# Singh Sabha of Maryland, Dundalk - GurdwaraSahib.in

> Singh Sabha of Maryland is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Dundalk, MD, United States. It is situated in the United States, where the Sikh community has been present since the early 20th century.

As with all gurdwaras, Singh Sabha of Maryland welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse).

The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva).

# Singh Sabha of Maryland

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Singh Sabha of Maryland is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Dundalk, MD, United States. It is situated in the United States, where the Sikh community has been present since the early 20th century. As with all gurdwaras, Singh Sabha of Maryland welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds.

The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity.

This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva).

## Significance

The gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual and community center. In Sikh tradition, a gurdwara is not merely a place of worship but a center for learning, community service, and social equality. The institution of Langar (community kitchen), Sangat (congregation), and Pangat (eating together in rows) are practiced here, reinforcing the Sikh values of equality and brotherhood.

For the Sikh community in Dundalk, Singh Sabha of Maryland serves as a focal point for celebrating important Sikh festivals and commemorations, including Gurpurabs (anniversaries of Sikh Gurus), Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year), Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali), and Hola Mohalla.

## Nearby Gurdwaras

### Baltimore Sikh Society

Dundalk, MD, United States

946 m away

Baltimore Sikh Society is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Dundalk, MD, United States. It is situated in the United States, where the Sikh community has been present since the early 20th century. As with all gurdwaras, Baltimore Sikh Society welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva).

Community

### Sikh Gurdwara Dc

Washington, DC, United States

61 km away

Open 7 days a week; specific prayer serv...

Sikh Gurdwara DC, located at 3801 Massachusetts Avenue NW in Washington, DC, is one of the most prominent Sikh places of worship in the United States capital. Situated in the upper northwest quadrant of the city near the Embassy Row corridor, the gurdwara serves as a spiritual, cultural, and social hub for the Sikh community of the greater Washington metropolitan area. Open seven days a week to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and ethnicities, the gurdwara embodies the core Sikh tenets of equality, service, and devotion to Waheguru — the one formless God at the center of Sikh theology. The gurdwara functions as a community center in the fullest sense of the term, hosting regular Sikh religious services including Nitnem (daily prayers), Akhand Path (continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), and Kirtan (devotional music performed with traditional instruments such as the harmonium and tabla). The Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs — is enshrined in the Darbar Sahib (main hall) with utmost reverence, and all congregational activities revolve around its teachings and the path of righteousness it illuminates. In keeping with the Sikh value of Seva (selfless service), Sikh Gurdwara DC provides Langar — the community kitchen offering free vegetarian meals — to all visitors regardless of faith, nationality, or economic background. This practice, instituted by Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is one of the most visible expressions of the Sikh commitment to equality and compassion in daily life. The gurdwara is managed by the Jaswant Sawhney Irrevocable Trust Fund, a registered non-profit organization. It also hosts the National Library and Museum of Pingalwara, a unique cultural and humanitarian institution connected to the Pingalwara Charitable Society of Amritsar, India, which serves sick, disabled, and destitute individuals — extending the gurdwara's mission of compassionate service to an international dimension. Washington, DC, as the seat of the United States federal government, holds special importance for the Sikh community, which has long advocated for civil rights, religious freedom, and the right to wear articles of faith such as the Dastar (turban) and Kirpan (ceremonial blade). The gurdwara has served as a gathering place for Sikhs during important advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill and moments of national significance, including interfaith prayer services and solidarity events following incidents of hate crimes targeting Sikhs in America. Its location on Massachusetts Avenue NW, in close proximity to several embassies and diplomatic missions, symbolically reinforces the Sikh community's commitment to dialogue, peace, and global fellowship.

Community

### The National Gurdwara

United States

61 km away

6:00 AM – 9:00 PM, daily (7 days a week)

The National Gurdwara, officially known as Sikh Gurdwara DC, is the first and only Sikh house of worship in the capital of the United States. Situated at 3801 Massachusetts Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., it occupies a prominent position in the Embassy Row neighborhood, standing just a block north of the Washington National Cathedral and near the Naval Observatory and American University. As the sole Sikh institution in the nation's capital, the gurdwara carries immense symbolic weight for the Sikh diaspora across America and for the global Sikh community, which numbers approximately 27 million people worldwide. Spanning 21,000 square feet and constructed at a cost of over $2.1 million, the gurdwara is a fully functioning spiritual and community center open seven days a week to people of all faiths, races, and ethnicities. Its doors are open to anyone seeking spiritual solace, cultural understanding, or simply a warm meal — in keeping with the Sikh principle of universal hospitality. The gurdwara serves as a hub for the Washington D.C. Sikh community, hosting daily prayers, weekly Langar (community meal), Punjabi language instruction, and kirtan (devotional music) classes. It is also home to the National Library and Museum of Pingalwara, which documents the work of the Pingalwara Charitable Society, an organization in Amritsar, India, dedicated to serving those who are sick, disabled, and abandoned by society. The gurdwara follows a structured schedule of religious services. Each day begins with Asa Ki Vaar (a morning hymn) from 9:00 to 10:15 AM, followed by the reading of Sukhmani Sahib from 10:15 to 11:30 AM, congregational kirtan from 11:30 AM to noon, and extended kirtan by Bhai Surinder Singh Ji from noon to 1:30 PM. Services conclude with Ardaas (communal prayer) and Langar. On Sundays, volunteers gather to prepare and serve Langar to all who attend, including homeless individuals and the economically vulnerable from the broader D.C. area. This tradition embodies the Sikh concept of Seva — selfless service — which is as central to the gurdwara's identity as its religious function. With its location in the heart of the American seat of power, adjacent to ambassadorial residences and international institutions, the National Gurdwara also plays a subtle yet meaningful diplomatic role, offering the Sikh faith visibility at the highest levels of American civic life. It stands as a milestone in the story of Sikh America and a testament to the decades of persistence by the early Sikh settlers of Washington, D.C., who dreamed of establishing a permanent home for their faith in the capital.

Historical

## Visitor Information

### Dress Code

Modest clothing covering arms and legs

### Head Covering

Mandatory for all visitors. Free coverings available at entrance.

### Photography

Allowed in outer areas. May be restricted in main prayer hall.

### Etiquette

Remove shoes and cover head before entering. Walk clockwise in the complex.

## Climate & Best Time to Visit

## Accommodation

### Nearby Hotels

Available in nearby area

## Langar (Free Community Kitchen)

Free community kitchen (langar) serving vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of background.

Varies

Meals Served Daily

### Special Items

["Dal","Roti","Rice","Sabzi","Karah Prasad"]

## Community Services

### Charitable Programs

Free langarReligious services

## Architecture

Architectural Style:

Sikh Gurdwara architecture

## Sarovar (Sacred Pool)

### Live Kirtan — Singh Sabha of Maryland

Audio Stream

Click play to listen to live kirtan

## Events & Celebrations

### major_festival

#### Vaisakhi

Celebration of the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. Nagar Kirtan processions, Akhand Path, and special langar.

April 13-14

#### Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali)

Celebrates the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib and 52 kings from Gwalior Fort. Spectacular lighting and fireworks.

October-November (Diwali)

### gurpurab

#### Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab

Birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru. Nagar Kirtan, martial arts displays, and special programs.

January (Poh Sudi 7)

#### Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Remembrance of the first Sikh martyr among the Gurus. Cooling drinks (sharbat) distributed.

June (Jeth Sudi 4)

#### Guru Nanak Gurpurab

Birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Prabhat Pheris (early morning processions), Akhand Path, and special kirtan.

November (full moon of Kartik)

#### Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Remembrance of the ninth Guru's sacrifice for religious freedom. Special kirtan and katha.

November 24

## Frequently Asked Questions

### visiting

No, there is no entry fee to visit Singh Sabha of Maryland. All gurdwaras are open to everyone free of charge, regardless of religion, caste, or nationality.

Visitors should wear modest clothing that covers the arms and legs. Head covering is mandatory for all visitors - both men and women. Free head coverings (scarves/bandanas) are usually available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering.

Absolutely yes! Gurdwaras welcome people of all faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities. Sikhism emphasizes equality and inclusivity. All visitors are treated equally and can participate in prayers and langar.

Photography is generally allowed in the outer complex and courtyard areas. However, photography may be restricted inside the main prayer hall (darbar sahib) during prayers. Please be respectful and ask if unsure. Selfies and casual photography should be done discreetly.

The gurdwara can be visited year-round. Special occasions like Vaisakhi (April), Guru Nanak Gurpurab (November), and Bandi Chhor Divas (Diwali) see grand celebrations.

### langar

Yes, free langar (community meal) is served at Singh Sabha of Maryland. The langar is prepared by volunteers (sewadars) and is available to all visitors. The meal is vegetarian and typically includes dal, roti, rice, and sabzi. Langar timings may vary, generally around lunch time and sometimes dinner.

### accommodation

Some gurdwaras offer basic accommodation. Contact the gurdwara management directly for availability. Hotels and lodging options are available nearby.

### transport

Singh Sabha of Maryland is located in Dundalk, MD, United States. Public transportation and driving directions are available via Google Maps. Detailed directions are available on the gurdwara page.

### prayers

Most gurdwaras open early in the morning (around 4:00-5:00 AM) with Prakash (opening ceremony) and close at night (around 9:00-10:00 PM) with Sukhasan. Rehras Sahib (evening prayer) is usually at sunset. Kirtan (devotional music) continues throughout the day.

### seva

Yes! Seva (selfless service) is a core Sikh principle. Visitors are welcome to participate in various forms of seva including helping in the langar kitchen (cooking, serving, cleaning), cleaning the premises, or helping with shoe storage. No prior arrangement is needed - just approach the volunteers and offer your help.

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