2.4.10

The Gurdwara & the Langar

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The Gurdwara & the Langar

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The Gurdwara

  • The Gurdwara is the Sikh place of worship. It means “the doorway to the Guru.”
  • Every Gurdwara contains a copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture.
  • The Gurdwara welcomes everyone. It does not matter their religion, gender, or background.
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Worship

  • Worship in a Gurdwara usually includes:
    • Kirtan → singing hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.
    • Ardas → a community prayer.
    • Katha → explaining and discussing the Guru’s teachings.
    • Langar → the community kitchen where food is shared.
  • People remove their shoes, cover their heads, and sit on the floor as a sign of respect and equality.
  • There are no priests. Any Sikh who is trained may read from the Guru Granth Sahib.
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The Langar

  • The Langar is the free community kitchen found in every Gurdwara.
  • Guru Nanak created the Langar to show that all people are equal before God.
  • Anyone can eat in the Langar. It does not matter their religion, gender, or background.
    • Everyone sits together on the floor to share the same food.
    • The food is mostly simple vegetarian meals.
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Community

  • The Gurdwaras and the Langars promote equality and selfless service.
    • They provide a place where people can come together, support each other, and help those in need.
  • Many Gurdwaras run schools, charity work and language classes.
  • During times of crisis, Gurdwaras and Langars often help anyone in need, not only Sikhs.

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Disciplinary Knowledge

2Year 8

2.1Islam

2.2Hindu Dharma (Hinduism)

2.3Buddhism

2.4Sikhi

2.5Atheism

2.6Philosophy of Religion

2.7Disciplinary Knowledge

3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.2Extremism

3.3Equality

4Additional Concepts

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