Guidelines when visiting Gurdwara

All visitors to a Sikh Gurdwara should be aware of the following guidelines when visiting. Please dress appropriately so that you can comfortably and with decency sit on the carpeted floor.

Before Entering Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall)

• Remove your shoes and put them in the shoe racks. You can use the shoe rack on either side.
• Wash your hands. Wash basins are located in shoe rack area.
• Visitors without a proper head covering can borrow scarves provided by the Gurdwara, or otherwise use a large handkerchief.

Inside The Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall)

• Bow in front of Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Scripture).
• Everyone sits cross-legged on the carpet in the prayer hall irrespective of their status as a sign of equality.
• Sit on the appropriate side of the prayer room.
• Backs should not be turned on the Guru Granth Sahib or the soles of the feet pointed towards the Sikh holy book when sitting on the carpet.

Prayer Service

• Preacher(Raagi) or a member of the congregation will read from the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Raagi's or members of the congregation sing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Religous prayer known as Anand Sahib
• Ardas (Prayer) where everyone stands up
• After Ardas everyone sits down and Hukamnama (Daily Hymn from Guru Granth Sahib) is read.

Langar Hall (Dining Area)

• Please keep your head covered while in Langar Hall.
• Langar (vegetarian food from the communal kitchen) is offered on Friday evenings and Sunday (morning and afternoon). 
• In the Langar Hall, please sit on the floor on the carpet rows on the floor. As soon as you sit down sewadar will serve you food. 
• If not too certain about consuming this food you can ask to be excused although most people should take langar as it is regarded as a blessing by the Guru.