The Gurdwara & the Langar
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.4.10
The Gurdwara & the Langar
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.
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.
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.
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.
Test yourself on The Gurdwara & the Langar
What is found in every Gurdwara?
Why do people sit on the floor in the Langar?
What is correct about the Gurdwara and the Langar?