Non Historical Gurdwaras in Moscow, United Kingdom and Other European Countries

Sikhs in Moscow

The number of Sikhs in Russia is very small. When there was Communist Government, very few Indian were immigrating. However, after the fall of communist dictatorship in Russia, Religious people of Russia got some freedom and during last 10 years large number of Sikhs and Indians reached Russia to settle themselves in this country. At present 10000 of Indians are in this country including 3000 Sikhs, who are mostly shopkeepers, workers, carpenters and drivers. There are only two Gurdwaras in Moscow. The one is situated in Filovsaaya Building. Its contact no. are 0951462712 & 0957659145. The other Gurdwara is known as Sikh Culture centre Gurdwara. Its address is Varshayskoye Shosse, 34, Moscow, Russia-115230. Its E-Mail and contact no. are support@gurdwaar.com, 007967023-85-40 & 007499611-50-67.

Gurdwaras in United Kingdom

There are more than 300 Gurdwaras in U.K. including central London. There are such areas also where more than one Gurdwaras exist just at a stone’s throw from one another. In east England, maximum Gurdwaras are in Bedford and Peterborough including a Gurdwara in the name of Baba Budha Sahib Ji. In South east, Slough is the area having maximum Gurdwaras. In south west England Bristal has four Gurdwaras. In West Midlands Coventry has five and Birmingham has three. In East Midlands, there are seven Gurdwaras in Leicester, five in Nottingham and three in Derby areas. Similarly, there are seven Gurdwaras in Leeds and five in Bradford. In Manchester also we have four Gurdwaras. A number of Gurdwaras are there in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee of Scotland and Belfast and Derry in Northern Ireland. All these Gurdwaras include Singh Sabha Gurdwaras, Gurdwaras under the management of Nanaksar Samparda, Gurdwaras managed by Ramgarhias, Bhatras and some private Gurdwaras. A few Gurdwaras have been included in Some other categories discussed in other chapters of the book (e.g. Ch. 10) Selecting for this chapter, the most popular Gurdwara of U.K. situated in South Hall area of Greater London, needs a special mention. South Hall is one of the most populated Sikh areas of Greater London. It looks like a Punjab town. Most of the sign boards here can be seen in Punjabi in Gurmukhi script.

There are ten Gurdwaras in this area. The most popular is the Gurdwara situated at Havelock road. It is one of the largest Gurdwaras in the world. The Gurdwara has spacious congregation hall and also a big langar hall which also provides facility of taking Langar by sitting on chairs. Langar is open most of the times and for all the people. Apart from daily maryada programs, special Katha and Kirtan programs are also organized by inviting prominent raagis, kathavachaks and preachers from India and other countries. Sufficient accommodation is available for the stay of these preachers. In addition, various programs like teaching Punjabi and Gurbani singing are also organized, especially for kids for connecting them with the Sikh religion and values. Gurmat camps are also organized annually. This year 17th Annual Gurmat camp was organized from 30th July to 3rd August. The management of this organisation also runs a primary school and maintains a rich library. The school is located at Norwood hall, te te telos. Lane Southall. Paramjit Kaur Sahny is the head teacher of the school which can be contacted on no. 0208574905.

The Gurdwara Management

The management of the establishments under reference is done by Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall. This organization had come into being in 1964 when a Gurdwara was opened by them at the Green. It was this organization which had brought a Khanda in 1967 to England from the Tosha Khana Darbar Sahib Amritsar for Amrit Parchar. From such humble beginnings, Sri Guru Singh Sabha soon emerged as the leading Gurdwara outside India. In 1997 Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall moved to the Park Avenue site (originally purchased in 1984). This led to the construction of the current day Havelock Road Gurdwara. On 30th March 2003 Havelock Road, Gurdwara site was inaugurated by HRH Prince of Wales – Prince Charles. Since then many dignitaries such as Former Prime Minister Hon Tony Blair, Archbishop of Canterbury and the leaders of all the Political Parties have visited the Gurdwara. Thus, the management now, looks after two Gurdwaras, namely the Gurdwara at Havelock Road and the Gurdwara at Park Avenue. The contact no of two Gurdwaras are +442085744311 and +442085748901 respectively.

The management committee consists of 22 members including two women. S. Gurmail Singh Malhi and S. Harmeet Singh Gill are the President and Gen. Secretary respectively. We also have considerable Sikh populations in Slough area of South East England; here also we have one Gurdwara managed by the Singh Sabha. Central Gurdwara (Khalsa Jatha, London) is stated to be the oldest established Sikh place of worship in Europe. It was established in 1908 vide Charity No. 258324.

Gurdwaras in other European Countries

After England, there is considerable Sikh population in Germany, France, Holland, Italy and Belgium. Thus, we have a number of Gurdwaras in these countries. Discussing the position of Germany first of all we have an estimated population of more than 20,000 Sikhs which is the third highest in Europe. The maximum Sikhs live in Frankfurt, also known as mini Punjab. The Gurdwara at Frankfurt is one of the most important Gurdwaras not only in Germany, but in entire Europe except U.K. This Gurdwara is managed by Singh Sabha. It attracts a good number of people every day and particularly on special occasions. The visitors also come to this Gurdwara, known as Gurdwara Sikh Centre situated at 65929 Frankfurt am Main. They can also stay here for some days. The Langar sewa is also available at most of the time. S. Gurinder Singh, President of the Gurdwara can be contacted on +491774755051. The Gurdwara can be contacted on telephone nos. +4969-30853786.

After Frankfurt Gudwara, another important Gurdwara of Europe is the Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Bobigny, Paris. This Gurdwara is managed by Gurdwara Singh Sabha Paris Association. Although, there are five gurdwaras in France (all in Paris), this Gurdwara is the most important. This association of the gurdwara is leading the fight of Sikhs against Government’s ban of Turban in its schools. A good number of rooms are available here for the tourists to stay. The contact details of this Gurdwara are as follow Address: 16 Rue de la Ferme, 93000 Bobigny, France and contact number is +33141502825. Netherland is another country where Sikh population is quite substantial. We have Gurdwaras in all the cities of this country, Amsterdam, Almere, Denhaag and Rotterdam. The maximum sangat visits Sri Guru Nanak Gurdwara Sahib, Amsterdam situated at schakel straat 21 1014 AW Amsterdam. The contact details of this Gurdwara are 020-6840776 (Tel.) and the Email is info@gnamsterdam.com.

Another famous Gurdwara based in Amsterdam is Gurdwara Mansarovar Sahib, Amsterdam. This Gurdwara situated at Barrsjesweg 281/282 1058 AE Amsterdam is quite popular among the local people as well as the tourists. The various programmes organized by them are covered by the Dutch Media. S. Karamjit Singh and S. Harjinder Singh (Bobby), the main persons associated with its management may be contacted on the numbers 04641424651 and 0687617928 respectively.

Gurdwara Sangat Sahib at Santirudhan

Limburg is a state in the south eastern part of Netherlands touching the international border with Belgium. At one point of time it was under Belgium rule. One of the cities in this state is Santirudhan where a large Sikh population resides. Last year, the mayor of the city decided that a memorable stone be setup to commemorate the wheeler of Sikhs who sacrificed their lifes to protect Belgium from the Germans in the eiper battle. There is a Gurdwara at this place Gurdwara Sangat Sahib which is managed by a committee headed by Bhai Karnail Singh.

Gurdwara Singh Sabha Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Italy has the second largest population of Sikhs in Europe after U.K. It is estimated at around 75000. More than 20 Gurdwaras are spread across the country. The oldest one being in Reggio Emilla in northern Italy where a number of Sikhs are engaged in agriculture. This Gurdwara is known as Gurdwara Singh Sabha and is situated at Via Lorenzo Bandini, 7, Novellara, Reggio Emilia, Italy-42017. Its contact number is (+39) 0522 661656. The Gurdwara is very famous for its langar which is relished not only by Sikhs, but also by Italian people. In 2012, when an earthquake had hit the area, the Sikh community ensured that all the victim received food twice a day. Italy also has a number of Sikh organisations which are contributing considerably in every sphere of life. (The details are available at appropriate places) The capital city of Italy has also a few Gurdwaras, Sri Guru Nanak Darbar ROMA is the best known. This is easily approachable both form the Airport as well as the train station of Rome. Its address is Via Perazzeto 28, Zip code 00134. Its contact details are 0039-3396119352, 0039-3206119352, Email: satsriaakal@gmail.com.

The Sikhs have a deep connection with the history of Belgium. They fought for them in the first battle of Ypress during First World War and made sacrifices. When the 3rd Centenary of the creation of Khalsa was celebrated all over the world, a monument was unveiled at Hollebeek in memory of these brave soldiers. This monument was unveiled on April 4, 1999. The city of Ieper together with the European Sikh community organized a celebration of peace on that date at cloth hall in Ieper, Belgium. S. Bhupinder Singh, the main person behind this show and his other companions reminded the people of Sikh martyrs, who had spent hard times in an alien place and faced difficult weather, understandable language, and killing gas used by the Germans. However, they maintained their glory by following the tradition of bravery and loyalty. Presently, there are approximately 10,000 Sikhs in Belgium. The maximum Sikh population is in Sint Truiden (Limburg). The first Gurdwaras was setup there in 1993. Brussels, the capital city has second largest Sikh population in the country. Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib, Vivaorde, Brussels was started in 1999 (converted from a cinema). The Gurdwara is now visited by the local population as well as tourists. Its contact number is +32022518782.

Gurdwara in Austria and Switzerland

There is one Gurdwara at Vieana, the capital city of Austria. This Gurdwara is known as Gurdwara Singh Sabha. The main person S. Narinder Singh of this Gurdwara can be contacted on +43-6509572508. In Switzerland, the number of Sikhs is not more than 1000, but there are four Gurdwaras in the country. The same appear to have been constructed when a large numbers of Sikhs had taken asylum in mid 80s. The most important Gurdwara is in Langenthal which was constructed in 2006. S. Ranjit Singh Masuta mainly financed the construction of the Gurdwara and now he heads Sikh Foundation of Switzerland which manages the Gurdwara and its activities. The contact details of the Gurdwaras are, Address 31A 4900 Langenthal. Its email is info@gurdwarasahib. The contact numbers are +41789081315 and +41786556913. There is one Gurdwara at Dariken, Solathum, where a number of converted Sikhs have been serving. One converted Sikh Nihang Jodhvir Singh was very popular in Sikh community. Bhai Karnail Singh is the President of this Gurdwara. The contact no. is +41765379563.

Gurdwaras in Poland, Spain and Portugal

There are some countries in Europe, where there is only one Gurdwara. Poland is one such country. In Poland there is only one Gurdwara at Warsa (capital city) which is managed by a Singh Sabha. This was the first Gurdwara of Eastern Europe which came up in 2008. It is registered as a religious institution. The Poland Singh Sabha’s Chief Administrative Officer J.J. Singh had expressed happiness on the Government permission not only to make a Gurdwara but also to wear a turban and keep a kirpan for the Sikhs. Unlike France, where the Sikh community is facing many difficulties in maintaining its identity, the Polish authorities have given us what we had asked for here. The rights of a minority community are being respected which is most gratifying, Singh said. Although the number of Sikh families is not that big in Poland, The Gurdwara is visited by a good numbers of Sindhis also. The main preacher at the Gurdwara, S. Yadwinder Singh Satkoha is playing an important role to make the people to know about Sikhs and their religion. He impressed the people with his skilful style of Katha and singing of Gurbani Kirtan. As he has a command over languages, he started appearing in T.V. shows to explain Sikh concepts and way of living. He also tried other methods of promoting and propagating his religion. One of these methods was to appear as a Sikh model for commercial advertisements. When he appeared in such advertisements, a face with Sikh identity became quite popular in the East European Media. He also worked as an Anchor in a Sikh Documentary dubbed in Polish language and that provided a volume of information about Sikhism to the Polish people. He appeared and continues to do so in various interviews on Sikh Channel, U.K. with a view to make the people aware of Sikh history, culture and traditions. With his presence in Warsaw, the Sikhs started celebrating their cultural events like Vaisakhi and this aspect also popularized the Sikh identity and their gesture of distributing Langar (free food) to the people.

Spain is one country where the Sikh Diaspora is more than 50% of the total Indian population in Spain. A good number of Sikhs immigrated during 80s when the position in Punjab was not good. As per the census on 1st January 2014, the population of Sikhs was more than 20,000. A new generation in Sikh families is already born and is growing with the knowledge of Spanish language and culture in Spain. This is evidenced by the fact that Gangandeep Singh Khalsa recently won a national award in a competition in Catalan language of Spain. He has also written about Sikh Religion in that language. Presently there are around 25 Gurdwaras. However, as the Sikhs are so attached with the Gurdwara that they cannot live without this platform which satisfies their social and spiritual needs, the Sikhs in Spain have also made a good number of Gurdwaras. The features that characterize Gurdwaras in Punjab are maintained and transformed in Europe, they are conceived as sites of spirituality and for the transmission of Sikh principles, yet they also contribute to enhancing community’s well-being and development (Gallo, 2012). It can be said that the social life of all Sikhs move around the Gurdwaras.

In Spain, there are Gurdwaras which have been constructed in different municipalities during the last two decades. First Gurdwara was established in the year 1998 at Barcelona, which was their first major concentration in Spain and the last Gurdwara was established in the year 2015 at Los Alcazares, Murcia. Almost half of Gurdwaras of Spain are situated in Catalonia alone. Like other countries, in Spain also, there are frequent clashes between two groups for the power of control of Gurdwaras. It is also true that the number of Gurdwaras increases because of these conflicts as the neglected group makes its own Gurdwaras. Gurdwara at Barcelona is the most important Gurdwara. Daily maryada and celebration of important occasions are the marked features of this Gurdwara. This is known as Gurdwara Gurdarshan Sahib Ji. Its contact no. is 0034934438882. This Gurdwara is not visited only by Sikhs, but by other Indian also. Langar is provided the whole day to everyone whosoever visit it.

In Portugal which is a neighbouring country of Spain, the numbers of Sikhs is small. However, there is a Gurdwara in Lisbon, capital city, to satisfy the congregational needs of the devotees. This Gurdwara known as Gurdwara Sikh Sangat Sahib is situated at Rua Jose Drante Lexim-Late-Sikhs, Adivelas, Portugal 2675-901. The contact numbers of the Gurdwara is +351-933533194. S. Jasbir Singh, President (+351- 938022917) and S. Ranjit Singh are the main persons in this Gurdwara.

Gurdwaras in Scandavian countries

Scandavia is a region in Northern Europe. The countries situated in that part of Europe have a common germanic heritage. The countries included in this part of Europe include Norway, Sweden and Denmark. The broader region includes Finland and Iceland also. The Danish, Norwegian and Swedish languages form a dialect continuum and are known as the Scandavian languages. They are intelligible with one another. The Sikhs in Scandavian countries are small in number. In Sweden their number in not more than 2000 and they are mostly concentrated in Stockholm and Gothenburg. There are two Gurdwaras in each of these two places. Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha angered and Gurdwara at Hjaibo, Gotenburg are managed by a Singh Sabha Committee and Sikh Cultural Association respectively. There is one Gurdwara known as Gurdwara Bibi Nanki Ji, situated in Stockholm, the capital city.

Gurdwara Sangat Sahib, Stockholm

There is another Gurdwara in Stockholm, called Gurdwara Sangat Sahib situated in Foreigning Botkyrka, Tullinge, Stockholm. Contact no. of the gurdwara is +46 (8) 7781414. This Gurdwara is visited by a large number of devotees. S. Darshan Singh (contact no. 0046768971773) is the President of this Gurdwara.

Sikhs in Norway

In Norway, the number of Sikhs is approx. 5000, mostly living in Oslo. Some of the Sikhs live in Drammem. Sikhs had come to Norway in the early 70s. Whereas Oslo, the capital city has two Gurdwaras known as Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and Gurdwara Sikh Sangat, a very large Gurdwara has been built during this decade in Lier, a city of Drammem Municipality. The Sikhs are holding some important positions including in the political affairs. Bibi Balwinder Kaur is a member of the Oslo commune (Municipality). Further, they are also employed in professional fields of medicine, engineering and technical services.

Gurdwaras in Norway

The Sikhs in Norway, though small in number are well known for their hardwork and dedication. Even the new generation born there is conspicuous for their performance in studies and sports. This is evidenced by the fact that one eleven years old girl Didrika Kaur won a gold medal in boxing in a championship held at Gothenburg in Sweden.

The most important Gurdwara is Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji located at Ainavru Elosno. Daily Maryada is maintained in this Gurdwara and a weekly Diwan is held with considerable attendance of the devotees. The contact no. of this Gurdwara is 0047-22645272. E-mail is gurduara@online.no. Bhai Gurcharan Singh (Ph: 0047-98282307) is the President of this Gurdwara. The Lier Gurdwara is known as Gurdwara Sri Guru Nanak Niwas Sahib. Its address is Nostevein 78, 3400 Lier (Drammem). Its contact no. is 0047-32852000.

Interfaith Coalition

The Sikhs and people of other religion enjoy perfect religious freedom because of the document signed on 8th November 2001, whereby an interfaith coalition composed of the major religious groups here, made a commitment to the principles of religious tolerance embodied in the Oslo Declaration on Freedom of Religion or Belief. The action was significant because of the diversity of religious groups that participated and committed themselves to upholding religious tolerance in Norway. 25 groups of different religious faiths signed the Declaration. They included religious organizations from a very wide range of perspectives. Ms. Thoresen, who was the head of the event’s organizing committee said, “There were representatives of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, humanism and other groups, as well as various denominations within Christianity. This was really a historic event in Norway. One more important feature about Sikhism in Norway is the celebration of Sikh Turban Day. The details of this event will be given at the appropriate place.

Gurdwara in Denmark

Denmark has one of the world’s smallest community of Sikhs. Their estimated figure does not exceed 1500, mostly based in Copenhagen, the capital city. There is only one Gurdwara here named as Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha. It is located at Kirkebjerg 35A 2700 Vanlose, Copenhagen. Its contact details are Email: sikhinfo@sikh.dk, contact no. is +4538714229. There is also a Punjabi School for kids named “Punjabi Cultural Association, Denmark’ that has been teaching gurmukhi, Gatka and Sikh rahit maryada for a couple of years. With the emergence of Sikh youth in 2013 it can be said that the Danish sangat has come to a position where it is able to serve all three generations: Children, youngsters and adults.

Sikh Ungdom of Denmark

When this organisation came into being in 2013, they made it a point to make the people of the country aware of Sikh religion in their own language. In the words of Hardeep Singh, the Vice President of the organisation “all our material is written in Danish while all our lectures are likewise in the Danish language”. He continues “It is important to stress the
practicality of Sikh principles in everyday life. How do we convert seva into daily life? How can we do seva in our schools, at our workplaces and on the streets of Copenhagen? We want to make Sikhi practical”. Since 2013 when activities only took place on a monthly basis, today there are events on almost a weekly basis. Every second week there is a study circle where the youth come together to discuss deeper issues of the Sikh faith – the purpose of life, seva as a lifestyle, Japji Sahib as the foundation of Sikhi, Sikh philosophy, music and spiritualism etc. Approximately every six weeks a larger event is held that focuses on some of the basics of Sikhi – the purpose of Vaisakhi, Diwali and the lives of the Gurus. “By having these specialized as well as basic events we are hoping to cater to Sikhs of all levels, -it does not matter how long they have been into Sikhi or how much they know already” says Hardeep Singh “the important thing is just that we don’t leave anyone out”

Gurdwara in Finland & Iceland

The earliest Sikh came to Finland around the year 1980. Presently, there are around 700 to 800 Sikhs mainly living in Helsinki. There is one Gurdwara in Helsinki. This Gurdwara is known as Gurdwara Sarab Sangat. Its contact details are: address is 21 Hameentie, Helsinki near Sornainen Metro Station, Tel: (358) 400701727 and email id: gurdwarasahib.finland@gmail.com. So far Iceland is concerned, there is no regular gurdwara as there are only 8-10 Sikh families living here. However, one of the Icelanders Soljort Guomundas Dottir (Guru Suraj Kaur), who has setup a yoga centre, has a beer of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. When she starts Akhand Paath, she invite others to participate to be a part of the congregation.

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