Ever since the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak became apparent, the Sikh community across the world has taken steps to handle it both within the community and also offer support to others too, in the spirit of the Sikh practice of seva (selfless service).

Here we share examples of how the Sikh community has responded.

Please note, we have NOT included details of events cancelled, as the vast majority of major events and programmes have been cancelled. Follow our Twitter and Instagram pages to see details of cancelled events. For any specific questions, email media@sikhpa.com.

How have Gurdwaras responded?

Gurdwaras (translated as Guru’s door, referring to the Sikh place of worship and more) are usually very busy when in areas with a significant Sikh population, due to sangat (Sikh congregation) coming to visit Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the Sikh scriptural Guru) and daily practices. This includes langar (communal kitchen service) which is usually served all day, every day.

Philosophically and based on history, it is thought Gurdwaras must always remain open as a place of sanctuary for anyone. In today’s world, Gurdwaras are often spaces which many people rely on for spiritual and mental wellbeing, as well as basic sustenance.

The general reaction to the outbreak has seen Gurdwaras now following guidance from organisations such as Gurdwara Aid to implement the following:

All events that will attract crowds being cancelled, including Nagar Kirtans (processions in celebration of Vaisakhi in April) and Anand Karajs (Sikh wedding ceremonies)

Requests for sangat to be discerning about attendance, especially in regards to age, health and coming in groups

Stricter hygiene protocols for all attendees

The Sikh Press Association recognise many Gurdwaras have not yet issued official statements or cancellations. However, the above is what has been implemented by most, based on Sikh PA research.

At the world’s busiest Gurdwara, Sri Harmandir Sahib of Amritsar, Punjab (known to attract over 100,000 people a day) a local medical team from the Guru Ram Das Medical College has been deployed by Sikh authorities to screen and advise attendees about keeping distance from others, whilst also handing out hand-sanitiser (pictured above).

Governing body groups the Sikh Council UK and Canada’s World Sikh Organisation helped ensure such guidelines were issued across their respective nations, whilst Sikh Coalition and Saldef played a similar role in the USA.

#Covid19 Official Directives for Gurdwaras, Sikh Organisations, Charities and Jathebandis. pic.twitter.com/3mEVV4xbX0 — Sikh Council UK (@SCUKofficial) March 17, 2020

We have updated our #COVID19 guidelines and best practices for Canadian Gurdwaras following Ontario's declaration of a provincial emergency. Social distancing is key in protecting the health of Canadians. pic.twitter.com/wK0Yoqi6OV — WSO (@WorldSikhOrg) March 17, 2020

Covid-19 has been declared a global pandemic. SALDEF encourages all to follow their local government guidelines and also the CDC guidelines and updates that can be found at https://t.co/VgpALZUc0d

Graphic Credit @srspalatine pic.twitter.com/vzDBjOvt2r — SALDEF (@SALDEF) March 12, 2020

In light of new guidance being issued by the CDC, the White House, and state governments, we have updated information for sangats and gurdwaras regarding COVID-19. Please read and share widely. https://t.co/Sk8106vYCc — Sikh Coalition (@sikh_coalition) March 16, 2020

In France, the Sikh Council of France have told Sikh PA some Gurdwaras are having sevadaars (selfless servants) count sangat as they enter, to ensure Gurdwaras do not get too busy and breach any guidelines around crowds. However, just as in Spain, big events like Nagar Kirtans are at the minute delayed to mid-to-late April, rather than completely cancelled. In Germany, Gurdwaras have also looked to ensure crowds do not reach big levels, whilst implementing further hygiene protocols.

The Sukh Sagar Gurdwara of the Khalsa Diwan Society of New Westminster have a great example of what is being done in reaction to the virus, with the letter in Punjabi below being given to attendees.

The same Gurdwara also encouraged sangat (Sikh congregation) to watch some of their bigger programmes online, instead of attending in person.

Some Gurdwaras, such as the UK’s oldest Central Gurdwara Khalsa Jatha of West London, are also trying to help sangat lookout for symptoms by sending out graphics (as seen below).

In an attempt to encourage people to follow social distancing guidelines but continue to participate in Sikh community practices, many organisations are holding online programmes in Gurdwaras, including the Basics of Sikhi South-East Asia team (example below).

Some Gurdwaras in the UK have gone a step further and reached out to their local communities to offer support. With Gurdwaras usually having many elderly regular sangat, groups are being formed at the Gurdwaras to get food and essentials to people of all religions and backgrounds who are elderly, isolated or otherwise vulnerable.

Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall, has teamed up with local charity Sikh Welfare and Awareness Team (SWAT) Youth to set up their outreach team to provide support during the pandemic.









Another Gurdwara in nearby Slough, Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara, has also put together a team of sevadars (selfless servants) to provide a free food service to the elderly who have isolated due to the virus. The Gurdwara is providing a free mobile food service with healthy and nutritious essentials for any over 65-year-olds in the Slough community to help them get through this challenging time.



And the Gurdwara Sangat of the South London boroughs of Bexley, Dartford and Greenwich have banded together to offer transport, meals and more to the elderly people in their community, regardless of background.

Freemont Gurdwara (California) have also set-up home delivery for those in need in their area, showing a real worldwide effort by Gurdwaras to tackle the issues brought about by the virus.

Fremont, California Gurdwara offering to deliver FREE groceries to elderly and needy people

Guru ke Langar ❤️https://t.co/aPvrDd0EP3 — Ⓡⓐⓜⓐⓝ Ⓢⓘⓝⓖⓗ (@boparaiied) March 15, 2020

Emergency Sikh Food Pantry – Coronavirus

If you are in need of basic food due to the recent Coronavirus Emergency and the Alameda County Sangat will do their best to fulfill your requests but this will be subject to availability – https://t.co/auYkSWdIzi — Jakara Movement (@JakaraMovement) March 15, 2020

If you have examples of what your local Gurdwara has done regarding the coronavirus pandemic, please email it to us at media@sikhpa.com.

How have Sikh charities and community groups responded?

As has been the case in any recent world tragedies, Sikh aid groups have moved quickly to offer their support to those impacted across the world.

The world renowned Khalsa Aid have amazingly set up national teams to support those in need all across the USA, Canada and the UK.

So my Sikh people at @Khalsa_Aid are delivering groceries and essentials for elders some places in CA, NYC, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Montana. Spread the word far and wide so someone who needs this may see it. pic.twitter.com/mrcKHpf4KC — Tania Singh (@TwinklingTania) March 17, 2020

Free Food Rations for the Vulnerable and the needy elders during the #coronavirus crises in UK ! Any registered community groups can contact #Slough based @Khalsa_Aid on +44 7487 270969 for assistance! @NickyAACampbell @TherealNihal @BBCWorld @Shelter pic.twitter.com/n3U5k7KCBk — ravinder singh (@RaviSinghKA) March 16, 2020

In Australia, the Sikh Volunteers Australia group have started a home delivery service for locals across Melbourne, whilst Sikh charity Turbans 4 Australia are doing something similar in Sydney.

In the UK where over a dozen different langar seva (communal kitchen selfless service) groups combine to serve approximately 40,000 meals a week to the homeless, various groups have continued their outreach programmes, whilst also offering support for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

NishkamSWAT liaising closely with NHS, government & medical advisors & implementing the advice given by health authorities.

NishkamSWAT confirms they will not be shutting down any of their homeless feeding services around amidst the current COVID-19. https://t.co/1Nzt2W6QwP pic.twitter.com/g3TgcxbW8R — The Asian Today (@TheAsianToday) March 16, 2020

Please share. We need your help ???? #charitytuesday pic.twitter.com/WZTPItT0ji — Midland Langar Seva Society (@MidlandLangar) March 17, 2020

Wehave been donated 100 Indian vegetarian packed lunches for tomorrow. If you know of anyone local to Nott’m in need of food, please message. We do have 3 planned drops in the evening at shelters across the city. But we will continue try to get food to those desperately in need — Guru Nanak's Mission Nottingham (@GuruMission) March 16, 2020

Our team served chip batches with tomatoe soup just right for this cold weather.

In preparation for the free food parcels for the vulnerable and isolated elderly individuals due to the #Corvid19uk, our volunteers were busy packing and arranging food items for the parcels???????? pic.twitter.com/7uWgXWt6uR — Langar Aid (@LangarAid) March 17, 2020

Preparing for Isolation of elderly within coming weeks. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic across the UK we will be offering assistance to the most vulnerable in our community. If you are aware of elderly people who may rely on langar, or may need other daily essentials… pic.twitter.com/XNP3kmKTHY — Shere Panjab (@SherePanjabUK) March 15, 2020

In the USA, United Sikhs have also ensured the people of Dallas, Texas have a lifeline for any issues that may come-up during this period, whilst individuals have also organised in their own local areas.

Sacramento Sikhs, if anyone needs help buying food, groceries- particularly for elderly Sikhs..send me a message- we can easily band together, collectively grab necessities for our elders. Gurdwara could be a good place to meet? Or just write in the thread. Or mobile PB&J Langar? — Jasjit Singh ਜਸਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ (@JasjitSDhanoa) March 17, 2020

Groups in Canada that have a longstanding history of providing food and aid to their local communities have also continued their work, whilst also taking precautions and specifically looking to collect items important during this period.

URGENT PSA @SevaFoodBank callout for most needed items. If you are able please donate, if you are around the world consider donating $’s link in BIO. At this time of crisis, let’s not forget about our neighbors who need our help. PLEASE listen share & donate. DM me if needed. pic.twitter.com/C82xb6TOwb — ???????????????????? ???????????????????? (@akrred) March 17, 2020

Even at an individual level, many Sikhs are stepping up to check on neighbours and locals and offer support.

Good peeps at @rangrez_london doing gr8 work of helping old age people in #Hammersmith #London, as always a #Sikh coming forward to help in difficult times, when the tough times are over, do visit them to show gratitude & meet great human Harman Singh! #COVID2019

cc @misterhsk pic.twitter.com/jdQbTEGgCj — Piyush Pankaj (@piyushpankaj) March 17, 2020

The Sikh Press Association will continue updating the community with news of sangat-led initiatives via our social media channels, such as the seva being offered by these groups in the UK Midlands and East London:

Groups of Sikh Seva (selfless service) groups in the Midlands are teaming up to provide assistance to the elderly and vulnerable during this coronavirus pandemic, in Wolverhampton, Birmingham and Coventry. Please get in touch if you are local and need any help. pic.twitter.com/CGJY3Nwh2I — SikhPressAssociation (@SikhPA) March 18, 2020

We share another example of Sikh groups providing aid to the elderly and vulnerable, as the Sangat (congregation) from Singh Sabha Gurdwara East London get together to help the community. Anyone in need, or looking to help, in the Seven Kings area are encouraged to get in touch. pic.twitter.com/wUmwL9K00S — SikhPressAssociation (@SikhPA) March 18, 2020

What else are Sikhs doing?

To ensure Sikhs, especially those that may face language barriers from news in the West, fully understand the issues around the coronavirus, the World Sikh Parliament released eight separate short videos answering questions in Punjabi on the topic.



Considering the stress of the situation, some Sikhs have looked to support those impacted mentally and spiritually by the outbreak.

This includes Sikh educator Satpal Singh of charity Nanak Naam, who released a video with tips on how to deal with anxiety during this period.

Various Sikh groups have ensured they provide their followers with direct access to medical advice, including Sikh Net, as seen below.

Dr. Khalsa's Recommendations for the Covid-19 Virus

"My main recommendation is IMMUNE support!"#coronavirus pic.twitter.com/UsKpduyaDr — SikhNet (@SikhNet) March 18, 2020

British Sikh Nurses, a group connected with the UK’s National Health Service, also issued guidance on washing hands which involved reciting a Sikh mantra.

Some individuals have also gone out of their way to provide assistance to national medical bodies to ensure they can provide Punjabi (the most commonly spoken language of Sikhs) information to patients too.

Coronavirus (COVID – 19)

I have translated the health information on the NHS website in to Punjabi. Please share resources. https://t.co/ck9PUsC0F2

We will be providing information and keeping in touch with our Sikh Elders in Leeds that are on their own. @sikhelders pic.twitter.com/iGbyI6J199 — Sarbjit Kaur (@SrbjtKr) March 17, 2020

Through dialogue with the Sikh Press Association, a statement in support of any Sikhs working in care/medicine that may be being pressured to shave was issued by the British Sikh Doctors Organisation.

This is a very important announcement from @BritishSikhDocs we helped facilitate RE Sikh doctors/carers & current pressure to shave facial hair. We were contacted by several members of the community concerned about this. Please read & share with Sikhs that work in care/medicine. pic.twitter.com/qdDAZBcbDa — SikhPressAssociation (@SikhPA) March 16, 2020

Also via the Sikh Press Association, guidance for Sikhs to remember to wash their karas (the metal bracelet which is part of Sikh identity) was issued by medical professionals.

WASH YOUR KARA! We are sharing this having been requested by medical professionals. #Coronavirus can last longer on metal surfaces, so all Sikhs must be sure to also wash their kara whilst washing hands. Please share. Learn why Sikhs wear a kara here- https://t.co/CtfUkY5B8U pic.twitter.com/TNfgCxvz2r — SikhPressAssociation (@SikhPA) March 17, 2020

As well as offering community support, Sikh groups have also ensured to thank and highlight the great work of those that are certain to be impacted by the outbreak.

In general, most Sikh community figures are calling for the community to stay calm and aware of Sikh responsibilities, as seen in this video by media figure of Khalsa TV Kam Singh.

If you have anything on this topic you want us to share or support, please email media@sikhpa.com.