The Sikh meeting place for worship is called the Gurudwara Sahib and it literally means “guru’s door”. The members of the Sikh congregation are called sangat. All people are welcome to visit any of the Gurudwara Sahib regardless of caste, color, or creed. A visitor to the Gurudwara Sahib is required to remove shoes, and cover the head. It is advisable to wear modest attire.
Gurudwara Sahib houses Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (‘the only Living Guru of Sikhs and the Sikh Holy Book’) and may be either a simple or elaborate building. The Nishan Sahib, Sikh flag, is installed on Gurudwara Sahib’s grounds and flies high above the gurdwara complex, so that it can be seen by those approaching the Gurudwara.
Anyone is welcome to worship in a gurdwara regardless of caste, color, or creed. A specific protocol exists for the gurdwara. Cleanliness is essential. If you are thinking of visiting a gurdwara, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Be modestly attired
- Cover your head
- Remove your shoes
- Wash hands and feet if needed
- Bow before the Guru Granth
- Offer any donation such as flowers, food items or money
- Sit quietly on the floor with your legs crossed facing Guru Granth
- Accept prasad, a sanctified delicacy made from flour, butter, and sugar
- Enjoy a meal from the free kitchen