Perhaps you’ve heard of it. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara has been a beacon of faith in Manchester since 1961. It is one of the city’s five Gurdwaras.
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara started humbly. It began on Rosamond Street in Hulme. From those small beginnings, it grew. It evolved into the purpose-built Gurdwara we see today. This stands proudly on Upper Chorlton Road.
Let’s dive a little deeper. The opening of the new Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara building was quite the event. Around 1500 Sikhs paraded through Whalley Range and Old Trafford. They celebrated the Gurdwara’s opening. Rose petals rained down. Fireworks lit up the sky. It marked a joyous occasion for everyone.
This wasn’t just a new building. The 2 million project also created an educational and cultural center. These facilities are open to the whole community. People traveled from across the north of England for the opening. Families dressed in vibrant colours joined the celebration.
The Guru Granth Sahib is the temple’s holy book. It was carried on a float. Religious leaders and musicians accompanied it. The parade lasted two hours. It wound its way down Upper Chorlton Road. Then it went back through Old Trafford.
After the parade, the Guru Granth Sahib was installed in the new prayer room. Rose petals cascaded from the roof. Fireworks exploded around the building. A non-stop three-day reading of the Guru Granth Sahib followed. This formed part of the opening celebrations.
Designed by architect Amar Singh Egan, the new Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara replaced the old one. The old Gurdwara was in a converted house next door. The new building boasts a domed roof and balcony.
Community is key here. Religious leaders envisioned it as a hub. They planned a gym, sauna and steam room for everyone to use. The Gurdwara also offers language and religious lessons. Health and fitness classes are also available.
Raghbir Singh was the general secretary of the Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara. He noted that the new building united the Sikh community. He expressed gratitude to everyone who worked to get it ready. He emphasized that anyone of any religion is welcome.
The Gurdwara’s opening also marked 50 years since the first one opened. It was in 1961 on Rosamond Street in Hulme. In the 1970s, it moved to Upper Chorlton Road.
Representatives from other faiths attended the opening. This included the Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple and members of Manchester’s Muslim community. The Bishop of Manchester also attended.
Arpan Singh Duggal attended the opening with his family. He described the new temple as beautiful. He recognized the time and effort that went into it. He felt it was worth it for present and future generations. He also noted planned projects for children, young people, and the whole community.
Amar Singh Egan, the architect, noted that Sikhs previously used former churches or warehouses as Gurdwaras. He was pleased this was a purpose-built place.
Today, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara continues to serve. It provides a place of worship. It acts as a community center. It stands as a testament to faith. It shows dedication of the Sikh community in Manchester. Remember its history as you pass by. Think of the celebrations, the community and the devotion within those walls.