A gurdwara is a Sikh house of worship. The name means “door to the Guru.” Inside is the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which Sikhs honor as their living teacher. And every gurdwara has a free kitchen, the langar. In America the main gathering is often on Sunday.
Before you go
Cover your head. Everyone does: men, women, Sikhs, guests. Most gurdwaras keep clean scarves by the door.
Shoes off. Some gurdwaras also ask you to wash your hands, or your hands and feet.
Wear modest clothes you can sit on the floor in.
Leave alcohol and tobacco behind. Completely. The Tampa gurdwara’s rules include the parking lot and your pocket.
What happens
You’ll enter the main hall, where worshippers bow before the Guru Granth Sahib and sit on the floor. Everybody sits on the floor, whoever they are. That’s the point.
You’ll hear keertan, hymns sung with music. Sit quietly. Later comes ardas, a prayer, when everyone stands with hands folded. Then a verse is read from the scripture. At the end, someone may offer you karah prasad, a warm sweet. Receive it in cupped hands.
Tanenbaum, the interfaith group, says it simply: taking part in worship is optional.
Langar
Then lunch. Langar is free and vegetarian, and, in the words of the San Jose gurdwara, all can come and eat without any regard to race, religion, creed, caste or social status. You’ll usually sit on the floor in rows. Chairs are there for anyone who needs one. You’re welcome to help serve.
Do and don’t
- Don’t touch the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Stay quiet in the hall, and silence your phone.
- Ask before taking photos.
- A small donation in the box is welcome and never required.
Worried?
“Can I eat if I’m not Sikh?” Yes. That’s what it’s for. The Ontario Khalsa Darbar calls it welcomed and encouraged.
Try it on
Who in your town would feed you lunch without asking what you believe?