Religious Practice

The status of the Guru Granth Sahib is shown by its being placed in the Gurdwara, on a throne (palki) supported by cushions (gaddis) under a canopy (chanani) in the royal court (diwan) which is the ‘prayer room’ for Sikhs. While the court is in session / services are taking place, there is always an attendant (granthi) waving a fan (chauri) over it. It is always carried over the head and, often, has a special room where it is kept at night. In the court people are not allowed to turn their back to the scripture and no one can sit at the same level.

During worship in the gurdwara, Sikhs always bow before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. It is kept covered with a piece of silk called a romalla. except when being read. The Guru Granth Sahib Ji has the central position in the Gurdwara. During worship, a person will sit behind the Guru Granth Sahib Ji holding a chauri as a sign of respect.

Hymns are sung from the Guru Granth Sahib and it is treated as the ruler of the Sikhs, seated on a throne in the court room of the gurdwara. Personal copies of the Guru Granth Sahib are few as each copy must have a room set aside to house it. This is because Sikhs honour it so highly.

The status of the Khalsa is shown by the panj piare (five representatives of the Khalsa) taking a lead position in Sikh religious affairs, for example, processions.