Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

The basics

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a lively hub of Sikh worship and service every day of the week. An important part of the Sikh faith is the making and sharing of communal meals, and this centrally-located house of worship has a large kitchen that serves free meals to pilgrims. There’s also a small museum on-site. You can expect to hear peaceful devotional music and singing throughout the day.

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is conveniently located in central Delhi, just southwest of Connaught Place, so it easily fits into a sightseeing itinerary. Some travelers visit independently, or it can be added to private or group sightseeing tours that include other nearby sites, like the Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, and India Gate.

Things to know before you go

• Both men and women must cover their heads at Sikh gurudwaras. Handkerchiefs are provided for men. While traveling in India, women will find a lot of opportunities to wear a cotton or silk scarf, so don’t forget to pack some or buy them after you arrive.
• You must leave shoes outside at the designated shelves, and wash your feet before entering the sacred area.
• Visitors are welcome to join the Sikh pilgrims in a free vegetarian meal produced by the gurudwara’s kitchens. It’s a good way to learn more about Sikhism.

How to get there

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is in central New Delhi, and is easy to find using public transport. Taxis and autorickshaws are also easily found in Delhi, but frequent traffic jams can make this a slow way of getting around. The nearest metro station is Patel Chowk—on the yellow line that passes through the center of Connaught Place, and the main interchange station, Rajiv Chowk. The gurudwara is about a 10-minute walk west of Patel Chowk station, or a short autorickshaw drive.

When to get there

The gurudwara is typically open from early morning until late at night. Sikhs usually gather for worship in the mornings and evenings, so these times can be especially atmospheric at the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib—but any time of day is suitable for visiting.

Visit the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib on Chandni Chowk

Visitors to Old Delhi may notice the Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib on Chandni Chowk. It contrasts with the Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in that it seems hemmed in by the other buildings on Chandni Chowk, and is made from a sandy brown stone. Inside, it is surprisingly spacious, although always busy, and is a peaceful place to take a break from the hustle of Chandni Chowk.

Ways to explore

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is a lively hub of Sikh worship and service every day of the week. An important part of the Sikh faith is the making and sharing of communal meals, and this centrally located gurdwara has a large kitchen that serves free vegetarian meals to pilgrims and anyone who drops by. You can expect to hear peaceful devotional music and singing throughout the day.

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is conveniently located in central Delhi, just southwest of Connaught Place, so it easily fits into an independent or guided sightseeing itinerary.

Accessibility

The centuries-old gurdwara has been retrofitted to make it accessible, with ramps, lifts, accessible restrooms, and wheelchairs available for rent.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Take as few personal items as possible—the complex can get crowded.

What to wear

Visitors of all genders should cover their heads to enter, so bring a scarf or bandana. Also, wear shoes that are easy to slip off and modest clothing that covers your arms and legs.

Not allowed

Shoes and socks are not allowed, so leave them on the racks outside. Photography is also prohibited inside the grounds.

Amenities

Museum, bed-and-breakfast, dining hall

Address 

The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is in central Delhi, and it is easy to reach using public transport. You can even arrive on foot if you’re staying in or around Connaught Place.

Driving

Self-driving in Delhi isn’t advisable due to the traffic. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are an easy option for shorter-distance travel, but frequent traffic jams can make this a slow way of getting around. Most drivers will know where to drop you.

Public transportation

The nearest metro station is Patel Chowk on the Yellow Line. (Shivaji Stadium station is closer, but it’s only served by the Airport Express Line.) The gurdwara is about a 10-minute walk (or short auto-rickshaw drive) from Patel Chowk station.

Best times to visit

The gurdwara is open around the clock. When the weather’s hot, visit early in the morning.

Best days to visit

Sikhism doesn’t have a particular holy day of the week, but the complex is likely to be busier on weekends, especially Sundays.

Best months to visit

Avoid visiting Delhi between March and September, when the weather can be incredibly hot and uncomfortable. October–February are the best months to visit North India in general.

Special events

The gurdwara is especially busy—and festive—during major Indian festivals and Sikh holidays, including Diwali (October/November) and Guru Nanak’s birthday (November).