central position in the hall.
The holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib or SGGS is placed on a dominant
platform and covered in very beautiful and attractive coloured fine
silks and cloth. The platform is always covered by a canopy, which is
also decorated in expensive and very attractive coloured materials.
Sometimes an additional canopy structure with a platform called a Palki
Sahib is used as a throne for the Guru. The Sangat or Congregation sit
facing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib on carpeted floor. Although not a
strict requirement of the religion, it's become a fashion for the males
and females to sit on opposite sides of the Darbar Sahib. The floor of
the hall is covered with carpet which in turn may be covered with white
cloth sheets.
Before a devotee or guest enters the Darbar Sahib, he or she must first
take off their shoes and cover their head. Special racks are provided
outside the Darbar Sahib to remove and store shoes. Most Gurdwaras also
provide colourful cloth material to cover ones head. You must not enter
the hall if you are under the influence of intoxicate or have just been
smoking. As you may want to sit on the carpeted floor, you should wear
suitable loose clothing.
On entering the Darbar Sahib, the devotee will walk slowly and with
humility towards the Guru's Takhat. In front of the Takhat, the devotee
will say a small Ardas or prayer standing in front of Guru ji, and then
place a small offering to the Guru. This is normally small change of
coins which is placed in a Golak or Treasure Chest. The disciple will
then bow to the Guru, touching the forehead to the ground for a few
seconds and then rise to the standing position and say a small prayer
to Waheguru . If you are not a Sikh, it is acceptable to walk to the
Guru Ji Takhat, just bow your head and then join the rest of the
congregation. Having done the Nimashkar or Greeting to the Guru, the
devotee will walk gently to the correct side of the hall – either to
the right or left depending on the gender of the devotee. However,
there are no strict rules on gender segregation in most Gurdwara and if
there is only a small congregation, mixed sitting policy may apply.
On one side of the Guru's Takhat, you will normally find a small stage
which would be used by the Kirtaneaa or Singers, who on special
occasions perform Kirtan or Hymn singing. On the other side of the
Takhat, you may find a rostrum from where announcements are made by the
organisers, who would stand at this stage to make the broadcast.
(Text taken from www.sikhiwiki.org)
