Our principles and practices are derived from our faith in the ten Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib. It is advocated that all members should live a Sikh life by taking amrit (sanctified liquid made of sugar and water, used in initiation ceremonies) and keeping the 5 Ks. These symbols link us to the Sikh principles of belief in one God, service to humanity, treating everyone equal, tolerance for people of other religions and to be prepared to support other’s right to worship in the manner of their choice. We are inspired by the Sikh Gurus’ message that there is but one God who has created the all the human and the whole of humanity is equal. Therefore, we welcome all people of any faith, colour, caste, or sex to join in the worship of one God and eat the Langer as one big family of God. Guru Gobind Singh’s (Tenth Guru) teachings that ‘recognise the oneness of human race’ encapsulate our attitude to equality. We stand for respect and freedom for everyone and tolerance and understanding between people of different opinions.

Sikhs are to remember the three golden rules. They are: Nam Japna – to remember God [we believe that it is responsibility of each of us to move from manmukh (self-oriented) to gurmukh (God-oriented) living, both for ourselves as individuals and as a society)] Kiran Karni – to earn one’s living by honest means and hard work Vand Chhakna – to share with others who are less fortunate

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND & MEMBERSHIP: Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji is an old Methodist Church, converted into a Gurdwara and opened in 1970. The church building was bought for £5,000. The original building was damaged by a fire in 1986 and its repair cost the Sikh community nearly £100,000 to restore it to its original splendour. The Gurdwara Committee has established a large Sports Community Centre (Punjab Community Centre), next door to the Gurdwara building. At present, Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji has 64 members (men & women) who come from various parts of Bradford. The Committee is elected bi-annually in line with the constitution of the Gurdwara. The Gurdwara is a member of the Board of Representative of Bradford Gurdwaras, which was established in 2005.

MAIN ACTIVITIES: Most Gurdwaras function as religious centres as well as social and political institutions of the local Sikh community. They provide a platform on which to discuss the entire spectrum of religious, social and political issues affecting the Community.  All Gurdwaras hold regular religious services and provide similar range of facilities and provisions.. Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji is open for worship throughout the week

• Saturday Service: 5.00 – 7.00pm and Sunday Service: 8.00 am – 1.00 pm
• Panjabi School – Sunday 11.00 am to 12.15 pm & Library Service – Sunday 12.30 – 13.30pm
• Arrangements for the solemnisation of social ceremonies relating to birth, child-name, engagement, marriage and death by prior booking and facilities for elderly through the Elderly Day Centre: 3.00 – 6.30 pm.

© Bradford Trident 2007