# Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey, BC | Sikh Temple Canada > Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey, BC — a centre for Sikh worship, meditation, and community service in the heart of Canada's largest Sikh diaspora. # Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey is a distinguished Sikh place of worship located at 14210 88 Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. It is affiliated with the global Nanaksar tradition, a devotional movement within Sikhism founded by Sant Nand Singh Ji Maharaj in the early twentieth century, which emphasizes deep reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and meditative recitation of Gurbani. The gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual anchor for the thriving Sikh community in the greater Vancouver area, one of the largest Sikh populations outside of Punjab, India. The institution operates under the stewardship of the Gurdwara Nanaksar Satsang Sabha Society and provides a full spectrum of religious, cultural, and social services. Daily Nitnem prayers, Gurbani kirtan, and Langar (the free community kitchen) are integral to the gurdwara's daily routine. It is believed to be the third Nanaksar gurdwara established in Canada, following those in Winnipeg and Toronto, underscoring the Nanaksar sampradaya's growing presence in the Canadian Sikh diaspora. Surrey, home to one of the highest concentrations of Sikhs in the world outside India, provides a vibrant and receptive community for Gurdwara Nanaksar. The gurdwara draws congregants not only from Surrey but also from neighbouring municipalities including Delta, Langley, Burnaby, and Abbotsford. It is widely regarded as a place of peace, discipline, and seva (selfless service), attributes that are central to the Nanaksar philosophy. The gurdwara actively engages in outreach programs, hosting meditation courses (satsangs), educational seminars on Sikh philosophy, and celebrating major Sikh festivals such as Gurpurabs and Baisakhi with large-scale community gatherings. It has earned exceptional community standing, with a near-perfect rating reflecting the warmth and spiritual depth of its programming and hospitality. The institution is open to visitors of all faiths and backgrounds, embodying the Sikh principle of universal brotherhood and equality. ## Significance Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for the Sikh community of British Columbia and the broader Canadian Sikh diaspora. As a centre affiliated with the Nanaksar sampradaya, it emphasises a particularly meditative and reverential approach to Sikh worship, grounded in an unwavering devotion to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the practice of Naam Simran (meditative repetition of the divine name). For many Punjabi-Canadian families, the gurdwara serves as an essential link to their cultural and religious heritage, offering a space where the values of seva, simran, and sangat — service, meditation, and community — are practised daily. It plays a crucial role in transmitting Sikh teachings, traditions, and the Punjabi language to younger generations raised in Canada. Beyond the Sikh community, Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey represents an open door of interfaith hospitality. Its Langar hall welcomes people of all backgrounds, religions, and economic circumstances to share a free meal, embodying the Sikh ideal of Sarbat da Bhala (the welfare of all). This inclusive ethos has made the gurdwara a respected institution in Surrey's multicultural civic landscape. The gurdwara also contributes to broader social cohesion in the region by fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and community solidarity. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ![Gurdwara Sahib Brookside](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Brookside%20Sahib%20Gurdwara.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Sahib Brookside Canada 997 m away Open daily for religious services; speci... Gurdwara Sahib Brookside is a prominent Sikh place of worship located at 8365 140th Street in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, situated near the verdant surroundings of Bear Creek Park in the Newton neighbourhood. Managed by the Canadian Ramgarhia Society, the gurdwara stands as one of the most significant religious and cultural institutions serving Surrey's large and growing Sikh community — a city that is home to one of the largest concentrations of Sikhs outside of the Indian subcontinent. Gurdwara Sahib Brookside occupies a pivotal role in the spiritual, cultural, and social life of this vibrant diaspora community, drawing congregants from across the Greater Vancouver region. The gurdwara is open to all people regardless of faith, caste, gender, or nationality, embodying the core Sikh principle of universal brotherhood and equality. Visitors are welcomed to participate in congregational prayers (sangat), listen to sacred hymns (kirtan), and partake in the free communal meal known as langar — a hallmark of Sikh tradition that symbolizes equality and the spirit of selfless service (sewa). Administered under the Canadian Ramgarhia Society, the gurdwara draws its identity from the Ramgarhia Sikh tradition, a community that historically traces its lineage to skilled craftsmen and artisans who played a significant role in the military and civic history of the Punjab region. In Canada, Ramgarhia Sikhs have been among the early settlers of British Columbia, contributing meaningfully to the province's economic and cultural development. Worship services are conducted daily, featuring recitation of Gurbani from the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, kirtan performances by resident and visiting raagis, and observance of important Sikh occasions including Gurpurabs, Baisakhi, and other significant milestones in the Sikh calendar. The gurdwara also commemorates important historical figures associated with the Ramgarhia tradition, most notably Maharaja Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, the legendary 18th-century Sikh military commander after whom the community takes its name. Beyond its religious function, Gurdwara Sahib Brookside serves as a community hub offering educational programming including Punjabi language classes on Sundays and kirtan instruction on Saturdays. The facility accommodates Akhand Paths (continuous readings of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji), wedding ceremonies, and naming ceremonies. The gurdwara also provides 24/7 live streaming of services, making religious participation accessible to sangat members unable to attend in person. Rated 4.8 out of 5 by its community, it remains a beacon of spirituality, service, and cultural continuity for Sikhs across the Lower Mainland. Historical ![Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Shri%20Guru%20Singh%20Sabha.jpg&w=600) ### Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha Canada 2.5 km away Generally open daily from approximately ... Sri Guru Singh Sabha (SGSS) is a prominent Sikh Gurdwara located in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, situated at the intersection of 132nd Street and 81 Avenue. It serves as a central spiritual, cultural, and community hub for the large and growing Sikh population of Surrey and the Greater Vancouver region, and is among the most significant Sikh institutions in British Columbia. The Gurdwara draws thousands of worshippers from across Metro Vancouver for regular religious services, major Gurpurabs (Sikh commemorations), and community events throughout the year. The institution is dedicated to the principles enshrined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs — and strictly adheres to the Sikh Rehat Maryada, the official Sikh Code of Conduct as established by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee. This commitment to orthodox Sikh practice has earned the Gurdwara deep respect among the Sikh diaspora across Canada. The daily congregation gathers for Amrit Vela (early morning prayers) and evening services, with Gurbani hymns recited and performed by trained Ragis (devotional musicians). The facility is purpose-built on a substantial plot of land and features two main Diwan Halls capable of accommodating large congregations during peak attendance on festivals and Gurpurabs. A spacious Langar Hall provides free community meals to all visitors regardless of faith, gender, or background — a hallmark of Sikh hospitality and egalitarianism. Dedicated classrooms support the teaching of Punjabi language and Sikh scripture to younger generations, ensuring the continuity of cultural and spiritual heritage within the diaspora. An iconic Nishan Sahib — the tall triangular saffron flag of the Sikhs — stands prominently over the complex and is believed to be visible across wide stretches of Surrey's skyline, serving as a spiritual landmark for the community. Expansive parking facilities accommodate the thousands of worshippers who attend on weekdays and, in even greater numbers, on weekends and festival days. Sri Guru Singh Sabha Surrey plays an active role in interfaith dialogue and community outreach, regularly welcoming non-Sikh visitors, school groups, and civic dignitaries. The Gurdwara is deeply committed to Sewa (selfless service), mobilizing volunteers for Langar, community drives, and humanitarian initiatives. Programming includes Kirtan Darbar (devotional music gatherings), Katha (scriptural discourse), Sehaj Path, and Akhand Paths (continuous 48-hour recitations of the entire Guru Granth Sahib) on auspicious occasions, upholding the Sikh pillars of Simran, Sewa, and Sangat as cornerstones of institutional life. Historical ![Gurudwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=Gurdwara%20Sahib%20Dasmesh%20Darbar.jpg&w=600) ### Gurudwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar Canada 2.6 km away 3:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily (programs begin ... Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar is one of the most prominent and active Sikh places of worship in North America, situated at 12885 85 Avenue in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. The gurdwara's name, 'Dasmesh Darbar,' translates to 'the Court of the Tenth One,' a reverential reference to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth and final human Sikh Guru, who in 1699 founded the Khalsa — the community of initiated Sikhs committed to justice, courage, and service. This name encapsulates the institution's profound spiritual identity and its dedication to the living legacy of the Khalsa tradition. Located in what is widely recognized as one of the highest concentrations of Sikhs outside Punjab, India, the gurdwara serves as a spiritual anchor for Surrey's large and vibrant Sikh diaspora. Surrey has earned a distinguished place in Canadian Sikh life, with dozens of gurdwaras serving a community that traces its roots to early Punjabi laborers who arrived in British Columbia beginning in the late 19th century. Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar, founded in 1998, represents the modern flowering of that generations-long spiritual heritage. The gurdwara welcomes people of all faiths and backgrounds, drawing thousands of visitors weekly — from devout Sikhs seeking spiritual sustenance to newcomers curious about Sikhism and community members drawn by its extensive social services. Daily programs begin as early as 3:30 AM with Nitnem prayers and Asa Ji Di Vaar kirtan, creating an atmosphere of profound devotion. Throughout the day, katha (scriptural discourse), kirtan (devotional music), and recitations of Gurbani fill the ornate Darbar Sahib. Beyond worship, the gurdwara is celebrated for its robust community outreach. It runs evening classes for children in Punjabi, Gurmukhi script, Sikh history, and Gurbani recitation. Its youth academies offer keertan instruction at multiple levels, and innovative coding camps integrate Sikh history with modern technology education. Health clinics, blood drives, and human rights forums cement its role as a civic cornerstone for the entire region. The gurdwara is perhaps best known internationally for organizing the Surrey Khalsa Day Vaisakhi Parade, one of the largest Vaisakhi celebrations in the world. The parade originates from the gurdwara's grounds on 85th Avenue and draws an estimated 500,000 to 600,000 attendees annually, featuring dozens of floats, Gatka martial arts demonstrations, and free langar meals served to hundreds of thousands. This annual tradition has made Dasmesh Darbar synonymous with Sikh cultural celebration on a global scale. The langar (community kitchen) operates continuously, offering free vegetarian meals to all visitors — a cornerstone practice of Sikhism that embodies the principle of seva (selfless service) and the fundamental equality of all people regardless of background, religion, or social standing. Historical ### Gurdwara Amrit Parkash Surrey, Canada 4.1 km away Gurdwara Amrit Parkash is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Canada. It is situated in Canada, home to a large and thriving Sikh community that has made significant cultural contributions to Canadian society. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Amrit Parkash 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 roots of Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey are closely tied to the spiritual mission of Sant Baba Gurdev Singh Ji, a prominent figure within the Nanaksar tradition. Sant Baba Gurdev Singh Ji arrived in Vancouver in November 1998, accompanied by several Ragis (devotional musicians-monks), with the intention of establishing a centre for Nanaksar-style Sikh worship and meditation in the Canadian Pacific Northwest. For several years following his arrival, the growing local sangat (congregation) gathered at temporary and informal venues to conduct prayers and kirtan. The search for a permanent home intensified as the congregation expanded. In the spring of 2003, a suitable property was identified in Surrey's Cloverdale area. Following Sant Baba Gurdev Singh Ji's blessings, the sangat successfully acquired a former church building at 14210 88 Avenue, which was subsequently converted and consecrated as a Gurdwara in the Nanaksar tradition. The conversion of the building into a gurdwara involved significant community effort and voluntary labour. Local families contributed financially and physically to transform the space into one befitting the dignity of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs. The gurdwara was formally inaugurated and named Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey, aligning it with the wider network of Nanaksar gurdwaras across Canada, the United Kingdom, and Punjab. Over the subsequent decades, the gurdwara grew steadily in membership, programming, and community influence. Regular satsang gatherings, meditation workshops, and Langar services expanded to accommodate the rapidly growing Sikh population of Surrey. By the 2010s, it had firmly established itself as one of the most respected Nanaksar institutions in western Canada, continuing to honour the contemplative and devotional legacy of the Nanaksar lineage. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed on an ornate Palki Sahib (throne) beneath a decorated canopy. The hall is carpeted for seated congregants and features traditional Sikh decorative elements including embroidered textiles and gold-accented furnishings. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen & Dining Hall A dedicated communal space where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors regardless of faith or background. The kitchen operates daily and is managed by volunteers performing seva. During festivals, the Langar hall expands its capacity to serve large gatherings. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Marker The tall flagpole flying the triangular saffron Khanda flag (Nishan Sahib), the universal symbol of a Sikh gurdwara. It is prominently positioned outside the building, making the gurdwara visible and identifiable from surrounding streets and serving as a spiritual beacon for the community. ### Shoe Room & Entrance Foyer Entrance Facility The designated area at the entrance where visitors remove and store their footwear before entering the sacred spaces. Head coverings (rumalas) are also distributed here for those who arrive without one, ensuring all visitors can enter in accordance with Sikh tradition. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head must be covered at all times inside the gurdwara; head coverings (rumalas) are provided at the entrance; shoes must be removed before entering; modest, respectful clothing is appropriate ### Photography Photography may be permitted in common areas; always seek permission before photographing the Darbar Sahib or devotees; never photograph the Guru Granth Sahib Ji without explicit permission ### Etiquette Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering the Darbar Sahib; sit on the floor in the prayer hall (no chairs except for those with physical limitations); avoid turning your back to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji; alcohol, tobacco, and meat are not permitted on the premises; maintain silence and reverence in the Darbar Sahib ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The Langar hall is believed to accommodate several hundred diners per sitting; capacity increases significantly during festivals and special events Seating Capacity ## Architecture The building housing Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey was originally constructed as a Christian church, and its conversion into a Sikh place of worship is believed to reflect the adaptability and resourcefulness of the diaspora sangat. The exterior and interior have been modified to reflect traditional Sikh aesthetic sensibilities. The Nishan Sahib — the tall triangular saffron flag mounted on a flagpole — is prominently displayed outside, identifying the building as a gurdwara visible from surrounding streets. The interior features a Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed on a decorated Palki Sahib (throne) beneath a canopied structure. The hall is carpeted and arranged for sitting congregants in accordance with Sikh practice. The Langar hall is a separate communal dining area equipped to serve large numbers of visitors. Decorative elements include traditional embroidery, gold-accented furnishings, and Gurbani calligraphy reflecting the devotional Nanaksar style of ornamentation. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The central sanctum of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed on an ornate Palki Sahib (throne) beneath a decorated canopy. The hall is carpeted for seated congregants and features traditional Sikh decorative elements including embroidered textiles and gold-accented furnishings. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen & Dining Hall A dedicated communal space where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served to all visitors regardless of faith or background. The kitchen operates daily and is managed by volunteers performing seva. During festivals, the Langar hall expands its capacity to serve large gatherings. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Marker The tall flagpole flying the triangular saffron Khanda flag (Nishan Sahib), the universal symbol of a Sikh gurdwara. It is prominently positioned outside the building, making the gurdwara visible and identifiable from surrounding streets and serving as a spiritual beacon for the community. ### Shoe Room & Entrance Foyer Entrance Facility The designated area at the entrance where visitors remove and store their footwear before entering the sacred spaces. Head coverings (rumalas) are also distributed here for those who arrive without one, ensuring all visitors can enter in accordance with Sikh tradition. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Festival #### Gurpurab Celebrations Grand celebrations marking the birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the ten Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab in November. Events include Akhand Path (48-hour continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib Ji), all-day Kirtan, Nagar Kirtan (street procession), and extended Langar service for thousands of visitors. #### Diwali — Bandi Chhor Divas Celebrated in October or November, Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates Guru Hargobind Ji's release from Gwalior Fort. The gurdwara is illuminated with lights, special Kirtan is performed, and Langar is served to the community in a joyful atmosphere. ### Cultural & Religious Festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated each April, Baisakhi marks both the Punjabi harvest season and the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The gurdwara hosts large congregational prayers, community kirtan, and festive Langar. Amrit Sanchar (Khalsa initiation) ceremonies may also be held. ### Spiritual Gathering #### Weekly Satsang & Meditation Program Regular weekly satsang gatherings in the Nanaksar tradition featuring extended Naam Simran (meditative chanting), Gurbani kirtan, and discourses on Sikh philosophy. These programs are central to the gurdwara's mission and attract congregants seeking a contemplative spiritual environment. ### Religious Ceremony #### Akhand Path Continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, spanning approximately 48 hours. Akhand Paths are performed on special occasions including Gurpurabs, community milestones, and at the request of families for events such as marriages and anniversaries. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### General Information Yes, Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities. The gurdwara's Langar (free community kitchen) is open to everyone without exception, reflecting the Sikh principle of universal equality and brotherhood. ### Visitor Etiquette All visitors must cover their head before entering the gurdwara. Head coverings (rumalas) are provided free at the entrance if you do not bring your own. Shoes must be removed and stored at the entrance. Modest, respectful clothing is appropriate; avoid shorts or sleeveless tops. ### Religion & Tradition The Nanaksar tradition is a devotional movement within Sikhism founded by Sant Nand Singh Ji Maharaj in the early twentieth century in Punjab. It emphasises deep meditative reverence for the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, strict observance of Rehat Maryada (Sikh code of conduct), and the practice of Naam Simran. Gurdwaras in this tradition are known for their discipline, devotion, and serene atmosphere. ### Langar Yes, Langar is served daily at Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey following the morning and evening prayer services. On special occasions such as Gurpurabs and Baisakhi, Langar is served throughout the day and can feed thousands of visitors. All are welcome to partake free of charge. ### Location & Transport The gurdwara is located at 14210 88 Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia, V3W 3L7, Canada. It is situated in the Cloverdale area of Surrey and can be reached by road via Highway 10 and King George Boulevard, or by TransLink bus services. ### Volunteering Absolutely. Seva (selfless service) is a cornerstone of Sikh practice and is actively encouraged at Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey. Volunteers are welcome to assist in the Langar kitchen, serve food, help with cleaning, and support community events. People of all backgrounds are welcome to serve. ### Events & Festivals The gurdwara celebrates all major Sikh festivals including Baisakhi (harvest festival and anniversary of the Khalsa), Gurpurabs (birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus), Diwali (Festival of Lights, marking Guru Hargobind Ji's release from imprisonment), and Hola Mohalla. These events feature extended Kirtan, Langar, and community gatherings. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Gurdwara Nanaksar Surrey Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit