NWSIKHS-GURU DWARA SAHIB

A gurudwara, meaning "the gateway to the Guru", is the place of worship for Sikhs; however, people of all faiths are welcomed in the Gurudwara. A gurudwara has a Darbar Sahib where Guru Granth Sahib ji, the holy book of sikhs containing the hymns of sikh gurus is installed and a Langar hall (free kitchen) where food is served to all the visitors (without distinction of caste or creed) . A gurudwara may also have a library, nursery, and classroom. A gurudwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag.

The main functions that are carried out in all public gurudwaras on a daily basis include:

· Shabad Kirtan: which is the singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib ji
· Paath: which is religious discourse and reading of Gurbani from the Guru Granth Sahib ji with its explanations
· Sangat and Pangat: which is a free community kitchen known as langar for all visitors, regardless of religious, regional, cultural, racial, caste or class affiliations.

There are no idols, statues or religious pictures in Gurudwara but the essential feature of a Gurudwara is the presiding presence of the eternal Sikh guru,
Guru Granth Sahib ji. The sikhs hold high respect for the teachings and commandments laid down in Guru Granth Sahib ji.