Lavan, the Sikh Wedding Rounds

The Four Lavan

Lavan, the Four Wedding Rounds

Lavan, or the four hymns of "Laav" are the essential part of the Sikh marriage ceremony, Anand Karaj. They are sung as the bride and groom make the four wedding rounds, circumambulating the Siri Guru Granth Sahib.

• First Laav: Asserts that marriage is encouraged as the best state of life for a Sikh.
• Second Laav: Conveys the awakening feelings of love a bride has when leaving her former life, and beginning a new life in partnership with her husband.
• Third Laav: Declares the bride's detachment from the world and outside influences, while becoming more deeply devoted to her husband wishing only to live for him.
• Fourth Laav: Describes a spiritual union of love and devotion where no feeling of separation is possible, imparting perfect joy, and contentment.

Words and Meanings of "The Four Hymns of Laav"

• 1
• 2