Guru Ka Langar is a practice where volunteer Sikhs prepare food to be shared with every visitor to the Gurudwara free of charge. The objective of this Seva is to provide for those who cannot provide for themselves, and to make sure everyone is treated with equal love and respect that we all deserve.

Bheta – $350 

Please note that it does not include the cost of Rasad. 

This includes

• Use of plastic disposables (plates, glasses, spoons) for Langar

Langar Guidelines

At GKD, the Langar is prepared in accordance with Maryada established by Akaal Takhat Saheb. There are additional regulations mandated by the governments of Charlotte City, Mecklenburg County, the State of North Carolina, and other government agencies for health and safety concerns.

Therefore, we, the management volunteers at GKD, request the families and individuals who volunteer for Langar Sevaa to diligently adhere to Langar Maryada as described below. If a family refuses to abide by Langar Maryada, the GKD management has the right and the responsibility to cancel the families’ Langar Sevaa.

If you need help with any of the below, please recruit volunteers from Sangat to assist. There are many members of the community who are more than willing to assist.

Langar Materials

Langar materials (flour, vegetables, etc.) should be fresh and unused. In other words, please, do not bring butter sticks, etc., that are already being used at home or elsewhere. This is a requirement of the health department.

Langar must be strictly vegetarian so that people of all diet restrictions are able to eat without concern. Please, be sure not to use any materials that contain egg or meat products or by-products. Please, be sure to double-check cookies and other snack boxes for ingredients such as gelatin and animal rennet (common in most cheeses). Absolutely no alcohol or tobacco products are allowed on Gurudwara premises.

For Karah Parshaad, please provide un-salted butter. 

If you have any questions, be sure to consult with Bhai Saheb.

Langar Preparation

Langar must be prepared with respect for Guru Saheb and the Sangat of Guru Saheb, not for convenience of self.

Persons preparing the Langar must wash their hands. They must not eat anything while preparing Langar. Watch for kids playing around Langar preparations so that their soiled hands do not spoil the food. This is a health department concern.

Persons preparing the Langar must keep their hair covered. This is applicable to all women and men with long beards.

Private Kirtan programs can be arranged at the Gurdwara Sahib between the family and Ragi Jatha with the permission of Gurudwara Management at GKD.
Private functions cannot be scheduled during Sundays and during scheduled Gurudwara programs.

Bheta – $350

This includes:
– Kirtan bheta ($250) for resident Ragi Jatha
– Use of Gurudwara facility and kitchen
– Use of plastic disposables (plates, glasses, spoons) for Langar

Private Kirtan programs can be arranged at a residence between the family and Ragi Jatha with the permission of Gurudwara Management at GKD. 

Private functions cannot be scheduled during Sundays and during scheduled Gurudwara programs.

Bheta – $350     

This includes Kirtan bheta ($250) for the Ragi Jatha. If travel for Bhai Sahib exceeds 20 miles, add travel expense @ $0.50 per mile

Sehaj Path led by GKD Bhai Sahib. The Sehaj Paath programs can be arranged between the family and Bhai Sahib with the permission of Gurudwara Management at GKD. 

Private programs cannot be scheduled during Sunday mornings and during scheduled Gurudwara programs.

Bheta –   Full Service = $1100

This includes bheta ($600) for the Jatha.

Anand Karaj is one of the four primary ceremonies in the life of a Sikh as defined by the Sikh Reht Maryada (SRM) of Akal Takhat. As our entire organization is governed by the SRM, we are obligated to inform you of the rules, and we will be honored to host the ceremony provided that you agree to follow the rules of Anand Karaj.

Bheta – $1100

This includes: 

• Kirtan Bheta of $250 for resident ragi jatha
• Use of Gurudwara facilities and Kitchen
• Use of plastic disposables (plates, glasses, spoons) for Langar

GKD Rules for Wedding Programs:

1. Logistical Issues:
   1. GKD BOD must approve wedding
   2. Gurdwara Granthi Singh must be part of ceremony (unless s/he excuses him/herself from the ceremony either voluntarily or at the behest of BOD)
   3. Standard Bheta for programs should be paid to Gurdwara Saheb
   4. Cannot arrange for wedding program on Sunday unless inclusive of all Sangat that comes on Sundays
   5. Must set a date that does not conflict with another programs already pre-arranged at GKD
   6. While wedding programs are “private” programs, the management of Gurdwara Saheb is obligated to uphold the sanctity of the house of Guru Granth Saheb Ji
2. Maryada

1. These rules are based on Sikh Reht Maryada of Akal Takhat
2. Bride and groom must be Sikhs (a form must be signed)
3. There can be no dancing or non-Gurbani music as the wedding party (Barat) enters Gurdwara premises (Gurdwara premises include the fenced area)
4. There can be no consumption of alcohol or meat products within Gurdwara premises
5. Persons who are part of wedding should not be intoxicated
6. All should cover their heads inside the Gurdwara building at all times.
7. The shoes must be removed in the shoe area of Gurdwara and are not allowed in any place inside the Gurdwara Sahib.
8. Bride and groom are and should act and should be treated as regular members of Sangat in Diwan Hall.
9. Bride and groom are not to be seated on a special cushion or blanket or any other special seating that is different from the seating of Sangat.
10. Groom should not wear a “kalgi” or “sehara” in Diwan Hall
11. In the Diwan Hall there can only be Keertan or Katha of Gurbani. All speeches made should be kept within the context of Gurbani. No songs can be sung.
12. All guests, Sikh or non-Sikhs, should sit on the floor. Chairs are provided only for the handicapped individuals who cannot sit on the floor.
13. Program should begin with Keertan
    After Keertan, an Ardas is performed to seek Guru’s permission to begin the Anand Karaj. For this Ardas, only the bride, the groom and their parents are required to stand. The rest of Sangat may or may not stand.
14. After the Ardas, Guru’s Hukam (Hukamnama) is read aloud.
15. A few words of advice may be shared which include that the bride and groom should be Sikhs. After this advice is given, the bride and groom are asked if they both agree to the Anand Karaj. After their ascent, the Anand Karaj starts.
16. The father (or guardian) of the bride hands the “palla” from groom to the bride.
17. Both bride and groom are to bow (matha tek) to Guru, and rise. Granthi Singh reads the first Laav from Guru Granth Saheb Ji.

Antim Ardas / Death related assembly (for Kirtan or path) at GKD or at home.

Bheta – Gurudwara Sahib does not mandate any Bheta from the family, however there is an expense of around $350 which, if family desires can pay to GKD

This includes:

• Kirtan, Ardas etc. by resident Ragi Jatha & Granthi sahib at the Funeral Home (if desired) and GKD.
• Use of Gurudwara facility and kitchen
• Use of plastic disposables (plates, glasses, spoons) for Langar