Gurdwara, which means “door to the Guru”, is a place for worship and assembly of Sikhs. Gurdwara Sahib is also referred to by Sikhs. Gurdwaras welcome people of all faiths. Every gurdwara has its Darbar Sahib. This is where the current and eternal guru of Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib (the scripture Guru Granth Sahib), is located in a prominent central location. In the presence of the rest, any congregant, sometimes with specialized training, may recite, sing, or explain the Guru Granth Sahib verses.
Every gurdwara has a langar hall where vegetarians can enjoy free food prepared by volunteers. You may find a library, classroom, meeting rooms and a nursery. The tall flagpoles with the Nishan Sahib (the Sikh flag) can identify a gurdwara from a distance.
Gurdwaras are places where Sikhs gather for worship. Guru Nanak built the first Gurdwara anywhere in the world in Kartarpur in 1521-2. There are approximately 200 Gurdwaras across Britain. Literally, Gurdwara means “the residence of Guru” or “the door that leads you to the Guru”.
Five gurdwaras, or thrones of authority called Panj Takht, have special significance to the Sikh community.
