Sikh - School Resource Kit

Found in most cities marked by a very tall saffron coloured flag (Nishan Sahib), this is the Sikh place of worship.

All are welcome.

The Gurdwara is where Sikhs come together for worship, normally on a Sunday morning but other activities go on throughout the week. The pride of place in the main hall (Darbar) is given to the Sikh scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib. All who enter the hall remove their shoes and cover their head as a mark of respect, bow in front of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and make a small offering. During the service scriptures are read out loud, hymns are sung and sermons delivered, all in an informal setting.

An integral part of the gurdwara in the Langar - Free kitchen. Established at the time of the Gurus, this was a way of assisting the poor, as it was free, but also to break down social barriers. At that time a person from a high caste would consider himself dirtied even if a shadow of a low caste person passed over him. In the Langar, be they high caste or low, rich or poor, men and women, all sat in line and partook in the eating of Langar. Food is prepared and served to all who come, 24/7.

Nishan Sahib - Flag. A very tall flag covered in a saffron coloured material, can be seen from miles around as a place of Sikh worship. This was a defiant statement to the rulers of the times who tried to suppress Sikhism.

The most famous Gurdwara is called Harmindar Sahib but popularly known as the Golden Temple situated in the city of Amirtsar, Punjab, India. The top part of the temple is covered in gold and glitters in the sun. Surrounding it is a pool of Amrit or holy water. The Gurdwara has four main doors to signify that it is open to all people of the world.