Learn
Words you will hear
A Gurdwara has its own vocabulary, and nobody explains it to you at the door. Here is what the words mean, in plain English.
- Gurdwara
- a Sikh place of worship
- Diwan
- the main congregational service
- Langar
- a free community meal, served to everyone
- Hukamnama
- the day's reading from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji
- Kirtan
- devotional singing
- Katha
- spoken explanation of scripture
- Ardaas
- the congregational prayer
- Seva
- voluntary service
- Sangat
- the congregation
- Gurpurab
- a day marking a Guru's birth or passing
- Nishan Sahib
- the Sikh flag flown outside every Gurdwara
- Degh
- the blessed sweet offering shared after Diwan
Learning more
A fuller library is not published here yet — on purpose.
Writing about Sikhi, the Guru Sahiban or Sikh history is the Gurdwara's to do, not a web contractor's. When the Gurdwara names who will write and approve it, it will appear here. Until then, ask at the Gurdwara — that is what it is for.
If you have a question, come on a Friday or Sunday and ask, or call (609) 587-3131.