Gurudwara Bangla Sahib

One of the most renowned Sikh Gurudwaras, Gurudwara Bangla Sahib in Connaught Place, New Delhi, is known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan. Initially built as a palace for Maharaja Jai Singh during the 17thcentury, and was later converted into a gurudwara during the time of the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan, who lived there and treated people affected by a smallpox epidemic.

First built as a small shrine by Sikh General Sardar Baghel Singh in 1783, on the bungalow donated by king Raja Jai Singh of Amer, who supervised the construction of nine Sikh shrines in Delhi in the same year, during the reign of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Alam II, The Gurudwara is situated near a sacred pond, known as the Sarovar.It is believed that the Sarovar has the power to remove one’s sins. Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is an important place of worship for the Sikh community and is considered as a symbol of unity, equality, and peace.

Built around a large sacred pool,Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is an impressive complex. The main building of the Gurudwara is a two-story structure with a large dome and several smaller domes surrounding it. The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, and the main entrance is decorated with beautiful arches. The interiors of the Gurudwara look magnificent with its high ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and richly decorated walls and columns. The main hall of the Gurudwara is called the Darbar Sahib, and it is used for prayer and religious ceremonies. The walls of the Darbar Sahib are covered with sophisticated paints, and the floor is covered with a beautiful marble mosaic.

• Best time to visit– Although the Gurudwara remains open 24 hours every day, the best time to visit this sacred place is between 4:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. as during this the priest offers ardaas (prayer).
• Open – The Gurudwara remains open 24 hours daily.
• Timings – Monday to Sunday, 24 hours.
• Entry Fee– Free

• Visit the peaceful and spiritual Darbar Sahib while covering your heads, to pay respect and sit for a while in this sacred place while listening to devotional music, prayers, and hymns.
• Participate in the Langar organized by the Gurudwara where regardless of any caste, creed, religion, or background you will be served the meals. Langar is the key aspect of Sikhism and promotes the values of equality and community service
• Visit the Gurudwara’s museum which displays historical artifacts and documents related to Sikhism and the Gurudwara. One can learn about the history of Sikhism and its founder Guru Nanak.
• Take a dip in the large sacred pool near the Gurudwara, which is believed to have healing power and is said to wash away sins.
• The Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is an exquisite example of Indian architecture with a blend of Mughal and Hindu designs. Explore the admirable complex its sophisticated paintings, carvings, and walls.

• Prakash Utsav – Prakash Utsav is a major festival in Sikhism as it is celebrated to mark thebirth of Guru Gobind Singh who was the tenth Sikh Guru. During this time Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is decorated beautifully with lights, flowers, and flags, and special prayers and hymns are recited in the Darbar Sahib.
• Baisakhi – Baisakhi is the festival, celebrated to mark the harvest season. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Gurudwara and is participated by thousands of worshippers.
• Guru Purab – Guru Purab is another major event celebrated in the Gurudwara Bangla Sahab. The festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Guru Nanak Dev and the birth anniversary of Guru Har Krishan.

• Radisson Blu Plazza – Radisson Blu Plazza is a luxurious hotel offering remarkable accommodations. It provides palatial rooms with impressive interiors, and provide services including a relaxing spa, a grand outdoor pool, and a pleasing yoga room.
• Radisson Blu Marina – Radisson Blu offers sophisticated accommodations for a lavish stay. It offers spacious rooms, a well-equipped fitness center, and the signature Sohum Spa.
• The Grand Uddav – Set on a happening lifestyle destination, The Grand Uddavis a carefree hotel. The hotel offers woodsyornate interiors and an airy multi-cuisine restaurant serving delicious Indian and Chinese fare. The Grand Uddhavprovides hygienicrooms, featuring up to 2 king-sized beds, seating areas with coffee tables, and modern comforts like minibarsandcoffeemakers.
• The Connaught – Built with antiquated tiles and a primitiveexterior, The Connaught hotel stands out with an old-world charm. This hotel is located at the center of Connaught Place and offers eye-catching city views. It provides rooms with an elegant ambiance and other comforts including an on-site restaurant and bar, offering varied cuisines and signature cocktails.
• Shangri-la Eros – Shangri-la Eros is a lavish hotel situated in India’s one of the largest financial, business, and commercial districts. The hotel offers panoramic views from the Horizon Club and has amenities including Asian-inspired dining options, and luxurious facilities.Shangri-la Eros hotel offers a pleasant retreat for both business and leisure travelers with 320 palatial rooms.
• The imperial – Reminiscences the nostalgic cultural heritage and the architectural style of the 1930s, The imperial is a magnificent hotel. It offers a perfect fusion of tradition and luxury, the hotel provides a posh outdoor pool, artistically designed rooms with wooden furnishings and antique decor, a health club, a sauna,a therapeutic spa, and banquet comforts.

• Indian coffee house – Indian coffee house is a casual restaurant situated at a distance of 1.5 km from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. It serves an array of South Indian cuisines along with a variety of options in Fast Food, Street Food, and Beverages. Worth trying items of the restaurant are Hot Cream Coffee, Chocolate Milkshakes, Veg Cutlet, Pakoras, Filter Coffee, and Omelettes.
• 24 seven – Justifying the name 24 Seven restaurant serves its customer with 24-hour service. 24 Seven offers North India Cuisines with an array of Street Food and Fast food.
• Zing – Located in The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, Zing is a fancy and posh Restaurant. It serves an array of Continental, Italian, and Asian Cuisines with a variety of options for desserts and beverages.
• Kill The Bill – Kill The Bill is a brick-lined restaurant known for its unique interiors. It serves North Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Italian cuisines with a menu of tempting Fast Food options.Apart from the above options Kill The Bill offers a wide range of colorful cocktails.
• Grappa Bar – Situated in the lavish Shangri-la Eros Hotel, Grappa Bar is a comfy and upscale hotel bar. Itoffers Italian-inspired cocktails and pleasant outdoor seating with garden views.
• Tamra – A posh and sophisticated Restaurant, Tamra is located in the Shangri-la Eros Hotel. Known for its live kitchen, relaxed surroundings, and serving quantity, Tamra offers an array of North Indian, Continental, European, Asian, and American cuisines with a variety of options inDesserts, Beverages, and Shake

• By Air : The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport situated at a distance of 11 kmfrom Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
• By Train : The nearest railway station is situated at a distance of 2.8 km from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
• By Bus : Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is well-linked by public buses and the nearest bus stand is situated at a distance of 1.7 km from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib.
• By Subway : The nearest metro station from Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is Rajiv Chowk, situated at a distance of 2 km.