Reading Gurbani with respect

Sikhs treat Gurbani, the word of the Gurus, as the Guru itself, and many customs around reading it grow from that respect. Here are the practices most commonly followed; families and gurdwaras may differ, and nobody should be turned away from learning it because they do not do all of them.

• Cleanliness: wash your hands, and ideally bathe, before reading. Many people read after the morning bath.
• Head covering: it is common to cover the head, with a turban, patka or a scarf, while reading or listening to Gurbani.
• Place: choose a quiet, clean place; if you are reading from a printed gutka or pothi, keep it on a clean cloth and above the floor, not on the ground.
• Posture: sit upright with attention; avoid lying down, eating, or doing other work while you read.
• On a screen: a phone or a tablet can be a good way to read, especially for learning. Keep the device clean and at a respectful height, silence it, and do not carry it into places where Gurbani should not be recited.
• Printing and sharing: if you print pages, store them with respect and do not throw them away; many gurdwaras accept old pages for proper disposal.

Above all, the aim is to read with attention and love. A mistaken word read with sincere attention and a wish to learn is welcomed by every teacher; the sections of the Gurmukhi guide help with pronunciation.

This page gives general information in plain words. For how to practise, ask your granthi or a teacher at your gurdwara.