What is the significance of the rumala and how is it used in a Sikh wedding?

Short answer

The rumala is a sacred cloth that holds the Guru Granth Sahib, and it is also a symbol of respect and devotion in the Anand Karaj ceremony. It is used to cover and honour the holy scripture throughout the wedding.

In Sikh weddings, the rumala is a beautifully decorated cloth that covers and protects the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture treated as the living Guru. During the Anand Karaj, the couple and their families show deep reverence by placing the rumala over the scripture before it is carried in procession.

The rumala often comes in pairs, with one cloth for the front and another for the back. They are usually embroidered and may be passed down through families. The couple may offer a new rumala as a gesture of respect, and it is treated with the same care as the scripture itself.

Guests should follow the lead of the family. In many ceremonies, you will be asked to remove your shoes and cover your head as a sign of respect. If you are unsure about handling the rumala, wait for guidance from the family or the granthi. The cloth reminds everyone that the wedding is a spiritual union blessed by the Guru Granth Sahib, not just a social celebration.