A Hukamnama is the Guru's guidance for the day.Each morning a Shabad is read from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, and Sikhs take it as the Guru's word (Vaak) to carry through that day. The Hukamnama from Sri Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar, is shared with Sikhs all over the world.
What does Hukamnama mean?
Hukam means order or command, and namameans letter or written order, so Hukamnama means "a written order". In daily Sikh life it means the Shabad read from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji as the Guru's guidance. Historically the word was also used for letters the Gurus sent to the Sangat, and for edicts issued from Sri Akal Takht Sahib.
How is the Hukamnama taken?
After the Prakash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the morning, and an Ardas, the Granthi Singh opens Guru Sahib with respect. The Shabad at the top of the left-hand page is read as the Hukamnama. If that Shabad begins on the previous page, it is read from its beginning. The Sangat listens standing or seated with heads covered, and the Shabad is often explained afterwards.
When is the Hukamnama at Darbar Sahib?
At Sri Harmandir Sahib (Darbar Sahib), the morning Hukamnama is taken early, soon after the Prakash, usually between about 4:30 and 6:00 am India time depending on the season. A Hukamnama is also taken in the evening. Gurdwaras everywhere take their own Hukamnama too, at the start of the day and at the end of programmes.
Why do Sikhs read it every day?
Reading the Hukamnama is a way to begin the day with the Guru. Many Sikhs read it at Amrit Vela after their morning Nitnem, keep one line in mind through the day, and return to it in the evening. It is guidance to reflect on and live by, not a prediction.
Reading the Hukamnama if you can't read Gurmukhi
You don't need to read Gurmukhi fluently to start. Read the Gurmukhi alongside its transliteration (the same words in English letters) and the English meaning. Over time, you'll begin to recognise the words. Our Today's Hukamnama page shows all three, line by line, and the Gurmukhi alphabet page helps you learn the letters with audio.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hukamnama the same everywhere?
Each Gurdwara takes its own Hukamnama. The Hukamnama from Sri Harmandir Sahib is the one most widely shared each day, and it is the one on our Today's Hukamnama page.
What is a Sangrand Hukamnama?
Sangrand is the first day of each month in the Sikh calendar. The Hukamnama read on that day is often called the Sangrand Hukamnama.
