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Organization Name: Sikh Society of Michigan Madison Heights
Organization Overview: All visitors to a Sikh Gurdwara should be aware of the following guidelines when visiting:
Please dress appropriately so that you can comfortably and with decency sit on the carpeted floor. It is recommended that all visitors to the Gurdwara wear loose fitting clothing which covers most of your legs. Low hanging or tight-fitting pants may not be suitable. Please try sitting on the carpeted floor at home for a short period to see if the clothing is suitable.
All visitors entering the Main Prayer Hall, called the Darbar Sahib and the Dining (Langar) Hall will have to remove their shoes and place them in the shoe racks provided.
No smoking is allowed in the vicinity of the Gurdwara premises. Visitors cannot enter the Gurdwara while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You should not take cigarettes or tobacco with you into the premises or smoke while near the Gurdwara or soon before going into the Gurdwara.
All visitors MUST cover their heads while in the main Gurdwara areas. The Gurdwara usually has a box of scarves, but you can bring your own headscarf for this purpose. Other hats and caps (e.g. baseball-style caps) may not appropriate (please check with the Gurdwara officials). Sikh men normally wear a turban. Sikh ladies usually wear a "Chunni", which is normally a long, flowing, semi-transparent plain cloth with a decorated, veiled edging.
Chairs are not provided in the Gurdwara (except for those with medical conditions) and so, when sitting, this will be on the carpeted floor both in the Main Prayer Hall (Darbar Sahib) and in the Langar Hall.
On first entering the large prayer room (called the Darbar Sahib), a small bow to the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) shows respect to the host community. Backs should not be turned on the Guru Granth Sahib or the soles of the feet pointed towards the Sikh holy book when sitting on the carpet (as a mark of respect). It is normal to sit cross-legged yoga style. It may be a good idea to practice this at home if possible before your trip to the Gurdwara.
Visitors will usually be offered Kara Parshad (sweet flour and oil based food offered as a gift) in the worship hall, which is usually given in cupped hands and eaten with the right hand. If you are uncertain about your ability to eat a lot of this food – Say “very small portion” to the Sewadar (volunteer) serving the Kara Parshad. You should take a small plastic bag (or ask for one from the Sewadar (volunteer) serving the Kara Parshad) to save your Kara Parshad if it is not to your taste – Please do not refuse it or throw it away.
You may be offered Langar (vegetarian food from the communal kitchen). If not too certain about consuming this food you can ask to be excused although most people should take langar as it is regarded as a blessing by the Guru. When in the Langar Hall, it is better to ask for less rather than take too much and waste the food. Say “very little” to the Sewadar (volunteer) serving the Langar. If you require more later, just wait for the Sewadar to come around.
Language: English,Punjabi
Cultures: Indian
Street: 990 E. Lincoln
City/Township: Madison Heights
State: MI
Zip Code: 48071
Country: USA
Phone: (313) 547-0927
