The Search for Peace in Times of Chaos—Volume The (Temple) acts as a place of worship, a community centre, a teaching room for the young and also a kitchen The kitchen is specifically called a langar, and the meals served there are also called langar Sikhs donate a proportion of their income to the Gurudwara every year, and this money is used to provide free meals to anyone who visits the Gurudwara Food is always vegetarian, so that no one should have any problem with eating it People usually sit on the floor to eat, which symbolizes that—to Sikhs—all humans are equal and deserving of kindness.17 The Gurudwara is run and administered by a priest, who is a servant to the community and the one who reads the lessons from the Gurū Granth Sāhib A priest is not required to have any special training or academic qualifications, only knowledge of Punjabi People of all religious backgrounds or of no religious faith are welcomed into a Sikh temple However, it is necessary that any visitors remove their shoes, wash their hands, and cover their head before entering Visitors are also forbidden to go into the temple while they are inebriated or possess alcohol, cigarettes, or any intoxicating substance On entering the hall, devotees walk slowly and respectfully to the main throne on which the Gurū Granth Sāhib rests Devotees then stand before the holy scriptures, often say a silent prayer, offer a donation (if able), then bow humbly Devotees will sit cross-legged on the floor and must never point their feet toward the holy Gurū Granth Sāhib Observant Sikhs adhere to long-standing practices and traditions to strengthen and express their faith The daily recitation from memory of specific passages from the Gurū Granth Sāhib, especially the (chant) hymns is recommended immediately after rising and bathing Family customs include both reading passages from the scripture and attending the Temple There are many temples prominently constructed and maintained across India, as well as in almost every nation where Sikhs reside Gurudwaras are open to all, regardless of religion, background, caste or race Ceremonies and customs Nanak taught that rituals, religious ceremonies, or empty worship is of little use, and Sikhs are discouraged from fasting or going on pilgrimages However, during the period of