Visiting Our Gurdwara
A complete planning guide for teachers and group leaders.
| What to Expect | Practical Details |
|---|---|
| ✓ Suitable for ages 5 and above | ✓ Step-free and wheelchair accessible |
| ✓ Groups up to 60 welcomed | ✓ Toilets available |
| ✓ Visits usually 90 minutes–2 hours | ✓ Free for school groups |
| ✓ Langar available for all groups | ✓ Monday–Saturday |
| ✓ Guided tours available | ✓ Book at least 2 weeks in advance |
Please contact us at least two weeks before your preferred visit. Let us know your group size, age range, accessibility requirements, and whether you would like a guided tour, structured talk, or self-guided experience.
Once confirmed, we will send this guide for teachers, parents, and students.
Before visiting, we recommend discussing:
- What a Gurdwara is
- The Guru Granth Sahib
- Langar and equality
- Removing shoes and covering the head
Pre-Visit Activity
Ask students to write down three questions they hope to have answered during the visit.
| Head Covering | Everyone must cover their head. Scarves and coverings are provided. |
|---|---|
| Shoes | Shoes are removed at the entrance. Socks may be worn. |
| Dress | Comfortable, modest clothing is recommended. |
| Food | Free vegetarian Langar is provided. Please advise us of any allergies. |
| Photography | Allowed outside and in communal areas, but not during prayers. |
| Behaviour | Students should remain respectful and follow staff guidance. |
| Time | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival | Welcome | Meet volunteers, remove shoes and cover heads. |
| 10 mins | Orientation | Introduction before entering the Darbar Sahib. |
| 20 mins | Prayer Hall | Observe the Guru Granth Sahib and ask questions. |
| 15 mins | Tour | Visit the Langar Hall, kitchen and community spaces. |
| 30 mins | Langar | Enjoy a vegetarian meal together. |
| 10 mins | Q & A | Students ask questions before departure. |
Knowledge
- Purpose of a Gurdwara
- Guru Granth Sahib
- Meaning of Langar
- Nishan Sahib and Khanda
Reflection
- Meaning of Seva
- Equality in Sikhism
- Compare places of worship
- Share personal reflections
- Review students' questions.
- Write a letter describing the visit.
- Create a classroom display.
- Compare Langar with other traditions.
- Research Sikhism further.
- Send a thank-you letter to the Gurdwara.
- Wheelchair accessible throughout.
- Accessible toilets available.
- Chairs available if required.
- Quiet visits can be arranged.
- Allergen information available.
- Flexible visit duration available.
Visitors are never expected to participate in prayers or religious practices.
The visit is designed to help students observe, learn and ask questions in a welcoming environment.
