The Hindu wedding ceremony is based on traditions and rituals originating in the Rig Veda, the earliest of the four ancient Sanskrit books of knowledge, collectively known as the Vedas, which form the basis of Hinduism.

This sacred Vedic wedding ceremony is meant to unite two people so firmly that after marriage they become one in spirit even though they retain two separate bodies. The two individuals come together, entwining their two households into one family. It is the strongest bond between a man and a woman, marriage is an irrevocable commitment for a lifetime.

They are not said to be husband and wife, who merely sit together. Rather they alone are called husband and wife, who have one soul in two bodies." (Guru Amar Das, Pauri, pg. 788)

The Sikh wedding ceremony is known as "Anand Karaj" which means 'Blissful Union". The Sikh marriage is a very special ceremony in which two individuals are joined in an equal partnership. It is not merely a physical and legal contract but a sacrament - a holy union between two souls. The spiritual goal of any Sikh is to merge his or her soul (atma) with God (Parmatma) and in marriage, the couple vow to help each other towards this goal.