Harmandir Sahib never closes — darshan is possible at any hour of any day (reported consistently). What gives the day its shape are the two Palki Sahib ceremonies: Prakash (the Guru Granth Sahib carried from Akal Takht into the sanctum) around 3 AM in summer / 4 AM in winter, and Sukhasan (the return for the night) around 10:30 PM / 9:45 PM — both drifting 10–15 minutes daily (reported timings; the SGPC’s own routine page is the verification target). Checked 02 October 2026.
The day’s frame
| Ceremony | Summer | Winter | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prakash (morning Palki) | ~3:00 AM | ~4:00 AM | Reported |
| Sukhasan (night Palki) | ~10:30 PM | ~9:45 PM | Reported |
| Darshan between | Continuous, 24×7 | Reported |
The first-visit rules
- Head covered at all times — free cloth scarves at the entrances; vendors sell bandanas for ~₹10.
- Footwear off — free shoe stands run on voluntary donations.
- No smoking, no alcohol — anywhere in the complex and its approaches.
- The sarovar surrounds everything; the parikarma (circumambulation) is open to all, the ritual bath optional.
When to go
Pre-dawn for Prakash (the emotional summit), or late evening when the gold catches the floodlights and Sukhasan approaches. Midday is the langar-and-seva hour. Weekends and Gurpurabs swell everything — the festival guide carries the calendar.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Golden Temple open at night?
Yes — 24×7, year-round.
What time is the morning ceremony?
Prakash around 3 AM (summer) / 4 AM (winter), drifting daily — reported timings; confirm on site.
