The Sikhs were not satisfied with the management of Nanak Math as the resident Nepali priest who
maintains the shrine, has no knowledge of Sikh religion or Gurbani. Thus, the 3000 Sikhs living in Nepal
realized the need of constructing a Gurdwara for organizing their religious activities. An organization called
Guru Nanak Sat Sang Samiti was setup under the leadership of S. Pritam Singh. This Samiti had the first
task to construct a Gurdwara in Kathmandu. With the initiative of Sri Pritam Singh Ji and other few Sikhs,
in 1957, in a small rented room Gurudwara was setup in the heart of the city, a place known as New Road.
Almost after 8 years, in 1965, Gurudwara was shifted to a place called Akhara near the banks of Bagmati
River for 3 years. During that period Sri Pritam Singh Ji and Sri Randhir Singh Ji helped in mobilizing the
funds to purchase 7 Ropanies of Land (38332 sq.ft) at Kupondole, Near Bagmati Bridge for Gurudwara, a
place where the current Gurudwara is situated.
In this Gurdwara the sangat meets every day and recites Banis. On every Sunday there is a weekly
Gurdwara congregation which starts with Kirtan by the local Youth Jatha. This is followed by a Gurbani
Kirtan till 12:45 pm. Langar meals (community kitchen) are served at 1:00 pm. The Sikhs celebrate all
the major Gurpurabs : Guru Nanak Jayanti, Baisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti every year by inviting
dignitaries and Ragi Jathas from India. This organization is now the main body of Sikh community in Nepal.
The Gurdwara in Kupondole forms the centre of religious and social life for Sikhs in the Valley.
S. Pritam Singh (Contact No. 009779851030383) is the President of the committee which now manages
the Gurdwara and the Sikh affairs in Nepal. He makes it clear that this Gurdwara was not built for money,
but for serving the Sikh community to meet their social and spiritual requirements. Further, it helps in
promoting our community, values and traditions. Aside from managing daily prayers and religious events,
the Gurdwara’s organisational committee has also taken in close to 30 orphans, mostly local children for
whom they provide accommodation, food and education. Committee secretary Sardar Harpal Singh says
that they have ambitious plans for the children, including taking them on a trip to the holy city of Amritsar
in India. Sikh community here in Kathmandu has been actively participating in social work as well. After
the Earthquake, Gurdwara committee was the first to organize and co-ordinate relief activities in and around
Kathmandu City. Langar was provided to hundreds of people who took refuge at Gurdwara premises. Relief
materials were provided to the Earthquake victims in and around the city. The contact details of the Gurdwara
are e-mail : support@gurdwaar.com Its contact number is 009771-5524988.
