Siri Guru Singh Sabha

Tucked away on Guru Nanak Road in Southall, the Siri Guru Singh Sabha stands as a testament to faith and community. The Siri Guru Singh Sabha isn’t just a building. It’s a vibrant hub, a place where over 15,000 worshippers and visitors pass through its doors each week. The story of the Siri Guru Singh Sabha begins in the 1940s and 50s with the arrival of the first Sikhs in Southall. Initially, homes served as makeshift Gurdwaras. As the Sikh population grew, so did the need for a dedicated space. The community first gathered at Shackleton Hall, then moved to 11 Beaconsfield Road. Later, the influx of Malaysian and Singaporean Sikhs led to the formation of the Sri Guru Nanak Singh Sabha. In 1964, these two groups merged, becoming the Siri Guru Singh Sabha Southall. Their first official Gurdwara opened on The Green, serving as both a place of worship and the organization’s headquarters. A pivotal moment in the Gurdwara’s history occurred in April 1967. The Khanda, a ceremonial double-edged sword, was brought from the Tosha Khana at Darbar Sahib Amritsar to England for the Amrit Sanchar ceremony. This ceremony marked a significant step in the growth and establishment of the Siri Guru Singh Sabha as a prominent Gurdwara outside of India. The Siri Guru Singh Sabha continued to evolve. In 1997, the community moved to the Park Avenue site to make way for the construction of the current Havelock Road Gurdwara. This new Gurdwara was inaugurated in 2003 by Prince Charles, now King Charles III. Since then, the Siri Guru Singh Sabha has hosted numerous dignitaries, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Siri Guru Singh Sabha has been more than just a place of worship. It has been a vital part of the Sikh community’s efforts to address important issues, from combating racism in the 1970s to advocating for the right to wear turbans in workplaces. The Siri Guru Singh Sabha’s commitment to community extends beyond its own members. During the People’s March for Jobs in 1981, the Gurdwara provided food and shelter to participants, demonstrating the Sikh principle of selfless service. Today, the Siri Guru Singh Sabha continues to serve langar, a free kitchen, seven days a week, offering up to 20,000 meals. It’s a tradition where everyone is welcome, regardless of background.