rehearsal meeting with the couple and their parents to finalize the wedding day protocol and rehearse the ceremony. Typically, on the wedding day, they are at the ceremony space at 5 am onwards to respectfully transform the space into a Gurudwara-type ambiance. They set up the full sound system, do a sound check, return back to their hotel room for a wardrobe change, bring down and place the scriptures around 9 am, lead the Milnee Ceremony, conduct the Anand Karaj and then return the scriptures respectfully back to the hotel room.

Are there certain resorts you can recommend in Mexico, Jamaica or Punta Cana that are best suited for Sikh Weddings?

The Palace Resorts, Hard Rock, Barcelo, Grand Palladium chains specialize in Destination Sikh Weddings but Azul Fives, Majestic Resorts, Gran Bahia are also great choices.

Have you conducted traditional Sikh Weddings at Resorts?

Yes, they regularly conduct traditional weddings in Mexico, Punta Cana, Jamaica, Canada, UK, and the USA.

What countries do they conduct weddings?

They specialize in conducting weddings in the Western Hemisphere and Caribbean area since it is close to their home base in Eastern Canada, but they also travel to the UK, Europe, and Africa.

Do you conduct home or backyard weddings?

Yes, they love to conduct weddings in home or backyard environments, a very personal and intimate ambiance can be created.

What should I be considering when having out Outdoor Sikh Wedding?

Nature and the elements are your primary concern when having an outdoor wedding.  Although the pictures can look absolutely stunning and gorgeous, most of the time the wedding couple and attendees are suffering in the heat and can’t wait to get out of the ceremony space.  We highly recommend that you provide a tent or overhead coverage for everyone that will be attending the ceremony, this includes the priest, the couple and ALL guests.  Moreover, make sure that the floor they are going to sit on is comfortable and dry.

Do you know of good gazebos to get married in the Caribbean?

Yes, please follow this link to see a few:  Wedding Gazebos.

I still have questions that need to be answered, where can I email you?

sikhpriest @ gmail.com