A Harmonious Union: A Multicultural Hindu Sikh Wedding

When it comes to celebrating love across cultures, few ceremonies embody that union more beautifully than this heartfelt wedding led by multicultural celebrant specialist Sonal Dave. Travelling from the US to the UK, the couple sought a ceremony that would not only honour their Sikh and Hindu heritages but also reflect their modern values and bring their families together in a meaningful celebration.

Their wish? A bespoke ceremony that didn’t lean too far into either tradition, but beautifully blended both to create something entirely their own.

Crafting a Cross-Cultural Ceremony

From their very first Zoom call with Sonal, the couple knew they had found someone who could help them navigate the delicate line between faith, culture, and modern love. Both came from Asian backgrounds—she, Sikh; he, Hindu—and while they didn’t want a traditional full-length religious ceremony, it was important for each of them, and their families, to include elements from both the Laavan (Sikh) and Phera (Hindu) rituals.

Using her experience as a performer and multilingual speaker who specialises in inclusive, cross-cultural ceremonies, Sonal got to work weaving their story together through ritual, symbolism, and connection.

Blending Rituals with Intention

The ceremony opened with a traditional Ganesh Puja, invoking blessings for the couple’s new journey. Together they lit a candle (diwo), placed a fragrant incense stick (agarbatti), and adorned the statue of Ganesh with a garland—each action inviting prosperity and peace. A tilak mark was gently applied to the groom’s forehead, a nod to Hindu beginnings.

Next came the Milni, the warm and joyful meeting of families where the elders exchanged garlands in a symbolic act of unity. It was a ceremony that brought smiles and a few tears, setting a tone of reverence and joy.

Family members were invited to share meaningful readings chosen by the couple, each adding their voice to the couple’s story.

However, the heart of the ceremony lay in the blended ritual of the Laavan and the Phera, two sacred journeys united in one soulful expression.

A Symbolic Circle of Love

Traditionally, Sikh weddings involve the Laavan—four hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib sung as the couple walks around the holy scripture. In Hindu ceremonies, the Phera (Four Steps) are taken around a sacred fire, each round symbolising a vow for a shared life. In some parts of India, this can be seven steps.

Sonal created a unique spiritual ritual: a central bowl filled with water and flower petals, surrounded by floating candles. This represented the five physical elements of cosmic creation and life—earth, water, fire, air, and space—known in Indian tradition as the Pancha Bhutas. It served as the sacred centrepiece for the ritual.

The groom led the bride around the bowl in four symbolic circles, hand in hand. With each round, they paused to place a floating candle on the water’s surface—light merging with life. The bride’s cousins accompanied them in each turn, honouring the Sikh tradition of familial involvement and protection.

This was more than just a symbolic act. It was a moment where two faiths, two families, and two individuals became one—deeply rooted in heritage, yet forward-looking and inclusive.

A Ceremony to Remember

Guests were captivated by the meaningful blend of rituals and Sonal’s insightful narration, which ensured everyone—regardless of background—felt included and understood the depth of what was unfolding.

As Sonal shared afterwards:

“When couples ask me whether they can have a multicultural ceremony that respects both sides of the family, the answer is always yes. It just takes heart, intention, and creativity.”

This ceremony wasn’t just a wedding. It was a joyful celebration of identity, unity, and the beautiful harmony that comes when you create space for both tradition and individuality.

Meet Sonal Dave: A multi-lingual expert in multicultural Ceremonies

A true trailblazer in the world of multicultural ceremonies, Sonal Dave is not only a skilled celebrant but also a trained singer who performs in English, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Swahili, and more. Her ceremonies are heartfelt, inclusive, and filled with personality — whether she’s delivering powerful rituals or serenading the couple in their native tongue.

Reflecting on the day, Sonal shared:

“Thank you S&N for having faith in me to create your multicultural wedding ceremony — one that you and I will remember for many years. And thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead my first ever glamping site celebration.”

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