The sangat

“Sangat” is a Punjabi term specific to Sikhism. It refers to the congregation who gather for worship in the Gurudwara, the Sikh place of worship.
The term symbolises a community where everyone is equal - irrespective of their socioeconomic status, gender, or race - and everyone is bound by the shared belief in Sikh principles and teachings.
The Sangat is a key component in the Sikh belief system as it promotes unity, equality, and brotherhood among Sikhs following the way of life as prescribed by the Ten Gurus.
In a Sangat, Sikhs gather together to read and recite from the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. The emphasis is on communal worship and collective prayer.
Sangat serves as a space for shared learning and moral and spiritual upliftment in the Sikh community. It is in the Sangat that Sikhs learn about the Gurus’ teachings, virtues, and values.
The principle of serving the Sangat or “Sewa” is significant in Sikhism. It is a selfless service performed without expecting anything in return, demonstrating humility, a key Sikh principle.
Being part of the Sangat also provides Sikhs with a sense of identity and community. It allows them to remain in the company of like-minded people who are dedicated to following Sikh principles and values.
During gatherings in a Sangat, Sikhs also partake in Langar, a community meal which is free for anyone regardless of faith or background. This further emphasises the principle of equality.
The concept of Sangat originated with the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. He emphasised that spiritual discourse and collective prayer in the Sangat can lead a person towards enlightenment.
For Sikhs, Sangat is not just about being in physical proximity with other Sikhs, but is also the spiritual association with other believers who influence one’s faith and lifestyle.
Another important term linked to Sangat is “Pangat”. While Sangat refers to a congregation gathered for worship, Pangat refers to people sitting together in a row to partake in the Langar, reinforcing the principle of equality taught by Sikhism.