Stairs angle up from either side of the ground floor to the Diwan Hall. As you head up, please be sure to silence your cell phone and or pagers. Please be sure that your head is covered with a scarf or a turban.
Once upstairs, you will be facing a stage with a Manji, a seat, in the center. Over the Manji is a Chandoa, a canopy. A person is usually seated behind the Manji with a Chaor of fine white hair. All of these items are suitable for the throne of a King. (See image above)
On the Manji is placed Guru Granth Saheb Ji. To an average person, Guru Granth Saheb Ji may be a book; however, to the Sikhs, Guru is our God, our King, our saviour, and our guide all rolled into one. All of the pomp and show is to show devotion and respect.
We ask that visitors approach the Guru respectfully. Bowing before the Guru is encouraged as Guru is not just of Sikhs but of all humankind; however, it is not a requirement. We do not wish for visitors of other faiths to feel uncomfortable.
After bowing, please seat yourself to either side. During normal programming, a Granthi Singh or another member of Sangat is on the stage singing the hyms that are taken directly from Guru Granth Saheb. There are two projector screens on either side of the hall so that the visitors can read the translations of the hymns being sung line by line. If you are familiar with the words, you are encouraged to sing along.
At the conclusion of the program, there is a standing prayer led by a Granthi Singh. The entire congregation stands in attention with hands folded and facing the Guru Saheb. Once this standing prayer is completed, a response from Guru Granth Saheb is read aloud for all to hear. Again, the overhead projectors will display the Hukam, or Order, of Guru Saheb and its translation.
After the Hukam is read, Bhai Saheb takes a few moments to explain the Hukam in Punjabi, the native language of the Sikhs. And then a sweet is served, called Parshad, or "blessing," made of wheat flour, water, butter and sugar. We ask that visitors accept the Parshad with both hands and refrain from putting it on the floor. Often times, during the serving of Parshad, managment makes a few announcements. Visitors are also introduced to the congregation either by themselves or by their hosts.
Then it is off to Guru ka Langar on the ground floor.
Please use the contact us page to contact our organization to arrange a visit to the Gurudwara. A member of our Public Relations Committee will respond as soon as possible.
Thank you and we welcome your visit!
