Program

The following Gurdwara etiquette should be observed at the Gurdwara:

Before entering the hall:

• No drugs, or intoxicants of any nature, or cigarettes are allowed with in the Gurdwara premises.
• Take off your shoes
• Wash your hands
• Cover your head (head scarves are available near the entrance to the Gurdwara Hall)
• Please Turn Cell Phone to silent mode or just turn them off.

Upon entering the Diwan hall (where the Guru Granth Sahib is present):

• Fold both your hands and walk slowly.
• Bow humbly and touch your forehead to the ground out of respect for the Guru Granth Sahib.
• As you bow, place your offering respectfully before the Guru, it may be money, a flower, or a word of thanks
• Any sincere expression of gratitude is equally acceptable to the Guru
• After bowing and offering, sit in the Sangat (the congregation) quietly without disturbing others.
• Usually men sit on one side and women on the other side.
• Sit comfortably and peacefully, the cross-legged position is commonly used, but do not point your feet in the direction of the Guru Granth Sahib.
• Do not talk or chew gum.

The usual sequence of events (a service) in the Gurdwara are

• Kirtan: The singing of the Holy Hymns – Gurbani.
• Katha/GurbaniVichar: The reading of the Holy Hymns followed by explanation or a sermon or talk appropriate for the occasion.
• Recitation portions of a scripture the Anand Sahib.

The Ardas

• You will not be expected to say anything. You will have to join the Ardas (equivalent to Lord’s prayer). To join in the Ardas:
• Stand straight with folded hands and think of the Guru.
• Sing together Thoo Thakur Tum Peh Ardas
• After the Ardas, continue standing, and sing, Aageaa bhaee Akal kee, Tabhee Chalaio Panth.
• The Ardas concludes with the Jaikara. Boley So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal.
• Then sit quietly. The person sitting behind the Guru Granth Sahib will read the Hukam, the Guru’s message or Order to the Sangat (congregation).

The Hukamnama

• Upon completion of the Hukam, Karah Parsad is distributed to the Sangat. (This is a sweet pudding made of flour, sugar and clarified butter that is offered as ceremonial food.)

Langar

• Finally Langar (food from the Guru’s kitchen) will be served in a different hall. All are welcome to eat langar.

• 5:00AM – 6:30AM – Parkash and Japji Sahib
• 6:30AM – 7:30AM – Asa Di War
• 6:30AM – 7:30AM – Kirtan
• 6:30AM – 7:30AM – Ardas
• 6:30AM – 7:30AM – Hukamnama
• 6:30AM – 7:30AM – Parshad

• 6:00PM – 6:30PM – Rehras
• 6:30PM – 7:15PM – Kirtan
• 7:15PM – 7:45PM – Gurbani Vichar
• 6:45PM – 8:00PM – Hukamnama
• 6:45PM – 8:00PM – Sukhasan

• 11:00AM – 1:00PM – Kirtan
• 11:00AM – 1:00PM – Ardas
• 11:00AM – 1:00PM – Hukamnama
• 11:00AM – 1:00PM – Parshad
• 11:00AM – 1:00PM – Guru Ka Langar