Gurmat Etiquette: A Quick Reference for Young Sikhs

"ਵਿਦਿਆ ਵੀਚਾਰੀ, ਤਾਂ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰੀ ॥"
"Contemplate and reflect upon knowledge, and you will become a benefactor to others."
— Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Ang 356

When you visit the Gurdwara, you're entering Guru Ji's home. This quick reference will help you understand the basic etiquette so you can show proper respect and feel confident during your visit.

Before You Enter

Prepare Your Heart

Take a moment to get ready mentally:

• Calm your mind and leave daily worries outside
• Remember you're visiting Guru Ji's home with respect
• Feel grateful for the opportunity to be there

This mindset helps make your visit meaningful rather than just going through the motions.

Basic Steps for Your Gurdwara Visit

1. Remove Your Shoes and Wash Your Hands

What to do:

• Take off your shoes slowly and mindfully
• Place them neatly in the shoe rack so others have space
• Wash your hands at the designated area

Why it matters: This symbolizes leaving worldly concerns behind and purifying yourself before entering sacred space.

Helpful tip: As you wash your hands, you can silently ask Guru Ji to purify your heart and mind too.

2. Cover Your Head

Your options:

• Turban, Dumala, or Keski
• Chunni, Patka, or Rumal
• Any respectful head covering

Remember: Your Dastaar (head covering) is like a crown - a sacred gift from Guru Ji.

What not to wear: Caps or hoodies aren't appropriate in the main prayer hall.

3. Show Respect to Guru Granth Sahib Ji

What to do:

• Bow before Guru Granth Sahib Ji with your forehead touching the floor
• This shows you're humbling yourself completely
• Ask for blessings for yourself and everyone present

Why we bow: Guru Granth Sahib Ji is our eternal Guru and sovereign. Bowing shows we surrender our ego and seek guidance.

4. Sit Properly

How to sit:

• Cross-legged on the floor
• Face toward Guru Granth Sahib Ji
• Stay alert and respectful

Why on the floor: Everyone sits at the same level - no high or low positions. This teaches us about equality.

Special needs: If you have trouble sitting on the floor, benches are available for people who need them.

5. Listen Quietly

During these times, stay silent:

• Ardas (community prayer)
• Kirtan (devotional singing)
• Katha (spiritual talks)

The key: Keep your heart open and your voice quiet so you can really hear Guru Ji's teachings.

6. Receive Karaah Prashaad

How to receive it:

• Cup both hands together
• Accept it with gratitude
• Eat all of it - never waste prashaad

What it means: This blessed food represents Guru Ji's sweet blessings.

If you get extra: Share it with your family.

7. Participate in Langar

What langar teaches:

• Everyone eats the same food
• Everyone sits on the floor together
• Rich or poor, everyone is equal

Your part:

• Only take what you can finish
• Don't waste Guru's prashaad
• Look for ways to help serve others

Seva opportunity: You can help by serving rotis (bread) or water to others.

8. Join in Ardas

What happens:

• The whole community prays together as one Sikh family
• We sing "Tu Thaakur Tum Peh Ardas"
• We end with "Bole So Nihal... Sat Sri Akal!"
• We listen to the daily Hukam (message from Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

How to participate:

• Stand up straight with hands folded
• Listen carefully and join in when appropriate

Key Values to Remember

Respect

You're in Guru Ji's presence. Everything you do should show honor and reverence.

Seva (Service)

Look for opportunities to help others - whether serving langar or simply making space for someone to sit.

Learning

Pay attention to what's happening around you. Each visit is a chance to understand more about your faith.

Humility

Remember that we all come to learn and grow. No one expects you to be perfect.

What These Practices Teach Us

Following Gurdwara etiquette isn't just about rules - it helps you develop important qualities:

• Humility by honoring Guru Ji and the sangat through respectful actions and careful listening
• Service through participating in langar and seva
• Community by joining in collective prayer and sharing meals
• Respect for sacred traditions and other people
• Mindfulness by preparing your heart and paying attention

Remember This

The most important thing is your sincere intention to show respect and learn. Guru Ji sees your heart, not just your actions. If you make a mistake, that's okay - everyone is learning.

The Gurdwara is a place of welcome and spiritual growth. Each time you visit with the right attitude, you're following Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teaching about becoming someone who benefits others through knowledge and understanding.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!