Gurdwaras in the community
The gurdwaraSikh place of worship. Literally, the 'doorway to the Guru'. is run by the sangatCongregation in a Sikh gurdwara.. Sikhs are selected to run the gurdwara and will organise and coordinate its daily running, including its finances, events, maintenance and cleaning. In general, this is done voluntarily as part of sewaSelfless service to the community.. A granthiReader of the Guru Granth Sahib, who officiates at ceremonies. This can be a man or a woman. is appointed to oversee the running of the gurdwara.
Social and community functions of the gurdwara
Sikhs do not have to attend the gurdwara, but gurdwaras are used to support and serve the sangat and the local community. Some of the facilities and services that the gurdwara may offer are:
- prayer hall, for worship
- langar, for service and eating together
- social centre for the local community to meet and host events and groups, such as youth clubs
- free legal advice
- library
- guest room for travellers
- music lessons
- Punjabi lessons
The langar
The langar is a place where everyone gathers to eat together, even those outside the gurdwara, with free food served from the kitchen.
The langar is run by volunteers. Many Sikhs see it as a privilege to help by cooking, cleaning or serving food there. Only vegetarian food is served in the langar, to make it inclusive of all faiths. The langar reminds Sikhs that all people belong to the same human family and therefore should be treated fairly.