Visiting a Gurdwara: A Friendly Guide

A Gurdwara — literally the Guru's door — is a Sikh place of worship and community. At its heart is Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the scripture Sikhs honour as their living Guru. You do not need to be a Sikh, or to believe anything in particular, to walk in. Visitors come to listen, to learn, to share a meal or simply to sit quietly. Many Gurdwaras are open from early morning until late evening, and the volunteers you meet there, known as sevadars, are usually happy to explain things. If you feel unsure at any point, simply watch what others do or quietly ask someone near you.

Two things are asked of everyone: cover your head and remove your shoes. Any clean scarf, bandana or cloth will do, and most Gurdwaras keep a basket of head coverings near the entrance. Shoes go on racks or in a shoe room, and there is usually a place to wash your hands, and sometimes a shallow foot-wash, before entering. Tobacco, alcohol and other intoxicants must not be brought inside. Modest clothing that lets you sit comfortably on the floor is wise; long skirts, loose trousers or jeans all work well. There is no dress code based on gender, and nobody will expect you to wear anything religious.

The main hall is called the Darbar Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji rests on a raised, canopied platform at the front, often with an attendant waving a chaur sahib (a whisk) as a sign of respect. Everyone sits on the carpeted floor, as equals, rather than on chairs or special seats. Many families sit with men on one side and women on the other, though practice varies. Try to sit cross-legged or with your legs tucked to the side, and avoid pointing your feet towards the Guru. Sikhs usually walk up, bow and place an offering; for visitors of other faiths, bowing is entirely your choice and a quiet, respectful presence is perfectly welcome. If mobility is an issue, chairs are generally provided at the back.

A gathering in the Darbar Sahib is called a Diwan. You will most likely hear Kirtan: hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib sung to music, often with harmonium and tabla. There may also be Katha, a talk explaining Gurbani, usually in Punjabi. Towards the end, the congregation stands for Ardas, a collective prayer, then a Hukamnama is read — a passage opened from the Guru Granth Sahib and taken as guidance for the day. Visitors may stand with everyone and do not need to know the words. You can arrive or leave quietly at most points, though it is kind to remain still during Ardas and the Hukamnama.

After the service, a sevadar offers Karah Prashad, a warm, sweet offering made from flour, butter and sugar. Receive it with both hands cupped together, then eat it; it is polite to accept, but if you have a dietary concern you may say so and ask for a small amount. Then, usually in a separate hall, comes Langar, the free community kitchen. Everyone sits together — traditionally on the floor in rows called pangat — and is served simple vegetarian food. Hold out your hands or plate, ask for as much as you will eat, and try not to waste food. Keep your head covered in the Langar hall too. Offering to help with washing up or serving is always appreciated.

Photography rules differ. Some Gurdwaras welcome photos in the grounds and Langar hall but not in the Darbar Sahib; others ask that you do not photograph worshippers at all. The simplest approach is to ask a sevadar first and to avoid flash, selfies or posing near the Guru Granth Sahib. Keep phones silent. Speak softly inside the main hall, and do not turn your back abruptly to the Guru when leaving if you can easily avoid it. Groups and schools are usually encouraged to call ahead so that a volunteer can show them around and answer questions.