Guru Nanak Foundation of America - Gurdwara in Silver Spring, Maryland
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Guru Nanak Foundation of America

Verified
Address

12917 Old Columbia Pike

Silver Spring, Maryland 20904

Opening Hours
  • Monday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 9:30 PM
  • Thursday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
  • Sunday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
9 programs

About Guru Nanak Foundation of America

The Guru Nanak Foundation of America (GNFA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to propagating the teachings of Guru Granth Sahib, promoting Sikhism's religious, educational, social, and cultural aspects, and establishing Sikh Centers. Founded in 1970, GNFA has a rich history rooted in the community's desire for a dedicated space to fulfill their spiritual and social needs. GNFA offers a variety of services, including daily Hukamnama readings, weekly congregational services (Diwans) on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and a free health clinic every Sunday. Educational programs include a Sunday School for children and adults, and a Khalsa School. They also host a Seniors Program for community elders every Tuesday and a female-led Istri Satsang program every Thursday. A key community role of GNFA is fostering a sense of togetherness and providing spiritual guidance. They are currently building a new Gurdwara Sahib, which will feature a spacious diwan hall, a comprehensive kitchen and langar hall, a library, and classrooms. Unique features include the ability to honor family through donations for sidewalk border bricks or pillar plaques, and a commitment to democratic governance managed by the sangat (congregation). GNFA also facilitates learning through discussions on Sikh philosophy and the study of "Guru Nanak Chamatkar."

Services offered at Guru Nanak Foundation of America

Programs & Services at Guru Nanak Foundation of America

9 programs available

Classes

Volunteer for a GNFA Committee

Volunteer for a GNFA Committee

Khalsa School

The GNFA Khalsa School teaches our Sikh history, the sacrifices and challenges that Sikhs have made over the past 200 years, and finally our beautiful mother language inscribed in the Guru Granth Sahib. We do not just teach a foreign language, we teach the world. Not only do our students learn, but also our educators have learned the concepts of humility and unhesitating discipline. Our educators have incorporated this lifestyle of giving more and receiving less. They are blessed in being given the opportunity to shape a child's life and to make a difference. Our goal is for every student to be able to read the Guru Granth Sahib, and to write and speak Punjabi fluently. By teaching the Sikh history and language, we hope we have planted the seeds of many gardens, which can now flourish.

Daily Hukamnama

Daily Hukamnama from Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar

Toastmasters

Assistance with public speaking, leadership, and cultural immersion.

2ND AND 4TH SUNDAYS.
Reading and discussion of "Guru Nanak Chamatkar"

Reading and discussion of "Guru Nanak Chamatkar" by Bhai Vir Singh.

1ST AND 3RD SUNDAYS.
Health Care Screening and Diagnostic Assessments
free

The clinic, open every Sunday, offers free health care screening and diagnostic assessments.

Sunday School

Classes are available for children and adults, starting with Pre-K.

Istri Satsang

A female-led kirtan program, followed by langar. All are welcome.

EVERY THURSDAY
Seniors Program

Activities, kirtan, and langar, for our more senior members.

EVERY TUESDAY

Gurdwara Details

Established
1970
Hukamnama Access
online
Livestream
Yes

Facilities

Langar Hall
Yes
Classrooms
Yes
Library
Yes
Head Covering Available
Yes

History

Prior to GNFA, the small, tight-knit Sikh community in the Washington, DC, area, regularly held congregation services in each other's homes. The community decided that it was time to have a dedicated institution that could provide for its religious, cultural, and social needs. In 1970, GNFA was incorporated, and in 1974 GNFA enacted its Constitution and By-Laws, becoming a democratically organization managed by the sangat itself. The pioneers of this time were committed to building a long-lasting home for our community; though they did not have much themselves, they sacrificed what they had to establish an institution that would last for generations. Since then, GNFA has grown in many ways, and this growth is due to the commitment and example of this founding generation.

Unique Features

GNFA is building a new Gurdwara Sahib that will feature a spacious diwan hall, expansive kitchen, langar hall, library, and classrooms for the Khalsa School. Assistance with public speaking, leadership, and cultural immersion. Reading and discussion of "Guru Nanak Chamatkar" by Bhai Vir Singh. Female-led kirtan program. Free health care screening and diagnostic assessments.


Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact Guru Nanak Foundation of America?

Call Guru Nanak Foundation of America at (301) 384-2133 or visit http://www.gnfa.org/.

Does Guru Nanak Foundation of America have langar?

Guru Nanak Foundation of America offers langar seva.

Does Guru Nanak Foundation of America have classrooms or educational programs?

Yes, Guru Nanak Foundation of America has classrooms and supports educational activities for the community.

Does Guru Nanak Foundation of America have an official website?

Yes, you can visit http://www.gnfa.org/ for official updates.

Which city and state is Guru Nanak Foundation of America in?

Guru Nanak Foundation of America is in Silver Spring, Maryland.