Frequently Asked Questions

Fun Facts About Sikhi

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What is Ek Onkar

“Ek Onkar” is a phrase that means “One God.” It is a central tenet of the Sikh faith and is the beginning of the Mool Mantar, the fundamental statement of Sikh belief. The phrase is also written as “Ek Omkar” and is a symbol of the unity and oneness of God. It is also an important symbol in the Sikh religion. Learn more…..

What is Hukamnama

Hukamnama is the guidance and inspiration received, after the Ardas, from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Learn more…..

What is a Jakara

A Jakara is a traditional Sikh chant or rallying cry that is often used in celebrations, gatherings, and religious events. Learn more…..

What is Karah Parshad

Karah Parshad is a sweet, flour-based food that is offered to the Guru during religious ceremonies and is then distributed to the congregation as a blessed food. Learn more…..

What is Matha Tek

Upon entering the Darbar Sahib we walk, with folded hands, towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Matha Tek, bowing down to touch the forhead to the ground while kneeling and then standing up again with folded hands. This shows respect to the Guru (Guru is the Bani).

Sikhs do not bow before the “book” as some type of idol worship, but to the Bani (scriptures within Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji).

What is Nitnem

Nitnem is the daily recitation of the Five Bani’s from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

  1. Japji Sahib
  2. Jaap Sahib
  3. Tav Prasad Savaiye
  4. Chaupai Sahib
  5. Anand Sahib
What is a Siropa

Siropa is a term used in Sikhi to refer to a piece of cloth or scarf that is presented as a mark of honor, respect, or gratitude. It is often given as a gift or honorific to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the Sikh community, or who have demonstrated a high level of devotion to the Sikh faith.

The presentation of a Siropa is typically accompanied by a ceremony, during which the recipient is draped with the cloth while prayers and blessings are offered. The Siropa is usually made of fine cotton or silk fabric and is decorated with various patterns or designs.

In Sikhi, the Siropa is considered a symbol of humility and service, and it is often presented to those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others or to the pursuit of spiritual growth.

What is a Takht

Takht is a Throne, like a Royal Seat of Authority, where all the major religious decisions are made. There are five Takhts and each one have a very special significance.

What are the Five Takhts

The Five Takhts are:-

  1. Sri Akal Takht
  2. Sri Hazur Sahib
  3. Sri Harimandir Sahib
  4. Sri Damdama Sahib
  5. Sri Keshgarh Sahib
Who was the first Sikh Guru

Guru Nanak Dev Ji was the first Sikh Guru and also the founder of Sikhi. Learn more…..

Who are the Ten Sikh Gurus

The Ten Sikh Gurus in succession are:-

  1. Guru Nanak Dev Ji
  2. Guru Angad Dev Ji
  3. Guru Amar Das Ji
  4. Guru Ram Das Ji
  5. Guru Arjan Dev Ji
  6. Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji
  7. Guru Har Rai Ji
  8. Guru Har Krishan Ji
  9. Guru Teg Bahadhur Ji
  10. Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Who is the youngest martyr in the world

Sahibzada Fateh Singh Ji, aged only 6 years, is the youngest martyr in the world

Why do you sit on the floor

Everyone sits on the floor in the Gurdwara to be humble before Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and because it gives everyone a place of equal status. Learn more…..

Why do you cover your head in the Gurdwara

Covering the head in a Gurdwara, or any Sikh place of worship, is a sign of respect and reverence for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh holy scripture, and the principles of Sikhi. Here are several reasons why covering the head is practiced in Sikhi:

  1. Respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Sikhi teaches that Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the eternal Guru, embodying the teachings and wisdom of the Sikh Gurus. Covering the head is a way to show reverence and humility towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, similar to the practice of covering one’s head in the presence of a respected elder or dignitary.
  2. Cultural tradition: Covering the head is a common cultural practice in many South Asian societies, including Punjab, the region from which Sikhi originated. It is a sign of respect, modesty, and humility in these cultures, and this tradition has been adopted and retained within Sikhism.
  3. Symbol of submission to the Divine: Sikhism emphasizes the importance of surrendering oneself to the will of the Divine. Covering the head symbolizes this submission and humility before the divine presence, acknowledging the authority and grace of Waheguru (God).
  4. Maintaining purity and sanctity: In Sikhi, the body is considered a sacred vessel for the soul, and covering the head is believed to help maintain its purity. It is also a way to protect the mind from distractions and focus on prayer, meditation, and spiritual contemplation.
  5. Equality: In Sikhi, covering the head is not only for men but for everyone, regardless of gender. This practice reflects the principle of equality, affirming that all individuals are equally deserving of respect and are connected to the divine regardless of gender.
  • All Indians have been covering their heads for centuries before they left their homes, Turbans were a part of attire throughout the history of India. The Europeans brought their hats and caps, and when they left they took the hats and caps with them.
  • Even now, in Rural India where the traditions of ancient India are still alive, Most of the people still cover their heads and keep them covered in presence of elders and in holy places
Overall, covering the head in a gurdwara is a practice deeply rooted in Sikh tradition, symbolizing respect, humility, purity, and submission to the divine. It is considered an essential aspect of Sikh etiquette and spirituality.
The question we should be asking ourselves is when and why did Indians stop covering their heads while leaving their home, let alone covering their heads to respect the elders and holy places.
Why do you remove shoes in the Gurdwara

In Sikhi, removing shoes before entering a Gurdwara (a Sikh place of worship) is a sign of respect and humility. This practice is rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of Sikhi. Here are a few reasons why Sikhs remove their shoes before entering a Gurdwara:

  1. Purity and cleanliness: Gurdwaras are considered sacred spaces where individuals come to pray, meditate, and connect with the divine. Removing shoes helps maintain the cleanliness and purity of the Gurdwara environment, as shoes can bring in dirt and impurities from outside.
  2. Symbol of equality: In Sikhi, all individuals are considered equal before the divine. Removing one’s shoes before entering the Gurdwara is a symbolic act of humility and equality, signifying that all are equal in the eyes of the Guru and there is no distinction between rich or poor, high or low.
  3. Cultural tradition: Many cultures, including Sikh culture, have a tradition of removing shoes before entering homes or places of worship as a sign of respect. This tradition is deeply ingrained in Sikh culture and is followed as a mark of reverence towards Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh holy scripture) and the sacred space of the Gurdwara.
  4. Practical reasons: Gurdwaras typically have carpeted floors where people sit and pray or participate in community gatherings. Removing shoes helps keep the floors clean and preserves the sanctity of the space.

Overall, removing shoes before entering a gurdwara is a practice that reflects the principles of cleanliness, equality, humility, and respect that are central to Sikh teachings and traditions.

Karah Parshad v. Langar

Karah Parshad and Langar are two terms commonly used in the Sikh community, with both having different meanings and contexts.

Karah Parshad is a sweet, flour-based food that is offered to the Guru during religious ceremonies and is then distributed to the congregation as a blessed food. It is a sacred offering and is prepared with great reverence and devotion. Karah Parshad is considered a symbol of unity, equality, and community, as everyone partakes of it, regardless of their social status, wealth, or caste.

Langar, on the other hand, is a community kitchen that serves free meals to all visitors, irrespective of their background, beliefs, or social status. It is an integral part of Sikh tradition, and the practice of Langar is aimed at promoting the values of equality, service, and compassion. Langar is usually served at Gurudwaras, the Sikh place of worship, and is run by volunteers who perform selfless service or seva to prepare and serve the food.

In summary, Karah Parshad is a blessed sweet food offered during religious ceremonies, while Langar is a free communal kitchen that serves food to all visitors regardless of their background, beliefs, or social status. Both Parshaad and Langar are integral parts of Sikh tradition, and they represent the core values of Sikhism, such as equality, service, and community.

Are wheel chairs allowed in the Gurdwara
  • Wheelchairs may be taken into the Gurdwara Sahib at the discretion of the individual Gurdwara.
  • For visitors who have difficulty sitting on the floor due to old age or other medical conditions, arrangements are sometimes made to sit on a pupose built bench or just a few chairs allocated towards the back of the Darbar Sahib (main hall)
  • Check which Gurdwara allows wheelchairs into Darbar Sahib
What is the protocol when entering a Gurdwara

The Protocol when entering a Gurdwara is to dress appropriately and not be under any influence of alcohol, cigarettes (including e-cigarettes) or any type of drug. Learn more…..

Can you wear shorts in the Gurdwara

Shorts should not be worn in the Gurdwara Sahib. Learn more…..

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