Gurdwara etiquette and Sikhism basics
A gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship. In every gurdwara the Guru Granth Sahib is present as the spiritual head of the community. Sri Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, the Golden Temple, is the most important gurdwara for Sikhs, and it is open to people of every religion, caste and gender.
You do not need to know anything about Sikhism to visit. A few manners are enough: cover your head, take off your shoes, dress modestly and stay quiet and calm. This page explains them, together with the basics that make the rest of the complex easier to understand. For hours and the full rules, see timings and rules. If you want company on the day, there are Golden Temple tours from Amritsar.
Sikhism in short: gurdwara, Guru Granth Sahib and sewa
The basics, described as Sikhs understand them.
Gurdwara
The word means a Sikh house of worship. Its centre is the Guru Granth Sahib, which Sikhs regard as the spiritual head of the community. Every gurdwara is built around its presence, and the Golden Temple is the best known of them.
Guru Granth Sahib
For Sikhs it is the embodiment of the teaching of the Gurus and the leading religious authority. That is why people show it the respect they would show a living teacher: heads covered, shoes off, quiet voices.
Equality and sewa
Sewa means selfless service. The free meal in the langar, eaten together on the floor, and the volunteer work behind it express the idea that everyone is equal. You are welcome to eat; helping is an option, not an obligation.
The langar →Our pick: Sikh heritage at night
A night walk at the temple with an introduction to Sikh culture.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Golden Temple and Amritsar tours
Tours and day trips in Amritsar, with live prices and availability.
How to behave at a gurdwara
General gurdwara manners. Notices at the Golden Temple always come first.
Cover your head
Everyone covers their head before entering, men and women. A scarf is enough.
Take off your shoes
Shoes stay outside. Afterwards, clean your hands and feet if they are dirty.
Dress modestly
Wear clothing that covers the body. Shorts and miniskirts are seen as disrespectful.
No tobacco, alcohol or drugs
Do not bring them in, do not use them in the complex and do not arrive under their influence. This includes bags and the parking area.
Photos
Photos are fine outside. They are not allowed in the sanctum. Follow the signs and the instructions of the staff.
Donations
A donation is a personal choice and never required. Entry and the meal are free.
Guru Ram Das and the Golden Temple
How the Gurus are connected to this place.
Guru Ram Das
He planned and built the city and the Sarovar in the 1570s. The work was complete in 1577. The pool is called Amrit Sarovar, the pool of nectar.
Guru Arjan
He developed the central shrine and oversaw the building. In 1604 he installed the Adi Granth, with Baba Buddha as the first granthi.
Guru Hargobind
He founded the Akal Takht, which faces the temple and is the seat of Sikh authority in the complex.
Full history →What to expect on your first visit
How the etiquette fits the day at the Golden Temple.
Walk the Parikrama
The Parikrama is the path around the Sarovar. Pilgrims walk it slowly, and the pace is quiet. Keep to the flow and step aside if you stop to look.
Inside the complex →Eat in the langar
The langar hall is open 24 hours. Meals are free, and everyone sits together on the floor. It is a good way to see sewa in practice.
Langar guide →Come in the evening
At night the Guru Granth Sahib is carried from the Harmandir Sahib to the Akal Takht in a Palki Sahib ceremony. The time changes with the season.
Evening Palki Sahib →The five Ks and Sikh dates
Two things visitors often notice.
| Item | Meaning | For visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Kesh | Uncut hair | Not required |
| Kangha | A small comb | Not required |
| Kara | A steel bracelet | Not required |
| Kachha or Kachera | A special short garment | Not required |
| Kirpan | A sword worn as a symbol | Not required |
The five Ks are worn by initiated Sikhs, called Amritdhari. They are articles of faith, not a dress code for guests, and nothing in them applies to you as a visitor.
Two dates are worth knowing. Vaisakhi falls on 14 April in both 2026 and 2027. Guru Nanak's birthday is on 24 November 2026 and 14 November 2027. On festival days the complex is likely to be busier, so keep to the notices on site.
Gurdwara etiquette: frequently asked questions
Do I have to be a Sikh to enter the Golden Temple?
No. People of every religion, caste and gender are welcome, and the open entrances express exactly that.
Do men and women both cover their heads?
Yes. Everyone covers their head before entering, and everyone takes off their shoes.
Can I wear shorts?
It is better not to. Clothing that covers the body is expected, and shorts and miniskirts are seen as disrespectful.
Do I need to wear the five Ks?
No. They are articles of faith for initiated Sikhs and not a requirement for visitors.
Can I take photos?
Outside, yes. Inside the sanctum, no. Follow the signs and what the staff tell you.
Is this the official website of the Golden Temple?
No. This is an independent visitor guide and not run by Sri Harmandir Sahib, the SGPC or Punjab Tourism. Notices on site take priority over anything written here.