Q: Are the singers in the Gurdwara invited guests or are they assigned a duty?

A: In a Gurdwara, anybody can share expression or information they have a relevant claim to share. Singing is one such expression and since everybody is encouraged to sing hymns in the congregation.

There are some people who have made it their occupation to sing professionally. Out of the deep love of the scriptures, they have devoted their full time and they go from one Gurdwara to the next for singing the holy hymns. These individuals are paid so they can make a comfortable living.


Q: What is the significance of the person standing besides Guru Granth Sahib and waving a wisk over the holy scripture?

A: In the old times, the emperors from India had a few people on the left and right side waving wisk up and down. This is called a chauwr. This was the symbol of higher authority. People standing waving the chauwr show the world that they respect the person that sits here. So it is symbolically accepted by the Sikhs. This is just simple tradition. It is simply a symbol of respect and higher authority.


Back to Frequently Asked Questions