Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Bobigny stands as one of the most significant Sikh temples in France and serves as a spiritual hub for the Sikh community across Europe. Located at 16 Rue de la Ferme in Bobigny, Seine-Saint-Denis, this gurdwara is recognized as the first major Sikh gurdwara established in France and continues to be the focal point for religious, cultural, and social activities for thousands of devotees.
The gurdwara welcomes visitors from all faiths and backgrounds, embodying the core Sikh values of Langar (free community kitchen) and Pangat (community dining). The temple is distinguished by its welcoming atmosphere and comprehensive facilities that cater to the spiritual and educational needs of the community, including regular Gurbani (sacred hymn) recitations, Kirtan (devotional singing), and Gurmat Parchaar (Sikh teachings).
With approximately 30,000 Sikhs residing in France, roughly 10,000 are based in Bobigny and its surrounding areas, making this gurdwara an essential community institution. The temple offers various programs including Punjabi language classes, Gatta classes (martial art training rooted in Sikh tradition), and workshops on Sikh philosophy and history. The gurdwara's reputation extends beyond France, attracting pilgrims and visitors from across Europe seeking spiritual solace and connection with their heritage.
The temple is managed by a dedicated community organization committed to preserving Sikh traditions while fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding. Its architecture reflects a blend of modern and traditional Sikh design principles, creating an atmosphere of reverence and community unity that resonates with both long-time devotees and first-time visitors.
Community ### Gurudwara Sikh Kalgidhar Sahib De Salt Spain 16 km away Typically open daily from early morning ... Gurudwara Sikh Kalgidhar Sahib de Salt is a Sikh place of worship (gurdwara) located in the municipality of Salt, within the comarca of Gironès in Catalonia, Spain. Situated at coordinates 41.975638888°N, 2.795222222°E, the gurdwara serves as the spiritual and community hub for the Sikh population residing in and around Salt and the greater Girona metropolitan area. Salt is a diverse municipality of approximately 30,000 residents representing over 80 nationalities, nestled on the right bank of the Ter river directly adjacent to the city of Girona — making it one of the most multicultural towns in all of Catalonia. The gurdwara takes its name from "Kalgidhar," one of the most revered honorific titles given to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final human Sikh Guru. The title translates as "the bearer of the kalgi" — a resplendent feathered plume adorned with precious gems that Guru Gobind Singh wore on his turban, symbolizing his divine authority, courage, and sovereignty. By naming this gurdwara after this honorific, the Sikh community of Salt pays ongoing homage to the Guru who founded the Khalsa brotherhood in 1699 and shaped the modern Sikh identity. As one of four gurdwaras in the province of Girona, and one of seventeen Sikh temples across all of Spain, Gurudwara Sikh Kalgidhar Sahib de Salt holds an important place within the wider Sikh diaspora of the Iberian Peninsula. Girona province has one of the highest concentrations of Sikhs in Spain outside Barcelona, with many members of the community having arrived from the Punjab region of India from the 1990s onward, taking up employment in agriculture, the food processing industry, and local services. The gurdwara functions in the true Sikh tradition: its doors are open to all people, regardless of faith, caste, gender, or nationality. Visitors can participate in the daily recitation of sacred scripture (Gurbani), partake in the free communal kitchen (langar) that offers meals to anyone in need, and experience the warmth of the Sikh community's hospitality. The institution also plays a vital role in preserving Punjabi language and culture for second-generation immigrants growing up in Catalonia. The gurdwara actively observes major Sikh festivals including Vaisakhi, the birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus (Gurpurabs), and Bandi Chhor Divas. Local Spanish authorities have at times participated in or acknowledged Sikh celebrations, reflecting the community's gradual integration into the cultural fabric of Catalonia. For the Punjabi Sikh families of Salt and greater Girona, this gurdwara is not merely a place of prayer — it is a lifeline that connects them to their ancestral faith, language, and traditions far from their homeland. Historical ### Temple Sikh De Vic Vic, France 35 km away temple sikh de Vic is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in France. It is situated in France. As with all gurdwaras, temple sikh de Vic welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. The gurdwara serves as a place of worship where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy scripture of the Sikhs) is kept with great reverence. The community gathers here for daily prayers (Nitnem), Kirtan (devotional singing of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib), and Katha (religious discourse). The gurdwara operates a Langar (community kitchen) where free vegetarian meals are served to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, gender, economic status, or ethnicity. This practice, established by Guru Nanak Dev Ji and formalized by Guru Angad Dev Ji, embodies the Sikh principles of equality, sharing, and selfless service (Seva). Community ## Detailed History The history of Gurdwara Dhan Dhan Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is rooted in the broader narrative of Sikh migration to Catalonia and Spain. The earliest significant Sikh arrivals in Spain are recorded from the 1980s, but the pace of migration accelerated markedly during the 1990s when Spain's economic expansion created substantial demand for labour in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and the food industry. Catalonia, and in particular the provinces of Girona and Barcelona, attracted Punjabi Sikhs due to the availability of employment in meat-processing plants in towns such as Olot and Vic, as well as in agricultural work across the region. The first gurdwara in Catalonia is believed to have been established in Barcelona around 1992, when the growing Sikh population organised a place of worship at Carrer Hospital. As the community expanded outward from the metropolitan area into smaller Catalan towns, local congregations formed in municipalities across the region. Santa Coloma de Farners, as the capital of La Selva comarca and an important economic node in the province of Girona, naturally emerged as a centre for the Sikh community that had settled in the sub-region. The Gurdwara Dhan Dhan Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is believed to have been established in the early 2000s, as the Sikh population of the Selva region consolidated into a stable and organised community. It was formally registered as the Associació Cultural Sikh (Aprenent) Farners, a name that reflects the dual character of gurdwaras in Spain — recognised by the state as cultural associations while functioning as fully religious institutions in practice. A notable event in the gurdwara's documented community life was the celebration of the 58th anniversary of the birth of Sant Prem Singh Ji, a revered spiritual figure held in esteem by many in this congregation. Approximately 500 members of the Sikh community of La Selva gathered in Santa Coloma de Farners for a three-day celebration that included an Akhand Path — the uninterrupted continuous recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib, all 1,420 pages — as well as communal langar of wholly vegetarian dishes. Devotees attended in traditional attire, including orange turbans and headscarves, and the event took place in part at the Saioners pavilion, which was consecrated as a temporary sacred space for the occasion. Over subsequent years, the gurdwara has grown into the principal religious and cultural institution for the Sikh community of La Selva, drawing worshippers from Santa Coloma de Farners and the surrounding towns and villages of the comarca. Its evolution mirrors the broader pattern of Sikh institutional development across Catalonia, where an estimated 13,000 Sikhs now reside. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The principal sacred space of the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed on a decorated throne (takht or palki) beneath a canopy (chanani). Congregation members sit on the carpeted floor in equality, facing the scripture. Kirtan is performed and prayers are offered in this space. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen and Dining) Community Hall The langar hall is where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors without distinction. It functions as both a kitchen and a communal dining space, embodying the Sikh principle of equality and seva (selfless service). ### Shoe Storage and Entry Area Entrance Facility A dedicated area at the entrance of the gurdwara where visitors remove their footwear before entering. Head coverings are available here for visitors who require them, ensuring all can enter the sacred space in accordance with Sikh custom. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Symbol The Nishan Sahib — a triangular saffron flag bearing the Khanda, the emblem of the Sikh faith — is believed to be displayed on or near the building, serving as an identifying marker of the gurdwara's presence and the Sikh community's establishment in Santa Coloma de Farners. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Modest, clean clothing is required. All visitors must cover their heads before entering the darbar sahib; scarves or headscarves are typically provided at the entrance for those who do not bring their own. Shoes must be removed before entering sacred spaces. ### Photography Photography should be approached with respect. Permission from gurdwara management should be sought before photographing. Photography is generally not permitted during active prayers or in the darbar sahib. ### Etiquette Bow respectfully before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering the prayer hall. Sit on the floor as equals with all other worshippers — seating on chairs is generally not permitted in the darbar sahib. Do not turn your back on the scripture. Alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food are not permitted on the premises. Speak softly and conduct yourself with humility inside sacred spaces. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall is believed to accommodate several dozen to over one hundred diners at a time. During major festivals and community celebrations, capacity is expanded and additional serving arrangements are made to accommodate larger gatherings. Seating Capacity ## Architecture Gurdwara Dhan Dhan Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is housed in an adapted urban building at Carrer del Firal, 29, in the central area of Santa Coloma de Farners. In keeping with the pattern of most diaspora gurdwaras established in Western Europe, the institution is believed to occupy a converted existing structure rather than a purpose-built Sikh temple. The adaptation of pre-existing buildings to gurdwara use is a common and pragmatic feature of the Sikh diaspora experience, allowing communities to establish places of worship within the built fabric of their host cities and towns. The interior is organised according to traditional Sikh liturgical principles: a main darbar sahib (hall of the Guru's court) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed upon a decorated throne (takht or palki) beneath a canopy (chanani), and a langar hall for the preparation and service of communal meals. The Nishan Sahib — the triangular saffron-coloured flag bearing the Khanda symbol — is believed to be displayed on or near the building as an identifying emblem of the Sikh faith. The darbar sahib floor is covered with carpeting on which the congregation sits in equality. Devotees remove their footwear and cover their heads at the entrance, in accordance with Sikh practice observed in gurdwaras worldwide. The building reflects the unpretentious and community-centred ethos of Sikh worship. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The principal sacred space of the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed on a decorated throne (takht or palki) beneath a canopy (chanani). Congregation members sit on the carpeted floor in equality, facing the scripture. Kirtan is performed and prayers are offered in this space. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen and Dining) Community Hall The langar hall is where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors without distinction. It functions as both a kitchen and a communal dining space, embodying the Sikh principle of equality and seva (selfless service). ### Shoe Storage and Entry Area Entrance Facility A dedicated area at the entrance of the gurdwara where visitors remove their footwear before entering. Head coverings are available here for visitors who require them, ensuring all can enter the sacred space in accordance with Sikh custom. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Symbol The Nishan Sahib — a triangular saffron flag bearing the Khanda, the emblem of the Sikh faith — is believed to be displayed on or near the building, serving as an identifying marker of the gurdwara's presence and the Sikh community's establishment in Santa Coloma de Farners. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Vaisakhi Celebration Vaisakhi, marking the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699, is one of the most important annual celebrations at the gurdwara. The event includes special prayers, kirtan, Akhand Path, and expanded langar service for the community. #### Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas The Sikh commemoration of Bandi Chhor Divas, which coincides with Diwali, marks the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from imprisonment. The gurdwara marks the occasion with special prayers, illuminations, and community gathering. ### Religious Observance #### Gurpurabs (Guru Anniversary Commemorations) The gurdwara observes Gurpurabs throughout the year, commemorating the birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus — most notably Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash Purab in November and Guru Gobind Singh Ji's in January. These occasions draw members from across La Selva comarca for kirtan and diwan. ### Community Celebration #### Anniversary of Sant Prem Singh Ji A significant community event that has historically drawn approximately 500 Sikh faithful from across La Selva region to Santa Coloma de Farners. The multi-day celebration includes an Akhand Path (uninterrupted recitation of the full Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and communal langar with entirely vegetarian food. ### Regular Worship #### Weekly Congregational Diwan The gurdwara holds its main weekly congregational service (diwan) on Sundays, featuring kirtan, Ardas, the Hukamnama (reading from the Guru Granth Sahib), and langar. This is the central regular gathering of the local Sikh community. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Location The gurdwara is located at Carrer del Firal, 29, 17430 Santa Coloma de Farners, in the Selva comarca of Girona province, Catalonia, Spain. GPS coordinates are approximately 41.8618° N, 2.6673° E. ### Visitor Information Yes. Entry is completely free and all are welcome regardless of faith, nationality, or background. Langar (the communal vegetarian meal) is also served free of charge to all visitors. Visitors must cover their heads and remove their shoes before entering. Modest, clean clothing is appropriate. Scarves for head-covering are typically available at the entrance for those who do not have one. ### Worship Prayers and kirtan at the gurdwara are conducted primarily in Punjabi and Gurbani (the sacred scriptural language). Greetings and community communication may also take place in Catalan and Spanish. ### Religion The name is an expression of reverence meaning 'blessed and glorious is the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji.' It honours the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs, as declared by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1708. ### Community The Sikh community in La Selva comarca is believed to number several hundred people, drawn primarily from the Punjab region of India. They form part of the estimated 13,000 Sikhs across Catalonia and approximately 26,000 Sikhs throughout Spain. ### Transport By road, take the AP-7 or A-7 motorway northward and follow signs toward Santa Coloma de Farners via the C-25 and GI-551. The journey is approximately 90 kilometres. By public transport, take a train to Maçanet-Massanes and connect by local bus or taxi to Santa Coloma de Farners. ### Langar Yes. The langar is open to everyone, regardless of religion or background. The food served is entirely vegetarian in keeping with Sikh practice. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos  Gurdwara Dhan Dhan Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit