Sikhism - Worship

1. Sikh worship can be public or private.

2. Sikhs usually try to get up early, bathe and then spend some time meditating on God.

3. Sikhs have certain prayers that they recite in the morning, evening and before going to sleep.

4. A gurdwara is a place where Sikhs come together to worship.

5. Gurdwara means the home of the guru, although Sikhs believe God is present everywhere.

6. The Sikh congregation is called a Sangat.

7. Sikh worship can be led by any male or female who is able to do so.

8. There are no statues or religious pictures in a gurdwara, nor are there any candles, incense or bells.

9. The Sikh flag usually flies outside the gurdwara, it is orange/yellow and has the Sikh emblem on it.

10. Each gurdwara has a granthi who organises the daily services and reads from the Guru Grant Sahib.

11. A granthi must be fluent in reading Gurmukhi and trained in all aspects of looking after the Guru Granth Sahib.

12. The main focus of Sikh worship is the Guru Granth Sahib which is treated with the respect that would be given to a human guru.

13. It is placed on a platform, under a canopy and covered with a cloth, when not being read.

14. There are four doors leading into a gurdwara, which show that people from all points of the compass and all castes are welcome.

15. On entering the gurdwara, Sikhs cover their heads, remove their shoes and wash their feet, if dirty.

16. Everyone sits on the floor to show all are equal.

17. Sikh men and women usually sit on different sides of the hall.

18. After the chants and prayers, a meal is shared in the langar, or kitchen.

19. The food is simple and vegetarian, so all may join in.

20. This tradition was started by Guru Nanak.

21. The meals are served by volunteers from the Sikh community who also provide and prepare the food.