The Sikh Community's Verified Gurdwara Directory
Gurdwara Directory - USA & Canada
Browse over 635 Gurdwaras across the United States and Canada - with langar schedules, Sunday diwan times, sarai (overnight stay) availability, kirtan programs, and visitor guides. Every listing is verified and maintained by the Gurdwara committee that runs it, not scraped from Google Maps or auto-generated by an algorithm. Whether you're a first-time visitor curious about Sikh worship, a traveling family looking for langar on the road, or Sangat searching for a new home away from home, this directory is built by the community, for the community.
Featured Gurdwaras
Browse Gurdwaras by Location
Find Gurdwaras in your state or province. Each location page includes full listings with addresses, langar schedules, service times, and directions.
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The Sikh Community in Numbers
Upcoming Gurpurabs & Sikh Holidays
Gurpurabs are Sikh commemorative days marking the births, lives, and sacrifices of the Gurus. These are days of extended kirtan, akhand path (continuous scripture reading), nagar kirtan processions through the streets, special langar, and community celebration. They're also the best time to visit a Gurdwara for the first time - the energy, devotion, and hospitality are at their peak.
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Kirtan
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Akhand Paath @Home
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Akhand Paath @Home
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Education - Kirtan
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Sehaj Path
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Rehras-Kirtan
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Amrit Sanchaar
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Arumbh Akhand Path- Khalsa Sirjana Divas
Explore by Service
Browse services and programs offered at Gurdwaras in your area.
What to Expect When Visiting a Gurdwara
A Gurdwara - meaning "Gateway to the Guru" - is a Sikh place of worship open to every person, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or background. There is no membership, no entry fee, and no appointment needed. You are welcome exactly as you are.
Cover your head and remove your shoes. When you arrive, you'll find a shoe rack at the entrance and head coverings (scarves or bandanas) available for anyone who needs one. Both are signs of respect - like taking off your hat in someone's home.
The main hall (Darbar Sahib). Inside, the Guru Granth Sahib - Sikhism's holy scripture - sits at the center of the hall. Visitors typically bow before it as a gesture of respect, though this is not required. You're welcome to sit quietly, listen to kirtan (devotional music), and observe. There are no pews - everyone sits on the floor as equals.
Langar - a free meal for everyone. After the worship service, every Gurdwara serves langar: a communal vegetarian meal prepared by volunteers and shared by everyone sitting together on the floor. Langar is always free, always vegetarian, and always open to all. No questions asked, no strings attached. It is one of the core practices of Sikhism - the belief that no one should go hungry.
Beyond worship. Many Gurdwaras also offer sarai (free or donation-based overnight stays for travelers), Punjabi language classes, Sikh youth camps, kirtan and music instruction, Gatka (Sikh martial arts), community seva (volunteer service), and more. Use this directory to find what's available near you.
First Time Visiting a Gurdwara?
You don't need to know anything about Sikhism to walk through our doors. Gurdwaras have welcomed visitors of all faiths for over 500 years - it's a core part of who we are.
Here's everything you need to know before your first visit:
Dress modestly and comfortably. There's no formal dress code, but it's best to cover your shoulders and knees. Loose, comfortable clothing works perfectly - you'll be sitting on the floor.
Head coverings are provided. You'll find scarves or bandanas near the entrance. Everyone covers their head inside the Gurdwara, regardless of gender.
Remove your shoes. There's a designated area at the entrance. Socks are fine.
You can participate as much or as little as you'd like. Sit, observe, and listen. You don't need to bow, pray, or sing along unless you want to.
Stay for langar. The communal meal after the service is open to everyone. Sit on the floor with the Sangat, eat together, and experience one of Sikhism's most beautiful traditions.
No photography inside the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) unless the committee has said otherwise. When in doubt, ask.
Attending a friend's Sikh wedding (Anand Karaj)? The same etiquette applies. Arrive a little early, cover your head, and enjoy the ceremony - it's one of the most joyful experiences you'll ever witness.
Langar - Find a Free Community Meal
Langar is a free vegetarian meal served at every Gurdwara, every day the Gurdwara is open. It is prepared entirely by volunteers and funded by donations from the community. Everyone is welcome - Sikh or not, rich or poor, no questions asked.
The tradition of langar was established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji over 500 years ago to break down barriers of caste, class, and status. Everyone sits together on the floor - a CEO next to a college student, a visitor next to a lifelong Sangat member - and eats the same food. That principle hasn't changed.
Langar menus vary by Gurdwara and region, but typically include roti (flatbread), dal (lentil curry), sabzi (vegetables), rice, and kheer or other desserts on special occasions. The food is always vegetarian and often accommodates common dietary needs, though it's best to check with the specific Gurdwara if you have allergies.
Looking for a langar schedule? Browse the directory and filter by Gurdwaras that have listed their langar times. Many Gurdwaras serve langar daily, while others serve primarily on weekends and Gurpurab days.
Traveling? Find Gurdwaras Along Your Route
For generations, Gurdwaras have served as rest stops for Sikh travelers - offering langar, overnight stays (sarai), and the warmth of Sangat far from home. That tradition continues today.
If you're road-tripping across the US or Canada, this directory can help you plan stops along the way. Many Gurdwaras offer sarai - free or donation-based accommodations for travelers - as well as langar throughout the day. Some are just minutes off major highways.
Use the search to find Gurdwaras by city or state along your route, and check individual listings for sarai availability and langar hours. If you're planning a longer trip, look for Gurdwaras that offer daily langar - they're your best bet for a warm meal and a welcoming community at any time.
Gurdwara Etiquette - A Quick Guide
Whether you're visiting for the first time, attending a Sikh wedding, or returning after years away, here's a quick refresher on etiquette inside a Gurdwara:
Before you enter: Remove your shoes at the designated area. Cover your head - scarves and bandanas are available at the entrance. Wash your hands if facilities are provided.
Inside the Darbar Sahib (main hall): Walk in calmly and bow toward the Guru Granth Sahib if you wish (it's respectful but not required). Sit on the floor with your feet tucked away from the Guru Granth Sahib - pointing your feet toward it is considered disrespectful. Avoid turning your back to the Guru Granth Sahib when possible.
During kirtan and diwan: Sit quietly, listen, and participate as much or as little as you're comfortable with. Phones should be on silent. When parshad (sacred sweet) is offered, receive it with both hands cupped together.
During langar: Sit on the floor in rows. Food is served to you - wait for volunteers to come around. Eat everything on your plate or take small portions to avoid waste. Return your plate and cup to the designated area when you're finished.
From the Sangat
"We were driving from Toronto to Vancouver and used this directory to find Gurdwaras along the Trans-Canada. Every listing we checked had accurate langar times. We stopped at six Gurdwaras in eight days - it turned a long drive into a pilgrimage."
Harpreet K., Ontario
"I'm not Sikh, but my college roommate brought me to a Gurdwara for the first time. I found this directory trying to learn what to expect. The etiquette guide made me feel prepared, and the langar was the best meal I'd had all semester."
Maria R., California
"Our committee claimed our listing in 10 minutes. Now families actually show up with the right langar times instead of the wrong hours Google had listed for three years."
Gurdwara Singh Sabha Committee, New Jersey
Have a Gurdwara experience to share? Email us and help other visitors feel prepared.
Know a Gurdwara That's Not Listed?
This directory grows because the Sangat grows it. If you know a Gurdwara that's missing from the directory - whether it's a well-established institution or a newly opened community space - you can submit it in under two minutes.
Here's why it matters: when a Gurdwara isn't listed in a verified directory, visitors default to Google Maps - which may show wrong hours, outdated contact information, or no langar details at all. A family driving through town might pass right by your Gurdwara because Google told them it was closed on Sundays.
Adding a listing takes less time than making chai. And once it's listed, the Gurdwara committee can claim and verify it to keep everything accurate.
For Gurdwara Committees
Reclaim Your Gurdwara's Digital Presence
Google gets it wrong. Your hours are outdated. Your langar schedule is missing. Your Gurdwara shows up as "permanently closed" when it's been open for 30 years. Visitors call a number that was disconnected in 2019.
This directory puts you back in control.
Step 1: Find your Gurdwara. Search the directory. Not listed? Submit it and we'll create a listing within a week.
Step 2: Own your listing. Update everything - hours, langar schedule, services, programs, photos, contact details. We push your verified data to Google, Apple, and Bing so the right information shows up everywhere, not just here.
You are the source of truth. Not an algorithm.
Common Questions
What is a Gurdwara?
A Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship, meaning "Gateway to the Guru." It is open to all people regardless of faith, caste, or background. Every Gurdwara houses the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikhism's holy scripture) and serves langar - a free vegetarian communal meal.
Can anyone visit a Gurdwara?
Yes. Gurdwaras are open to everyone. Cover your head (scarves are provided), remove your shoes, and be respectful. No appointment needed, no membership required.
What is langar?
Langar is a free vegetarian meal served at every Gurdwara by volunteers. It is open to everyone - Sikh or not - with no cost, no conditions, and no questions asked. The tradition was established over 500 years ago to ensure no one goes hungry and everyone eats as equals.
What is langar's menu usually like?
Langar typically includes roti (flatbread), dal (lentil curry), sabzi (cooked vegetables), and rice. Many Gurdwaras also serve chai (tea). On special occasions like Gurpurabs, the menu may include kheer (rice pudding) or other desserts. The food is always vegetarian.
Do I need to be Sikh to visit a Gurdwara?
No. People of every faith, background, and nationality are welcome at any Gurdwara. Sikhism teaches that all human beings are equal. You don't need to know anything about Sikh history or practice - just come with an open mind and a respectful attitude.
What should I wear to a Gurdwara?
Dress modestly and comfortably. Cover your shoulders and knees. Avoid clothing with tobacco or alcohol branding. You'll need to cover your head inside - scarves and bandanas are provided at the entrance. If you're attending a Sikh wedding (Anand Karaj), the same guidelines apply.
What is the difference between a Gurdwara and a Sikh temple?
They're the same thing. "Sikh temple" is a common English term, but the proper word is Gurdwara (ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ), meaning "Gateway to the Guru." You'll hear both used interchangeably.
What is sarai?
Sarai is overnight accommodation offered by some Gurdwaras, usually free or on a donation basis. It's a traditional Sikh practice of hospitality for travelers. Not every Gurdwara offers sarai - check individual listings in this directory for availability.
What are Gurpurabs?
Gurpurabs are Sikh commemorative days that mark significant events in Sikh history - the births, lives, and martyrdom of the Gurus. Major Gurpurabs include the birthdays of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji, and the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Gurdwaras hold special programs, extended kirtan, and large-scale langar on these days.
Why not just use Google Maps?
Google Maps relies on automated data that frequently gets Gurdwara hours wrong, lists Gurdwaras that have closed, misnames locations, and can't tell you whether langar is served daily or only on weekends. This directory is verified by the committees who actually run the Gurdwaras. They update their own hours, their own langar schedules, and their own service offerings. It's the difference between an algorithm's guess and a human's answer.
How do I claim my Gurdwara's listing?
Search for your Gurdwara in the directory. If it's listed, click "Claim a Listing" and verify your identity with a phone number, official email, or document. Verification typically takes under 48 hours. Once verified, you manage everything through a simple dashboard.
What if my Gurdwara isn't listed?
Click "Add Gurdwara" in the top menu and submit the details. Our team will create a listing, and you can claim it immediately. If your Gurdwara is new or recently established, it helps to include the committee's contact information for faster verification.