Things to Remember in Golden Temple Amritsar

Ways of Sikh living

• On arrival at the Golden Temple, both men and women are required to wear a scarf over their head (don’t worry if you forget to bring a scarf as headscarves are sold outside at a very cheap price).
• All visitors must remove their shoes and wash their feet by walking through pools before entering the temple, as there is a cloakroom in the Golden Temple for shoes.

• At every entrance to Sri Harmandir Sahib, there is provision for keeping shoes, and luggage of the devotees, free of cost. One must get a token after depositing one’s shoes/belongings.
• Please switch-off your mobiles before entering into the Sanctum.

• Wash your feet/hands, and cover your head properly before entering the holy complex.
• Cigarette, Biri, Tobacco or other intoxicants are strictly prohibited inside the holy premises.
• Inside the Golden Temple chewing gum, sun glasses and photography are prohibited.
• Anyone can take a dip in the holy sarovar (pool of nectar) but use of soap or shampoo is not allowed.
• The wet clothes may kindly be deposited in a Wet-Clothes-Room.
• If you so desire, you can wash yourself with soap at the washrooms provided in the parikarma (periphery).
• Swimming is strictly prohibited in the sarovar.
• Do not accept eatables from strangers.
  These instructions are only precautionary, which are similar to any other religious/tourists place.
• Photography is allowed only in the outer Parikarma. For special reasons permission for photography inside of The Golden Temple may be sought from the President/Sec. (SGPC) or Manager (Golden Temple).
• Offerings in cash and kind are accepted in the Golden Temple.
• Please get a receipt on offering donations for langar (community kitchen), building.
• It is strictly prohibited to serve or eat any eatables in the Parikarma, or to loiter about with uncovered head.
• It is not allowed to read or sell newspapers or play cards in the Parikarma.
• Nobody can hold a religious congregation or deliver a lecture inside the Parikarma, unless permitted by SGPC.
• Devotees should not pay any money to Sewadars on duty.
• Please deposit your valuables including jewelry and cash at the counters provided for the same in the Sri Darbar Sahib complex.
• Any complaint regarding any staff member / Sewadar / Management should be lodged at the office of Sri Harmandir Sahib located in the Parikarma near Darshni Deori and Ber Baba Budha Ji.
• Karah-Prasad (holy offering) should be distributed only after one’s exit from the Sanctum Sanctorum. Its distribution on the bridge creates congestion which hampers the smooth movement of devotees.
• Please do not take bath at Har Ki Paori.
• If any infant happens to urinate in the Parikarma, please clean it immediately or inform the duty Sewadars about it.
• Walk clockwise around the pool and temple on the wide marble walkway.

Is there a dress code at the Golden Temple?

There is no dress code in the Golden Temple. But there are certain guidelines to follow:

• Cover your head with handkerchief / scarf / dupatta
• Wear closed shoulder dresses (Avoid wearing sleeveless dresses)
• Avoid wearing shorts or dresses above the knees