FAQs

Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Austin

FAQS

Home

Questions

Q01 How often does the Singh Sabha Gurdwara hold Kirtan Diwans?

Q02 Do you have special observances for Gurpurabs?

Q03 What are the typical start and stop times?

Q04 How may I stay informed of the Gurdwara activities, functions, and special occasions?

Q05 Can any one attend the Kirtan Diwans?

Q06 What are the practices (Maryada) that I need to observe during the services?

Q07 I would like to do Sewa (service). Who should I contact or sign up?

Q08 Can I and my family sponsor the Kirtan Diwan?

Q09 How can I or my children learn Punjabi or Kirtan?

Q10 How can I and my family learn more about Sikh history, practices, and Bani?

Q11 How can I become a member of the Singh Sabha Gurdwara?

Q12 Where is the Gurdwara? Is it at the same place every month?

Q13 Is there a Gurdwara committee and can I serve on it?

Q14 Are there any plans to build a Gurdwara?

Q15 As a Sikh, how may I get involved in serving the larger Austin Community.

Answers

A01 Regular Kirtan Diwan is held on the first Saturday of every month at the Shepherd of the Hills church. On special occasions additional programs are arranged.

A02 Yes we do. Generally the Gurpurabs are included in the monthly Diwans. Occasionally, at the request of the majority of the Sangat we celebrate Gurpurabs on other days as well.

A03 The program begins with children and Sangat Kirtan from 11:00 to 11:30 AM; followed by Kirtan, Ardas, and Hukam Nama from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Services are wrapped-up with Langar. Monthly details are posted on the Diwans page.

A04 Please register with the Gurdwara sewaks with your contact information. Our primary mode of communications is by email.

A05 Yes! All are welcome. We do ask you to respect our rules of conduct and reverence during the services.

A06 Before entering the Gurdwara hall, please remove your shoes, wash your hands and cover your head with a scarf (for those who do not wear a turban). Walk up to the Guru Granth Sahib (our holy scriptures), pay your respects, and sit down on the floor on the appropriate side of the hall.

A07 Sewa is one of the hallmarks of Sikhism. The members of the congregation perform preparation, conduct, and wrap up of the Kirtan Diwans. You may participate in any aspect of the preparation, conduct, and wrap-up of the services. Such as:

·Set-Up: Arrive at 10:30 AM and assist with the set-up of the hall.

·Langar Preparation: Contact Langar Coordinator to find out what item and how much of it can you bring to the Gurdwara. For more details go to the Langar page.

·Langar Serving: To help with the serving, go to the team in the kitchen. They will guide you.

·Wrap-Up: After the services you can help with the clean up and restore the hall back to its original state.

A08 Yes, you and your family can sponsor the Kirtan. The Ragis' fee for their services is $250 and we pay $50 for the church hall lease. More than one family can co-sponsor the Kirtan and share the expenses. All donations are tax-exempt. Additional responsibilities include help for the set-up and preparing breakfast for the invited Ragis.

A09 At this time we do not have a formal program. Contact Children's program coordinator via the Teacher email address for more details.

A10 At this time we use several methods to teach and learn Sikhi. During the Kirtan Diwan, Shabad and Gurujis' history "katha" is performed by the Ragis. The children learn by researching, preparing and presenting speeches for Gurpurabs. Finally, the children are invited to participate in the annual national competition held by the Shri Hemkunt Foundation.

A11 Contact the Secretary or the Treasurer to become a member. The annual membership fee is $10 per adult and $5 for a Senior Citizen. Students' membership is free.

A12 The Gurdwara is held at the Shepherd of the Hills church. The Kirtan Diwan notification is generally emailed a week before the program. Details (and changes, if any) are in the email.

A13 Singh Sabha Gurdwara is registered as a non-profit and tax exempt entity in the State of Texas. It has a Charter and By-laws that identify Board of Trustees and Executive Committee (EC) positions. Please contact the Trustee, President, or any current member of the EC to communicate your interest. We will be delighted to have you on board!

A14 Yes! We had been waiting to be recognized as a tax-exempt organization. We are now ready to embark on raising funds for a Gurdwara. Please fill out the Pledge form to indicate your commitment.

A15 The Singh Sabha Gurdwara and the Sangat members participate in several ways. Past examples include participation in multiple inter-religious efforts including membership in Austin Area Interreligious Ministries (AAIM) fund-raising, Hands-on-Housing home repair for the poor in East Austin, and Thanksgiving events. Donation of over 100 blankets and warm socks in the cold months to Austin SafePlace for women and children, and the Austin Homeless Shelter. Finally, presentation for education and public relations towards understanding of our Sikh Community, for the Austin community at large, partnering with the Austin Police Dept., AAIM, and a special educational Gurdwara for same. Brochures may be printed for sharing with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues at work.