wHAT IS GURDWARA?

Gurdwara (the door or the gateway to the Guru) is the name given to the Sikh’s place of worship, commonly addressed as Sikh temple in the western world. The Sikh scriptures are recited or sung and sermons are delivered. Guru Granth Sahib is placed on high palanquin under a canopy in the middle of one end of the hall. As well as sermons and the singing of the scriptures, the con­gregation is expected to participate in the ceremonies of birth, baptism, marriage, death and celebration of festivals.

The Gurdwara is a place for acquiring a spiritual knowledge and wisdom. It is open to every one regardless of age, sex, caste, or creed. Here all men, women and children are treated as equal. It offers shelter and food to any one in need. It provides care for the sick, elderly and handicapped. It is also a centre for promoting culture and health. Moral education as well as knowledge of the religion and history is often taught to children in the Sikh temple. The Gurdwara is also a place for discussing problems facing the Sikh community. Infringement of the Sikh code of discipline may also be considered and suitable punishment decided. The Gurdwara plays a socio-economic role in the Sikh community. It is expected to be free from any sectional interests or party politics.

The pattern of congregational worship can be divided into two categories: Katha, the reading of the holy hymns followed by their explanation, and Kirtan, the singing of the hymns. Attached to every Gurdwara is a free kitchen where the food, Langar, is prepared and served. The community attempts to establish better relations and under­standing between the Sikhs and other communities through occasional visits by them to a Gurdwara. Such visits are necessary not only to satisfy the curiosity of others but also to help them understand better the Sikh religion, customs and culture. A Gurdwara can be identified from a distance by observing the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag. The four doors of a Sikh temple represent the Door of Peace, the Door of Livelihood, the Door of Learning and the Door of Grace. These doors must always remain open to all. The Sikh temple is a place for training the devotees in the company of pious people. The Gurus wanted to build a model human society through an ideal and benevolent world organization.

Sikhs in the USA

Sikhism, officially recognized as the world’s fifth-largest organized religion, holds a unique and significant place in the cultural mosaic of the United States. Sikh immigrants began arriving in the United States 150 years ago, driven by dreams of prosperity for themselves and their families. Over time, Sikhs have not only succeeded but excelled in a wide array of fields, from farming and medicine to entrepreneurship and technology, making vital contributions to the nation’s progress. Despite these achievements and their efforts to seamlessly integrate into American society, Sikh Americans continue to face instances of discrimination and prejudice, often rooted in misunderstandings about their faith and traditions.

Sikhism, founded in the Punjab region of northern India by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century, is a faith centered on principles of equality, justice, and devotion. In recent decades, Sikhism has transcended its Indian origins to become a global religion, with substantial immigrant populations in the Western Hemisphere, Middle East, Australia, and Africa.The visual identity of Sikh men, characterized by their turbans (dastaars) and beards, serves as a symbol of their commitment to Sikhism’s core values. Unfortunately, these distinct features can sometimes lead to misperceptions and, in some cases, discrimination. Increasing awareness and understanding of Sikhism is vital to fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society. Sikh Americans have long championed education and outreach to bridge these gaps, striving to create a more informed and empathetic nation.

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