PRAYER HALL DISCIPLINE
Gurdwara is the place for the people to pray to God in the set Sikh way, in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib – the Sikh Holy book. A visitor e.g. from out side the Sikh community, can calmly watch and enjoy the proceedings.
Discipline is important to maintain the similarity of proceedings in all Gurdwaras. This has been laid down in the Reht (Code of Ethics) for the faith by the Sikh-Panth – the Sikh world. It is available in the form of a booklet from the bookstores or from S.G.P.C. (Shromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Amritsar), an Institution for controlling Gurdwaras.
Different Gurdwaras may have slight variations according to their individual needs and limitations. The Gurdwaras of different sects, especially not under the control of S.G.P.C., may have their own modifications in the routines. At homes, the people may have some of their own choices.
The sameness in the functioning of Gurdwaras, encourages brotherhood and unity. A Gurdwara starts its program in the morning with recitation of Gurbani and singing of the Holy Hymns. In the overseas countries, changes and adjustments may have to be made according to the arrangements possible and facilities available. The local laws have to be taken care of.
Following is the discipline for entering the prayer hall.