1. Dress Code: Visitors must dress respectfully and modestly. Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless tops are not allowed. Head coverings are required for both men and women. Visitors can borrow scarves from the temple if needed.
2. Footwear: Shoes and socks must be removed before entering the temple complex. Visitors can leave their footwear at the designated shoe racks. It is considered disrespectful to walk inside the temple with shoes on.
3. Alcohol and Tobacco: The Golden Temple is a sacred space, and the consumption of alcohol and tobacco is strictly prohibited within the temple complex.
4. Head Coverings: As mentioned earlier, both men and women must cover their heads when inside the temple. Head coverings can be borrowed from the temple if needed.
5. Cleanliness: Visitors are expected to maintain cleanliness and refrain from littering or spitting within the temple premises.
6. Respectful Behavior: The Golden Temple is a place of worship, and visitors are expected to behave respectfully. Loud noises, boisterous behavior, and disrespect towards the religious rituals or practices are not tolerated.
7. Photography: Photography is generally allowed within the temple complex, but visitors are requested to be respectful and not take pictures of individuals who may not want their photos taken.
8. Queueing: When entering the temple, visitors are expected to follow the queue and wait patiently their turn to pay respects.
9. Prohibitions: Certain items, such as non-vegetarian food, leather goods, and sharp objects, are not permitted inside the temple complex.
10. Langar Service: The Golden Temple provides free meals (Langar) to all visitors, regardless of their religion or background. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the Langar service and experience the Sikh principle of equality and compassion.
By adhering to these rules, visitors can ensure a respectful and meaningful visit to the Golden Temple and contribute to maintaining the sanctity and harmony of this holy site.
