What activities take place in a gurdwara?
What activities take place in a gurdwara?
The purpose of a Gurdwara
- It’s a place to learn spiritual wisdom.
- It’s a place for religious ceremonies.
- It’s a place where children learn the Sikh faith, ethics, customs, traditions and texts.
- A Gurdwara is also a community centre, and offers food, shelter, and companionship to those who need it.
What special religious functions take place in a gurdwara?
The gurdwara is not only a place for meditation and prayer. It is the main place for the Sikh community (the sangat ) to gather together and it is also a place where Sikhs and the wider community can learn about the faith.
How does the gurdwara serve the community?
Social and community functions of the gurdwara The gurdwara is at the heart of the Sikh community. It is where Sikhs worship God, read the Guru Granth Sahib and practise sewa in the langar . Sikhs do not have to attend the gurdwara, but gurdwaras are used to support and serve the sangat and the local community.
What do you wear to a gurdwara?
The traditional attire that men wear to the Gurdwara comprises a loose kurta that is of full-sleeves, which is worn along with a pair of pajamas or loose trousers that are comfortable for sitting down on the carpet for prayer.
What is the importance of Gurdwara?
Gurudwara is a place of worship, a temple of Sikhs, the followers of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhism, the main feature of Gurdwara is to sing/listen the praises of Lord God and true Guru in association with the true congregation of devotee worshipers and recite the scripture contained in Guru Granth Sahib …
What does Langar Hall mean?
Langar Hall is a Sanskrit word for a place where pilgrims receive rest and nourishment. Every Sikh temple has a Langar Hall where worshipers enjoy a free meal before going to the temple… LEARN MORE..
What role does the Langar play in serving the community?
The langar He offered free meals to everyone, regardless of their caste , gender or wealth. It was a place where everyone gathered and ate together. The langar is also the free food that is served in the kitchen. Many Sikhs serve langar to people outside the gurdwara .
What is the God for Sikhism?
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion. This means that Sikhs believe there is one God. One of the most important names for God in Sikhism is Waheguru (Wonderful God or Lord). Sikhs learn about God through the teachings of Guru Nanak and the nine Sikh Gurus who came after him.
Who can eat langar?
All the food is free, and it is offered to anyone who visits the gurdwara, regardless of their faith. The langar serves only vegetarian food in order to make it inclusive of all faiths. Different faiths have different food laws for example, Muslims are only able to eat halal meat and cannot eat pork.
What community events or support does the gurdwara offer?
Some of the facilities and services that the gurdwara may offer are:
- prayer hall, for worship.
- langar, for service and eating together.
- social centre for the local community to meet and host events and groups, such as youth clubs.
- free legal advice.
- library.
- guest room for travellers.
- music lessons.
- Punjabi lessons.
What is the most important part of the gurdwara?
The Guru Granth Sahib is the focus of worship within the gurdwara. It is placed on a raised platform called the manji sahib under a canopy in the divan hall. It always sits higher than the congregation (sangat) as a symbol of respect. The palki sahib is the main structure that houses the Guru Granth Sahib.
Why do you take your shoes off in a gurdwara?
To show respect in the gurdwara, Sikhs wash their hands, cover their heads and remove their shoes before they enter the diwan hall. They then walk towards the Guru Granth Sahib, bow in front of it and touch the floor to show respect.
What do The raagis do at a Gurdwara?
The raagis (who sing Ragas) recite, sing, and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the congregation. All gurdwaras have a langar hall, where people can eat free vegetarian food served by volunteers at the gurdwara.
Which is the only festival celebrated in the Gurudwara?
Festivals The only festivals celebrated in the Gurudwara are Baisakhi (the birthday of the Khalsa) and Diwali. ( 2. Diwali is a festival of the Hindus. It is celebrated in honour of Lord Rama’s return from 14 years of exile.
What does it mean to be in a Gurdwara?
A gurdwara ( gurdwārā; meaning “door to the guru “) is a place of assembly and worship for Sikhs. Sikhs also refer to gurdwaras as Gurdwara Sahib. People from all faiths are welcomed in gurdwaras.
Where is the Guru Granth Sahib located in a Gurdwara?
Each gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where the current and everlasting guru of the Sikhs, the scripture Guru Granth Sahib, is placed on a takhat (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. The raagis (who sing Ragas) recite, sing, and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the congregation.