Visiting places of worship

Visiting a place of worship is a good way to learn about a faith. A few habits help in all of them:

• Ask or look for the notice. Many places have rules about dress, shoes, photography and entry.
• Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees at least; carry a scarf for head covering where it is needed (gurdwara, mosque for women, some temples).
• Be quiet and switch your phone to silent.
• Do not walk across the front of people at prayer or stand between them and the sanctum.
• Follow the group in standing and sitting. You may sit out any part that does not fit your own beliefs.
• Accept food or prasad politely, and ask if you have dietary needs.
• Ask before taking photographs, and never of people in prayer without permission.

Each faith page has a short note on what is special to that place.

This is a short, neutral introduction written from widely agreed facts. Every faith has many traditions and its members may describe it differently; for a true account, ask a member of that faith. We state no figures and no dates of moveable festivals.