FAQs

Question

What is the ettiquite for the Gurdwara? (Sikh Temple)

Answer

The following etiquette should be observed in the Gurdwara: Men, women and children must either wear a scarf, turban or a bandana to cover their head, absolutely NO HATS (baseball caps, snapbacks, cowboy hats, beanies, etc.) Women please be respectful about cleavage and any skin showing other than your ankles and arms. Floor/mid calf length outfits with some sort of bottoms are preferred. Do not enter the Gurdwara after smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs or any other intoxicants. NO Cigarettes, drugs, alcohol or any paraphernalia in your pockets or on you body within the grounds of the Sikh temple. Before entering the main hall: 1. Turn off or switch mobile phones to silent 2. Take off your shoes 3. Wash your hands 4. Cover your head. Upon entering the hall (where the Guru Granth Sahib is present): 1. Fold both your hands and walk forward slowly. 2. Bow humbly and touch your forehead to the ground out of respect for the Guru Granth Sahib. As you bow, place your offering respectfully before the Guru, it may be money, a flower, or a word of thanks. Any sincere expression of gratitude is equally acceptable to the Guru. 3. After bowing and offering, sit in the "Sangat" (the congregation) quietly without disturbing others. Usually men sit on one side and women on the other side. Sometimes families, particularly those with young children, sit together. 4. Sit comfortably and peacefully, the cross legged position is commonly used, but do not point your feet in the direction of the Guru Granth Sahib. THIS IS A VEGETARIAN EVENT. NO MEAT OR ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON PREMISES OF THE SIKH TEMPLE. Please watch this video for visual information. https://youtu.be/3oAb8i4GNVg