# Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple, Hong Kong's only Gurdwara in Wan Chai, founded 1901. Free entry, daily langar & prayers. Reopened 2022 after HK$230M renovation. ![Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=HK%20SikhTemple%201938%20Bldg.jpg&w=1200) Historical regional # Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: The Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple, known in Cantonese as 香港錫克教廟 (romanized: hoeng1 gong2 sek6 haak1 gaau3 miu2), stands as one of Hong Kong's most distinctive and historically significant places of worship. Situated at the junction of Queen's Road East and Stubbs Road in the Wan Chai District of Hong Kong Island, this landmark gurdwara is the only Sikh temple in Hong Kong and has served as the spiritual and cultural heart of the territory's Sikh community for over 120 years. Originally known as Sri Guru Singh Sabha, the temple was later renamed Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple to reflect its affiliation with the global Khalsa Diwan Society, a unifying body founded in Punjab in 1902 to connect Sikh communities worldwide. Following a landmark HK$230 million (approximately US$29 million) renovation project spanning five years, the temple was ceremonially reopened on 8 November 2022 by Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. The newly rebuilt four-storey structure spans 76,000 square feet and represents a dramatic transformation of its century-old site, combining contemporary design with deeply traditional Sikh architectural sensibilities. The gleaming white facade adorned with ornate domes, saffron Nishan Sahib flags, and a serene covered bridge connecting the complex to Queen's Road East make it a striking landmark in the busy urban landscape of Wan Chai. The temple is the spiritual anchor for Hong Kong's Sikh community of approximately 15,000 people, welcoming devotees for daily prayers every morning and evening, as well as additional services on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. It is open to all people, regardless of faith, background, or nationality. Visitors can observe or participate in recitations from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji—the eternal living scripture and Guru of the Sikhs—in the main Darbar Sahib (prayer hall), and partake in the communal langar, a free vegetarian meal served daily in keeping with Sikh traditions of equality and selfless service. Beyond worship, the Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple functions as a vibrant multi-purpose community complex. The renovated building houses a public library, classrooms offering Punjabi and Sikh literary education, conference rooms, a volunteer-run medical centre offering free healthcare, a large langar hall capable of feeding around 3,000 people per sitting, and covered car parking. The Sikh principle of sewa (selfless service) animates every aspect of the temple's operations—it employs only around 10 paid staff, relying on hundreds of volunteers for kitchen duties, cleaning, and maintenance. Graded as a Grade II listed historic building by the Hong Kong Antiquities Advisory Board, the Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple is a cherished institution that embodies over 150 years of Sikh presence in Hong Kong, serving as a bridge between communities and a living testament to Sikh values of devotion, generosity, and universal brotherhood. ## Significance The Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple holds profound religious, cultural, and historical significance in Hong Kong and across the global Sikh diaspora. As the only Sikh gurdwara in Hong Kong, it functions as the undisputed spiritual center for the city's approximately 15,000 Sikhs, as well as a welcoming sanctuary for devotees from around the world who pass through this major international hub. At its heart, the temple embodies the core tenets of Sikhism as established by the ten Sikh Gurus: equality, selfless service (sewa), devotion, and community. The eternal presence of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji—the living scripture and the eternal Guru—in the Darbar Sahib sanctifies the space and makes it a site of continuous spiritual connection for all who enter. The Nitnem (daily prayers) are performed every morning and evening, maintaining an unbroken tradition of devotion that has continued, with brief wartime interruptions, since 1901. The gurdwara's historical role as a waystation for Sikh migrants traveling through Asia in the early 20th century—including participants in the tragic Komagata Maru expedition of 1914—gives it a unique place in the history of the Sikh diaspora. The survival of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji during the wartime bombings is regarded by many devotees as a profound spiritual symbol. Culturally, the temple acts as custodian of Punjabi language and Sikh heritage in Hong Kong, offering classes in Punjabi literature and maintaining an extensive public library. Its langar—serving approximately 5,000 free vegetarian meals weekly—is a living expression of the Sikh principle that all human beings are equal and deserving of nourishment, regardless of background or faith. ## Detailed History The story of the Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple begins with the arrival of Sikhs in Hong Kong in the 1840s, when the British colonial administration recruited Sikh soldiers and police officers from Punjab, India, to serve in Hong Kong's law enforcement and correctional services. By 1860, a significant Sikh population had established permanent roots in the territory, serving as police officers and prison workers, and the need for a formal place of worship became apparent. In 1901, on land allotted by the British Government, the Sikh community—primarily soldiers from the British Army's Burma Infantry regiment and local Sikhs—constructed Hong Kong's first Gurdwara. The original structure was modest but served as a vital religious, social, and practical anchor for the community under the name Sri Guru Singh Sabha. The gurdwara quickly became a key node in the wider Sikh diaspora network: in 1914, many Sikhs headed to Canada as part of the ill-fated Komagata Maru expedition stayed at the gurdwara and offered prayers before boarding the ship. This episode, which ended tragically when Canadian authorities refused most passengers entry and the returnees faced violence upon arriving in India, became one of the defining events in Sikh migration history. As the local Sikh population grew through the 1920s and 1930s, the original building was expanded and largely rebuilt to accommodate the growing congregation. The Second World War brought devastating damage: the temple was bombed twice during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in the early 1940s. In one of the most poignant episodes of the temple's history, the granthi (head priest) Bhai Nand Singh was killed while performing a recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the main prayer hall. Miraculously, the sacred scripture itself was reported to have been unharmed—an event regarded by many devotees as a powerful spiritual sign. After the war, the damaged gurdwara was rebuilt by the local Sikh community, with significant assistance from Sindhi Hindu immigrants who had arrived in large numbers following the Partition of India in 1947. In the 1980s, the temple underwent further expansion and was connected to Queen's Road East via a covered pedestrian bridge to improve accessibility for devotees. An additional expansion phase commenced around 1999. However, structural damage caused by adjacent construction work in 2013 necessitated a comprehensive reconstruction. Starting in 2017, the community embarked on an ambitious redevelopment funded entirely through donations—anchored by a HK$50 million contribution from Harry Banga of the Caravel Group shipping company. The HK$230 million project was completed and the newly rebuilt temple was ceremonially reopened on 8 November 2022 by Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, ushering in a new era for Hong Kong's oldest and only Sikh gurdwara. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central and most sacred space of the gurdwara, featuring sky-blue walls and housing the Takht (Guru's Throne) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed. Daily prayers and kirtan are performed here; all visitors are welcome to enter after covering their heads and removing their shoes. ### Guru Amar Das Langar Hall langar_hall A large, modern dining hall named in honour of the third Sikh Guru, who institutionalized the langar tradition. Equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen capable of serving approximately 3,000 people per sitting, this hall is the site of the temple's free daily vegetarian meals open to all. ### Public Library museum An upgraded public library open to all visitors, housing collections on Sikh scripture, Punjabi literature, and community history. The library supports the temple's educational mission and is open to both members and the general public. ### Covered Pedestrian Bridge (Queen's Road East Entrance) entrance A covered pedestrian bridge first constructed in the 1980s and upgraded during the 2017–2022 renovation, providing direct and accessible entry to the gurdwara complex from Queen's Road East. It is one of the most recognizable architectural features visible from street level in Wan Chai. ### Volunteer Medical Centre prayer_hall A dedicated medical facility staffed by volunteer Sikh healthcare professionals, offering free basic medical consultations and services to community members and visitors. This centre embodies the Sikh principle of sewa (selfless service) applied to community healthcare. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required (scarves available at the temple if not brought); shoes must be removed before entering prayer areas; modest clothing recommended. ### Photography Respectful photography is generally permitted in public areas; avoid photographing worshippers during prayer without consent; photography inside the Darbar Sahib may be restricted. ### Etiquette Wash hands and feet before entering prayer halls; alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, and meat are strictly prohibited on the premises; maintain a respectful and quiet demeanour in the Darbar Sahib; bow before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall can seat and serve approximately 3,000 people per sitting; the temple provides around 5,000 free vegetarian meals per week. Seating Capacity ## Architecture The Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple is a striking four-storey complex spanning 76,000 square feet, prominently positioned at the junction of Queen's Road East and Stubbs Road in Wan Chai. Following its 2017–2022 reconstruction, the building presents a gleaming white exterior adorned with ornate domes characteristic of Sikh sacred architecture, and is crowned by saffron-coloured Nishan Sahib (Sikh flag) pennants visible from surrounding streets. The main Darbar Sahib (prayer hall) is the centrepiece of the complex, featuring sky-blue walls and housing the Takht (Guru's Throne) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed. The Guru Amar Das Langar Hall is equipped to serve approximately 3,000 people per sitting. The complex incorporates modern structural elements—including grooved profile square tube construction components—integrated harmoniously with its traditional Sikh character. Additional facilities include a public library, multiple classrooms, conference rooms, a volunteer-run medical centre, and covered car parking. A covered pedestrian bridge, originally built in the 1980s and upgraded during the reconstruction, provides direct access from Queen's Road East. The building holds Grade II historic building status in Hong Kong. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central and most sacred space of the gurdwara, featuring sky-blue walls and housing the Takht (Guru's Throne) where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji is ceremonially installed. Daily prayers and kirtan are performed here; all visitors are welcome to enter after covering their heads and removing their shoes. ### Guru Amar Das Langar Hall langar_hall A large, modern dining hall named in honour of the third Sikh Guru, who institutionalized the langar tradition. Equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen capable of serving approximately 3,000 people per sitting, this hall is the site of the temple's free daily vegetarian meals open to all. ### Public Library museum An upgraded public library open to all visitors, housing collections on Sikh scripture, Punjabi literature, and community history. The library supports the temple's educational mission and is open to both members and the general public. ### Covered Pedestrian Bridge (Queen's Road East Entrance) entrance A covered pedestrian bridge first constructed in the 1980s and upgraded during the 2017–2022 renovation, providing direct and accessible entry to the gurdwara complex from Queen's Road East. It is one of the most recognizable architectural features visible from street level in Wan Chai. ### Volunteer Medical Centre prayer_hall A dedicated medical facility staffed by volunteer Sikh healthcare professionals, offering free basic medical consultations and services to community members and visitors. This centre embodies the Sikh principle of sewa (selfless service) applied to community healthcare. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) The birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is the most significant celebration of the Sikh calendar. At Khalsa Diwan, the day is marked with an Akhand Path (48-hour continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), kirtan (devotional music), Nagar Kirtan (procession through local streets), and extended langar serving thousands of visitors and community members. ### festival #### Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) Celebrated in April, Vaisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The temple holds special prayers, kirtan programmes, and a community langar. It is also a major thanksgiving festival and draws large numbers of devotees and well-wishers. #### Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhs celebrate Diwali as Bandi Chhor Divas, marking the release of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji and 52 princes from imprisonment. The gurdwara is illuminated with lights, special evening prayers and kirtan are held, and langar is served to all who gather. ### historical #### Akhand Path (Sahaj Path) An uninterrupted cover-to-cover recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, typically lasting 48 hours, is performed on key anniversaries, Gurpurabs, and community occasions. The entire congregation is invited to attend and listen to the sacred recitation, which is undertaken by a relay of granthis (scripture readers). ### weekly #### Weekly Saturday Diwan Every Saturday the temple holds a larger congregational prayer session (Diwan) with extended kirtan, katha (scriptural discourse), and communal langar. This is one of the most well-attended weekly gatherings, drawing families and the wider community. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple is open daily. Prayer services (Diwan) are held every morning and evening, with additional afternoon sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The langar (free community kitchen) serves meals following the prayer sessions. Visitors are welcome at any time during opening hours; it is advisable to visit during prayer hours to experience the spiritual atmosphere. No. Entry to Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple is completely free, as is the tradition in all Sikh Gurdwaras worldwide. The langar (community kitchen) also provides free vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of religion, caste, or background. All visitors must cover their head before entering the prayer hall — headscarves are available at the temple entrance if you do not have one. Shoes must be removed before entering. Modest clothing is recommended. Alcohol, cigarettes, tobacco, and meat are strictly prohibited on the temple premises. Langar is a free community kitchen that is a central tradition in all Sikh gurdwaras. At Khalsa Diwan, the Guru Amar Das Langar hall can serve approximately 3,000 people per sitting and provides around 5,000 free vegetarian meals per week. It is open to everyone regardless of religion or background, embodying the Sikh values of equality and selfless service (sewa). ### history The Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple was established in 1901 by Sikh soldiers from the British Army and local Sikhs on land granted by the British Government. Originally known as Sri Guru Singh Sabha, it is Hong Kong's oldest and only Sikh gurdwara. It was bombed during World War II, rebuilt post-war, expanded in the 1980s, and most recently underwent a comprehensive HK$230 million reconstruction from 2017 to 2022. During the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in the early 1940s, the temple was bombed twice and suffered extensive damage. The temple's granthi (head priest), Bhai Nand Singh, was tragically killed while performing a recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji in the main prayer hall. The sacred scripture was reported to have survived the bombings undamaged. The temple was subsequently rebuilt by the community with assistance from Sindhi Hindu immigrants. The temple underwent a comprehensive reconstruction from 2017 to 2022 at a total cost of HK$230 million (approximately US$29 million), funded entirely through community donations. The largest single contribution was HK$50 million from Harry Banga of the Caravel Group. The newly rebuilt four-storey, 76,000-square-foot complex was reopened on 8 November 2022 by Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. ### transport The temple is located at 371 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island. The nearest MTR station is Wan Chai Station (Island Line), approximately 10–15 minutes on foot. Multiple bus routes (Nos. 6, 6A, 6X, 66) run along Queen's Road East. A covered pedestrian bridge from Queen's Road East provides direct access to the temple. From Hong Kong International Airport, take the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station and transfer to the MTR Island Line to Wan Chai. 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