FAQ's
Welcome to Our FAQs Page!
We are delighted to have you explore the teachings, traditions, and services of the Sikh faith through this specially curated list of frequently asked questions. The wisdom of the Gurus provides solutions to many of life’s everyday dilemmas and confusions.
Here you will also discover how the Gurdwara strives to create an open and inclusive space for spirituality, contemplation, and growth. We welcome curiosity and questioning on your spiritual journey.
It is our honor to share this knowledge passed down through generations and cherished in the Shri Guru Granth Sahib. We hope these answers provide you with greater clarity and understanding of the Sikh way of life.
If you have any other queries not answered here, please feel free to reach out to any of our helpful staff members at the Gurdwara. We are always happy to have open-hearted discussions and guide you further on this path. Our doors are open to all.
Let us walk together in the spirit of learning, community, and service. Once again, we welcome you!
Sikhi believes in one God, equality of all human beings, engaging in seva (selfless service), honest living, and reflection on God’s name. Sikhi rejects blind rituals, superstitions, asceticism, and discrimination.
The 10 Sikh Gurus were spiritual masters who shaped and led the Sikh community. Guru Nanak founded Sikhi, Gurus Angad & Amar Das established community institutions, Guru Arjan compiled the Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Hargobind militarized Sikhs, Guru Tegh Bahadur sacrificed for religious freedom, while Guru Gobind Singh created the Khalsa.
The Guru Granth Sahib is the eternal living guru and holy scripture of Sikhi. It contains teachings of the 10 Gurus along with other saintly figures that guide Sikh beliefs, principles, and rituals.
You can read books on Sikh history, take online classes, listen to katha explanations, and talk to granthis at Gurdwaras to learn more about the evolution of the religion from Guru Nanak to today.
The Mul Mantar introduces core Sikh beliefs – One God, His Name, Creative Power, No Fear, No Hatred, Timeless Being, Enlightener, Grace. It distills critical theological concepts about Akal Purakh.
Key Sikh festivals are: Baisakhi (April), Gurpurbs – Birthdays of Gurus, (All year), Bandi Chhor Divas (Oct), Hola Mohalla (Mar), Diwali (Oct/Nov). Exact dates vary per lunar calendar.
Vand Chhako means to share one’s earnings/resources with others before consuming. It can be practiced by donating to charity, langar seva, helping the needy, and sharing possessions.
Langar symbolizes equality, seva, and oneness of humanity. Anyone can help in the kitchen – cooking meals, washing dishes, and preparing food packages for the needy.
The 5 K’s are Kesh (unshorn hair), Kangha (comb), Kara (steel bracelet), Kachera (soldier shorts), and Kirpan (ceremonial sword). They represent the Sikh identity, beliefs, and commitment to community service.
Contact the Gurdwara office to book an Akhand Path specifying the occasion. Make a donation to cover offerings and langar. The non-stop front to back reading of Guru Granth Sahib will be scheduled based on availability.
Yes, Gurdwaras welcome people of all faiths to join the congregation, offer prayers, and experience the teachings of Sikh gurus.
Gurdwaras are funded through donations, offerings, and community contributions. Devotees can donate via the temple golak box, online, or designated services.
Gurdwaras offer a Darbar hall for prayer services, langar hall for communal meals, accommodations for visitors/pilgrims, classroom for Gurmukhi lessons, and more.
Yes, Gurdwaras welcome volunteers to help with tasks like langar preparation, cleaning, administration work, and assisting pilgrims. Speak to the Gurdwara president.
Contact the Gurdwara office in advance to coordinate dates, timings, and guidelines for group visits to ensure a smooth experience. Special tours may be arranged subject to availability.
Yes, langar serves complementary vegetarian meals to all visitors. Donations can be made but are voluntary. Langar hall timings may vary.
Photography or videos are prohibited in some areas around the Guru Granth Sahib. Check signage. Photography is allowed in most other areas but avoid flash.
Head coverings are mandatory. Visitors should dress modestly and avoid shorts, skirts, etc. Head scarves are provided. Shoes must be removed before entering.
Yes, Sikh wedding ceremonies called Anand Karaj are open for anyone to respectfully attend. Head covering and modest clothing is required. Some areas may be reserved for family.
Yes, the Gurdwara may have online resources, videos, apps, and e-courses on Sikh history, scriptures, and teachings. Check the Gurdwara’s website or ask the head granthi.
The Gurdwara may offer Punjabi classes through trained teachers on Sundays or other days. Some Gurdwaras also have library books, CDs, dictionaries to help learn the language.
You can search online directory listings or Sikh organization websites like GurdwaraFinder to locate and get contact details of your nearest Gurdwara.
Yes, the head granthi provides confidential counseling for relationship troubles, grief, addiction or any issue causing mental stress. Reach out to the Gurdwara office.
Some large Gurdwaras may organize camps, workshops, sports, competitions, and other activities for youth to connect with Sikh teachings and community. Inquire with the committee.
The darbar hall is open from early morning till late evening. Specific nitnem and diwan timings are posted weekly outside the hall. Major services are also broadcast online.
You can request kirtan for a personal celebration like birthday or anniversary by contacting the Gurdwara committee. Donations can be made to sewadars.
Some Gurdwaras may offer gatka classes through trained instructors. Inquire with the office for timings, costs, and age-specific training schedules.
Sundays schools at Gurdwaras teach reading, writing Gurmukhi script. Enrollment forms are available onsite. Some may have fees/donation requests for cost coverage.
Gurdwaras may organize free health check-up camps for the economically disadvantaged offering consultation and medicines. Check schedules on noticeboard.
Basic dormitory style rooms are available for short stays.Occupancy limits apply. Long-term visitors may assist with Gurdwara tasks. Advance booking preferred.
Yes, overnight stays are permitted with advance notice. Visitors must cover heads, avoid smoking/alcohol and follow conduct rules. Maximum stay limits apply. Small donation is appropriate.
Some Gurdwaras may offer shuttle pick-up/drop-off services for regular sangat members who are unable to commute independently to the temple.
The Gurdwara management will contact the family and assist in handling remains respectfully. Antam sanskar rituals can be arranged at Gurdwara with community support.
Contact the head granthi to schedule funeral ceremonies and kirtan. Gurdwara can guide with preparations. Consider donation to golak for offerings.
Gurdwaras distribute free food supplies, clothes, and blankets to economically disadvantaged families. Donations of items is encouraged. Speak to the Gurdwara committee.
Yes, students can consult with granthis on volunteer opportunities at Gurdwara as service hours – langar help, cleaning, gardening, office tasks etc. Letter can be provided.
The nagar kirtan procession route is pre-planned by the committee. Devotees line up at the Gurdwara to walk behind palkis and floats. Anyone can join in celebration.
Some Gurdwaras may offer gatka martial art training exclusively for female students and youth. Reach out to the office bearers to inquire.
The head granthi provides information on dates, hymns, procedures for naming ceremony. Gurdwara can host ceremony with Gurbani kirtan. Donation box is available.
Yes, speak with the Gurdwara committee to book a date for sponsoring complete langar meal as seva or celebration. Donation amount depends on sangat size.
Some Gurdwaras may offer recorded audio CDs and DVDs to help learn Punjabi through self-study at home at your convenience. Reach out to Gurdwara office.
Many Gurdwaras have reference libraries offering books on Sikh history, scriptures, and language. Membership forms may be required for borrowing books.
Please contact the head granthi or committee office about donating artefacts of Sikh historical importance to the Gurdwara’s archives for preservation and display.
Most Gurdwaras are open from early morning till late evening for tourists. Confirm timings by phone in advance. Some restrictions during prayers. Head covering and modest clothing required.
Some Gurdwaras may provide lessons and workshops on properly tying dastaar turbans. Inquire with office about instructors, schedules and fees if any.
The Gurdwara granthi can assist with books, historical sources, and scholarly contacts for anyone wanting to academically research on Sikhi and its evolution.
Please contact the Gurdwara’s general secretary who handles technology initiatives. They can guide you on volunteering programming, design, development skills for the Gurdwara’s digital presence.
Trained counselors may be available at some Gurdwaras to provide guidance on marital, parenting, or inter-generational family conflicts as seva. Ask the granthi.
Ramps, elevators, designated parking, accessible washrooms and shuttle services make most Gurdwaras highly accessible. Let staff know if any special assistance needed.