A few minutes from Connaught Place, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is one of the most important Sikh shrines in Delhi and one of the most welcoming places in the city. Anyone may enter, eat at the langar and sit by the sarovar, whatever their faith.
The story of the bungalow
The gurdwara takes its name from the bungalow (bangla) of Raja Jai Singh of Amber that once stood here. In 1664 the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, stayed at the bungalow while in Delhi. An epidemic was spreading through the city, and the young Guru is remembered for serving the sick and giving them water from the well here. The water of the sarovar that surrounds that spot today is considered sacred.
What you will see
- The main hall, with its golden dome, where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed and kirtan is sung through the day.
- The sarovar, the large pool beside the hall, where devotees sit, pray and take the water.
- The langar hall, where free meals are served to everyone sitting together on the floor. The kitchen runs on volunteers — you can help with chopping, cooking or washing up.
Etiquette
- Cover your head. Scarves are available at the entrance if you don’t have one.
- Remove your shoes and deposit them at the free shoe counter, then wash your hands and feet at the entrance.
- Tobacco and alcohol are not allowed on the premises.
- Dress modestly, and sit on the floor in the main hall and at the langar.
- Ask before photographing people, and avoid photography inside the main hall.
When to go
Early mornings are calm and the light on the sarovar is lovely. Evenings are busier, with office-goers stopping in on the way home. On Gurpurabs — especially the birth anniversary of Guru Har Krishan — expect very large crowds and long queues.
