Going to Gurudwara Very First Time

Guys,

What's the best way to approach going to a Gurdwara for the first time? I stay in Glasgow, Scotland which has a fairly 'closed' Sikh community (if I can put it that way without offending anyone) which is obviously more cultural than religious.
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Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30372

In saying that though, I was probably going to go to the second largest one rather than the largest one, given where it is. I've checked and none of the four (?) in Glasgow have any websites.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Also are jeans acceptable? For head covering, would a simple bandana do?

Finally, if I went one week (and this sounds like a bit of an oxymoron(?)) would they mind if I went the week after and just started to go regularly?

In peace,

Tanuki

 
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This is so cool! First time in a gurudwara. The rules are pretty simple. You will remove your shoes and socks when you enter, so wear shoes and socks that are easy to get off and on. (No pantyhose, if you're a women!) You'll be sitting on the floor, so wear clothing loose and comfortable and modest. (You'd have sense enough to dress modestly anyway, I'm sure.) Some older people object to people, especially women, wearing jeans. It's not against the rules, but you want to make a good first impression, right? Loose dress pants are nice. A bandana to cover the head is fine. Many Sikhs use them.

If you'd like a complete run down, you might like to download Welcome To Our Gurdwara.

One thing no one will ever tell you, but I think it's a good idea. If you intend to mata tek (bow) to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, practice a bit at home. Then you will be much more confident.

The sangat at the gurdwara will probably be very cordial and happy to see you. Some might be shy, especially those who don't speak English.

So go and enjoy yourself. The Darbar Sahib at a gurdwara is unlike any other place I've ever been. And please feel free to return any time. Sometimes I like to just go and enjoy the Darshan of Guru ji, even though nothing else is going on.

Many thanks for the reply,
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From what I have learned thus far of the faith, it definitely appeals to my heart and my head and so I would like to follow Sikhi.
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The thing about Gurdwara is, I am a bit nervous that if I continue to go for a few weeks that all I'm going to get is weird stares with people asking who the 'wee guy is in the corner'! What if I go and no-one talks to me? Mind you I suppose these things take time.

So, you are a "wee guy"?

I cannot imagine that you would not be greeted as you come in. Almost always, someone is doing shoe sewa and as they help you there will no doubt do some introduction. Sikhs are not a taciturn bunch, in fact, we are hard to shut up.
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I know that I have occasionally visited a church and not a single soul spoke to me or seemed to notice my presence. I have never known that to happen in a gurdwara, especially if you go to the langar hall.

I should warn you that there are a few gurdwara goers who really embarrass the rest of us. They are the taliban types who feel the need to correct any break of protocol and can be a bit rude. These are not many, but they do exist.

Oh, and never, ever point your feet toward Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. That is considered very disrespectful.

Please go and enjoy. Gurdwara is a great experience. And over all, we Sikhs are really mostly very nice people!.:happykaur:

Yeah, your typical wee Scotsman!

I am looking forward to going. The whole idea of the langar though really freaks me out - I hate eating in front of people at the best of times! Perhaps I'm building this up more than I need to.
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Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30372

At the end of the day, I'm going to worship God and so I shouldn't worry about other people! (he says as his stomach does somersaults at the thought of being with lots of strangers)

Are Gurdwaras open during the week? Is it more quiet?

Sorry about the 20 questions!

Quite all right. Yes, most gurdwaras are open from early morning, usually about 6 am, as are supposed to say our morning prayers before sunrise. People wander in at all sorts of times. In fact, there is no real set day for services, as inchurches. In western countries, most people go on Sunday morning because that';s when the dominant religion worships and it's most convenient.
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I find the whole gurdwara experience much looser and more informal than churches. They tend to be a bit noisy, too.

This video is from the Fremont Gurdwara of Sohila, bedtime prayer and putting Guru ji to bed for the night. I'm not sure why, but I am very fond of this particular video.

It is a good idea to have an inviting look on the face. talk to people and let them know about your interest.make friends. you wll surely get many.
i am surprised that none of these Gurudwaras have a website. I expect them to have a good working site with regular updates.
This is one sure way to attract people including sikhs.
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Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30372
Everyone expects to know what is going on.

And it does not take much money or time to make one!
many IT sikhs in England must know this for sure.

I'm surprised they do not have a website either.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30372

But, Ballym, I live in Scotland not England (two very different countries although they are joined together in a union)- so it wouldn't make much difference if English Sikhs did know IT.

Tanuki ji,

Maybe no website, but surely a telephone? You could get some information that way, assuming that whoever answers the phone speaks English.
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Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=30372

The most important things are to keep an open mind and a sense of humour. Those will serve well not only in a gurdwara, but also in life, in general.

Lord love a duck!

my imazination hey 22ji wee guy jst go thr no need to worry
u ll get allot of helping hands thr ...baba ji is very kind