The Guru Nanak Marg Gurdwara, in Saddington Street, Gravesend, is the largest SikhTemplein the UK. The building includes three worship halls, which can house 1,200 people.

Named after the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, the new Gurdwara encompasses Gravesend’s Sikh community.

It covers more than 8.5 acres and cost almost £14m to build. The Senior vice president is Bakshish Singh Sodhi. The Secretary and assistant Secretary are Labour councillors' on Gravesham Borough Council. Gravesham's Mayor (Cllr. Deshi) is the son of the President of the Temple. (FYI - He is doing a very good job and may well be the next Labour PPC!).

The Gurdwarawas financed entirely through fundraising and donations from its congregation.

Every weekend, Punjabi classes are held at the Gurdwara for more than 400 children.

The site also includes a Guru Nanak Day Centre for the elderly (KCC), playing fields and football pitch.

Annual football and rugby tournaments are held in its grounds, with more than 5,000 people from across the country attending.

History of Sikhism in Gravesend

Most of the Sikhs in Gravesend arrived during the 1960’s, and there has been a steady increase in numbers ever since. There are currently around 15,000 Sikhs in the area, with more than 15 per cent making up the population of Gravesend.

Until the late 1960’s, Sikhs gathered in a house in Edwin Street for religious services, and then moved to the Gurdwara in Clarence Place, previously a church, which was the focus of the community until 2010. By the late 1990’s, the community had outgrown these premises and the Gurdwara purchased an area of land off Saddington Street, adjacent to their existing football field, Sports Centre and Education Centre. This would make it possible to combine all the main activities on one site.

The Gurdwara

The Gurdwara has five domes to represent the Five Beloved Ones- the five Sikhs who were beheaded in an act of faith.

It contains three prayer halls, two dining rooms, two kitchens, a lecture theatre for 140 people, a computer suite, a library, a nursery, and a shop.

There is also parking for around 250 cars and five coaches. The temple has four gateways to emphasise the Sikh principle of being open to everyone.

Do's and Don't

Before entering the main congregational hall, the Darbar Sahib, visitors are expected to show their respect by:

Covering their head with a scarf (These will be provided)

Taking off their shoes

Bowing at the Holy Scriptures

Not clapping

Not turning their back to the Guru (at the front of the temple which we will be shown during our visit)

Alcohol is not to be taken before the visit (a morning visit, so we should be OK)

We may be offered food, which is part of the hospitality.

The Sikh community play an active part in Gravesham politics and are represented accordingly on GBC (10%).

I hope that you have found this short briefing interesting, I'm sure you will enjoythe visit.