I am visiting a Sikh temple for my religious class.Any protocol I should know before I go?

Question

I just want to make sure I don't be an offensive American, I want to do this project in the most respectful way possible.

Answer 1

The first rule is to remove your shoes before entering any of the main halls (there is usually a designated room to place shoes). Second is to cover your head. As mentioned, head scarves are typically provided by the Gurdwara (the Sikh temple) as the objective is to invite people of all backgrounds - all are welcome in Gurdwaras. Third, when going to sit down in the main hall where the prayers are sung, do not point your feet toward the Guru Granth Sahib - sit cross-legged. Those are the main points of concern.

Basically, just be respectful and you'll be fine. Its not expected that you will know the full system, so if you still feel uncomfortable, simply ask someone there about the protocol - I'm sure no one will mind helping you.

Also, here's a link that may be helpful for you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurdwara#Visiting_a_Gurdwara

Hope that helps, and good luck with the project/assignment for your class. If you need any other help or info regarding Sikhi, feel free to drop me an email =)

Answer 2

Cover your heads with their provided scarves.. no matter u male of female. Be a good listener when they do their hymens. And eat their given food without wasting them a little. At a token of gratitude.. u can help serving the food or cleaning up the dishes in the end.

Answer 3

I would think that you teacher would have the answer to that. Are you doing it on your own? Or as a group? If on your own and for some reason your teacher doesn't know anything about that religion, which would seem rather odd to me, call them first and ask.

Answer 4

What Mahattan said pretty much covers it
But before you enter, make sure you take your shoes off