# Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham | Sikh Gurdwara > Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham at 31 Percy Street is a Sikh gurdwara offering daily prayers, langar, Punjabi classes, and community services in Nottingham, UK. # Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham is a Sikh place of worship and community centre located at 31 Percy Street, Nottingham, NG6 0GF, in the East Midlands region of England, United Kingdom. Serving the Ramgarhia Sikh community and the broader Sikh sangat (congregation) of Nottingham, the gurdwara stands as a vital spiritual, cultural, and social institution in the city's religious landscape, positioned at coordinates 52.9819302, -1.1839361 within the Basford neighbourhood of Nottingham. The gurdwara is one of seven Sikh places of worship operating in Nottingham, all of which collaborate under the umbrella of the Nottingham Sikhs platform alongside the Sikh Community & Youth Service (SCYS). This cooperative approach reflects the unity and solidarity that underpins Sikh community life in the city, with each gurdwara serving its own distinct congregation while contributing collectively to the wider Punjabi and Sikh community of the East Midlands. Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham takes its name from the Ramgarhia Misl, one of the twelve Sikh confederacies of the eighteenth century. Historically, the Ramgarhia community comprises skilled artisans and craftspeople — carpenters, blacksmiths, and masons — whose roots lie in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent. Many Ramgarhia Sikhs migrated first to East Africa in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, before a subsequent wave of migration brought them to the United Kingdom in the 1960s and 1970s. Nottingham was among the cities that welcomed this community, giving rise to the establishment of institutions such as this gurdwara to serve their spiritual needs. Like all Sikh gurdwaras, Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham centres its religious life around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal Sikh scripture and living Guru — which is installed with reverence in the main Darbar Hall. Daily prayers, including Nitnem (daily liturgy), Kirtan (devotional hymns), and Ardas (communal prayer), are faithfully observed by the resident granthis and the sangat. The gurdwara also facilitates key Sikh rites of passage, including Anand Karaj (the Sikh marriage ceremony), Naam Karan (naming ceremonies), and Antam Sanskar (funeral rites). Beyond religious observance, the gurdwara provides a wide range of community services. The langar (community kitchen) operates as a cornerstone of the institution, offering free vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of faith, background, or status — embodying the Sikh principles of Seva (selfless service) and Sangat (community). Educational programmes, including Punjabi language classes and Sikh studies for children and youth, help preserve cultural heritage across generations. The gurdwara also hosts social welfare initiatives, offering support to the elderly, new migrants, and vulnerable members of the community. Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham is also a partner institution for Nottingham College, which offers community courses from the gurdwara premises — a testament to its role as a broader educational and social hub. The gurdwara maintains an active digital presence on platforms including Instagram (@grsnottingham) and Facebook, keeping the sangat informed of religious programmes, community news, and upcoming events. It participates actively in the annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan, a vibrant street procession celebrating the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa. ## Significance Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham holds profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Ramgarhia Sikh community and the wider Sikh sangat of Nottingham. As one of seven gurdwaras in the city, it plays a distinct and irreplaceable role in preserving the identity, faith, and traditions of a community that traversed continents — from the Punjab to East Africa and ultimately to the East Midlands of England — across multiple generations. For many in the congregation, the gurdwara represents far more than a place of worship. It is a repository of collective memory, a guardian of cultural continuity, and a space for communal solidarity. The institution has historically served as a welcoming gateway for newly arrived Sikhs, helping them navigate the challenges of settlement in a new country while sustaining their connection to the Sikh faith and Punjabi heritage. The gurdwara's unwavering commitment to the principle of Langar — the provision of free communal meals to all, without distinction of religion, caste, or background — embodies the universal message of equality and selfless service that lies at the heart of Sikhism. This practice extends its reach well beyond the Sikh community, welcoming neighbours and visitors of all backgrounds to share in a meal and experience Sikh hospitality firsthand. Educationally, Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham contributes significantly to the transmission of Punjabi language and Sikh religious knowledge to younger generations born in Britain. Gurmat classes, Kirtan tuition, and youth programmes ensure the continuity of a living spiritual tradition within a multicultural urban context. The gurdwara's partnership with Nottingham College to deliver community education further amplifies its role as a pillar of social cohesion and lifelong learning in the city. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Baba Budha Ji Nottingham, United Kingdom 1.6 km away Gurdwara Baba Budha Ji is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Nottingham, United Kingdom. It is situated in the United Kingdom, which has one of the largest Sikh diaspora communities in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Baba Budha Ji 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 ### Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh Temple Nottingham, United Kingdom 1.8 km away Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh Temple is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Nottingham, United Kingdom. It is situated in the United Kingdom, which has one of the largest Sikh diaspora communities in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh Temple 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 ### Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara Nottingham, United Kingdom 2.6 km away Open daily; Darbar Sahib typically open ... Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara, situated at 60–62 Forest Road West in the Radford district of Nottingham, is one of the most prominent Sikh places of worship in the East Midlands region of the United Kingdom. Named in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus, the gurdwara serves as a spiritual, cultural, and social hub for the Sikh community in Nottingham and the wider Nottinghamshire area. The institution draws worshippers from across Nottingham and neighbouring towns, offering a range of religious services including daily Nitnem (morning and evening prayers), Akhand Path (uninterrupted reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), and Sehaj Path, as well as weekly Diwan (congregational worship) on Sundays and major Sikh festivals. At the heart of the gurdwara lies the Darbar Sahib, the main prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib Ji — the eternal living Guru of the Sikhs — is enshrined with the utmost reverence. Kirtan (devotional hymn-singing) is performed daily by resident and visiting ragis (musicians), filling the hall with the resonant sound of Gurbani. The institution places a strong emphasis on Seva (selfless service), embodied most visibly in its langar — the community kitchen that provides free vegetarian meals to all visitors regardless of faith, nationality, or background. Beyond its religious functions, Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara plays an integral role in the social and welfare fabric of the Nottingham Sikh community. It serves as a venue for religious education classes for children and young adults, enabling the transmission of Punjabi language, Gurbani recitation, and Sikh values to successive generations born in the United Kingdom. The gurdwara also provides pastoral support to community members in times of need and actively engages in interfaith dialogue, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds to learn about the Sikh faith and its traditions of equality, compassion, and service. The institution is managed by a democratically elected committee overseeing day-to-day administration, religious programmes, maintenance, and community activities. The gurdwara is believed to be registered as a charitable organisation in England and Wales, in keeping with governance standards for religious bodies in the United Kingdom. With a congregation spanning multiple generations — from elderly Sikhs who arrived during the post-war migration era to young people born and raised in Nottingham — Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara represents both the heritage of the Punjabi Sikh diaspora and its evolving identity in modern multicultural Britain. Community ### Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji Nottingham, United Kingdom 2.8 km away Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Nottingham, United Kingdom. It is situated in the United Kingdom, which has one of the largest Sikh diaspora communities in the world. As with all gurdwaras, Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji 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 Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham is woven into the broader narrative of South Asian migration to Britain in the post-war decades. The Ramgarhia Sikh community — traditionally comprising skilled artisans from the Punjab — had established a significant presence in East Africa during the colonial period, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, where they contributed substantially to the construction of railways, infrastructure, and urban centres. Following Africanisation policies in East African nations during the late 1960s, and most dramatically following the expulsion of Ugandan Asians by Idi Amin in 1972, large numbers of Ramgarhia Sikhs arrived in the United Kingdom seeking refuge and a new home. Nottingham, with its established manufacturing, textiles, and engineering industries, attracted a considerable number of these migrants during the 1960s and 1970s. As the Sikh population grew, the need for a dedicated place of worship and community gathering point became pressing. Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham is believed to have been established during this formative period — most likely in the early-to-mid 1970s — to serve the spiritual and social needs of the Ramgarhia Sikh community settling in the city. In its early years, the gurdwara is believed to have operated from adapted residential or commercial premises, as was the common practice for many British Sikh institutions of that era. Over time, with growing congregation numbers, sustained community contributions, and increasing institutional capacity, the gurdwara developed into the dedicated religious and community centre at its current address on Percy Street in Basford. The institution has served as a witness to key milestones in the life of the Nottingham Sikh community. It supported newly arrived migrants with settlement assistance and cultural grounding, provided a social anchor during periods of wider change, and adapted its programmes to meet the needs of successive generations of British-born Sikhs. The formation of the Nottingham Sikhs collaborative platform — uniting all seven gurdwaras in the city — represents a milestone in the community's institutional maturity, and Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham has been an active participant in this coalition. The gurdwara's partnership with Nottingham College to deliver community learning courses on its premises further marks its evolution as a multifaceted community resource extending well beyond its original religious founding mission. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Hall (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The Darbar Hall is the spiritual heart of Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham, housing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji beneath an ornate Palki Sahib (canopied throne). The carpeted hall accommodates the congregation for daily prayers, Kirtan programmes, and religious ceremonies. Visitors sit on the floor in the presence of the eternal Guru, and all are expected to bow upon entering. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen Community Dining and Kitchen Facility The langar hall and its associated kitchen facilities serve as the operational centre for the gurdwara's commitment to free communal dining. Volunteers prepare and serve vegetarian meals daily, with capacity to feed larger numbers during festivals and special occasions. The space also hosts community social gatherings and meetings. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Marker The Nishan Sahib — a triangular Sikh flag bearing the Khanda symbol, mounted on a tall flagpole — is a defining exterior feature of the gurdwara. It serves as a visible marker identifying the building as a Sikh place of worship and a symbol of the gurdwara's presence and service to the local community. ### Community and Education Rooms Community Facility The gurdwara includes multi-purpose rooms used for Punjabi language classes, Sikh religious education, youth programmes, and the Nottingham College community courses delivered on-site. These spaces reflect the gurdwara's function as a comprehensive community and educational hub. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Modest, respectful clothing covering arms and legs is required. All visitors must cover their head before entering the Darbar Hall — head coverings (rumalas) are available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering the gurdwara premises. ### Photography Photography inside the Darbar Hall, particularly of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, is generally not permitted without prior consent from the gurdwara management. Photography in communal and langar areas may be acceptable with permission. ### Etiquette Visitors should wash their hands before entering the langar hall. Bow respectfully before the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji upon entering the Darbar Hall. Alcohol, tobacco, and non-vegetarian food are strictly prohibited on the premises. Maintain a quiet and respectful demeanour inside the prayer hall. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall is believed to seat several dozen visitors at a time, with rotating sittings to accommodate larger congregations during festivals and special events. Seating Capacity ## Architecture Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham occupies a converted building in the residential neighbourhood of Basford, Nottingham, adapted over the decades to serve the needs of a growing religious community. Like many British Sikh gurdwaras established during the 1960s and 1970s, the premises are believed to have originally served a different civic or commercial purpose before being transformed into a dedicated Sikh place of worship through community effort and investment. The exterior is believed to feature characteristic adaptations of British Sikh institutional architecture, most notably the Nishan Sahib — the triangular Sikh flag mounted on a tall flagpole — which marks the building as a Sikh gurdwara to the wider neighbourhood. The building's façade is believed to have been modified over successive decades to reflect its religious and community function. Internally, the heart of the gurdwara is the Darbar Hall, where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is installed beneath a decorative canopy known as the Palki Sahib. The hall is carpeted and arranged to seat the congregation during prayers, Kirtan programmes, and ceremonial events. Supporting facilities include a dedicated langar hall for communal dining, kitchen facilities, and spaces for community meetings, educational classes, and social gatherings. The building is believed to have undergone phased renovations and extensions over the years as the congregation's requirements have grown. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Hall (Main Prayer Hall) Prayer Hall The Darbar Hall is the spiritual heart of Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham, housing the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji beneath an ornate Palki Sahib (canopied throne). The carpeted hall accommodates the congregation for daily prayers, Kirtan programmes, and religious ceremonies. Visitors sit on the floor in the presence of the eternal Guru, and all are expected to bow upon entering. ### Langar Hall and Kitchen Community Dining and Kitchen Facility The langar hall and its associated kitchen facilities serve as the operational centre for the gurdwara's commitment to free communal dining. Volunteers prepare and serve vegetarian meals daily, with capacity to feed larger numbers during festivals and special occasions. The space also hosts community social gatherings and meetings. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Marker The Nishan Sahib — a triangular Sikh flag bearing the Khanda symbol, mounted on a tall flagpole — is a defining exterior feature of the gurdwara. It serves as a visible marker identifying the building as a Sikh place of worship and a symbol of the gurdwara's presence and service to the local community. ### Community and Education Rooms Community Facility The gurdwara includes multi-purpose rooms used for Punjabi language classes, Sikh religious education, youth programmes, and the Nottingham College community courses delivered on-site. These spaces reflect the gurdwara's function as a comprehensive community and educational hub. ## Events & Celebrations ### Festival Procession #### Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan The annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan is a large public street procession organised collaboratively by Nottingham's seven gurdwaras, celebrating the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. The procession features kirtan (devotional music), floats, and thousands of participants from the Sikh community and the wider public. Typically held in April. ### Religious Observance #### Gurpurabs Gurpurabs are anniversaries commemorating the birth and martyrdom of the ten Sikh Gurus. Key Gurpurabs including Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Parkash Purab (birth anniversary) and Guru Gobind Singh Ji's Gurpurab are observed with Akhand Path (continuous reading of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji), kirtan programmes, and extended langar service. ### Festival Celebration #### Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas Sikhs celebrate Diwali in conjunction with Bandi Chhor Divas, commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind Ji and 52 princes from Gwalior Fort. The gurdwara holds special kirtan, prayers, and illuminations to mark this occasion, with extended langar service for the community. ### Religious Ceremony #### Anand Karaj – Sikh Marriage Ceremonies Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham facilitates Anand Karaj, the Sikh marriage ceremony, in the Darbar Hall. The ceremony involves the couple circumambulating the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji four times (Lavaan) while sacred hymns are recited, followed by Ardas and blessings from the sangat. ### Educational Programme #### Community Education Courses (Nottingham College) In partnership with Nottingham College, the gurdwara hosts community learning courses on its premises for local residents. These courses are open to the wider community and reflect the gurdwara's role as a centre for lifelong learning and social inclusion beyond its purely religious function. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Location & Access The gurdwara is located at 31 Percy Street, Nottingham, NG6 0GF, in the Basford area of Nottingham, East Midlands, United Kingdom. It can be contacted by telephone on 0115 979 1595. ### Visitor Information Yes. Like all Sikh gurdwaras, Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham welcomes visitors of all faiths and backgrounds. Everyone is invited to attend prayers, receive langar (free communal meal), and learn about Sikhism. Respectful dress and behaviour are expected. ### Langar Langar is the Sikh tradition of a free communal meal served to all visitors without distinction. At Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham, langar is served daily following religious services and in greater quantities during festivals and Gurpurabs. All food served is vegetarian. ### Visitor Etiquette Modest clothing covering arms and legs is required. All visitors must cover their head upon entering; head coverings are usually available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering the premises. ### Education & Community Yes, Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham offers Punjabi language classes and Sikh religious education for children and youth. Nottingham College also delivers community learning courses from the gurdwara premises. Contact the gurdwara for the current schedule. ### History & Heritage The Ramgarhia community are Sikhs historically from the artisan and craftspeople castes of the Punjab. The name derives from the Ramgarhia Misl, one of the twelve Sikh confederacies of the 18th century. Many Ramgarhia Sikhs migrated via East Africa to the UK in the 1960s–70s, establishing community institutions like this gurdwara. ### Volunteering Seva (selfless service) is a core Sikh value, and volunteers are warmly welcomed. You can volunteer in the langar kitchen, assist with events, or support educational programmes. Contact the gurdwara directly on 0115 979 1595 or via their Facebook page to express interest. ### Events & Festivals Yes. Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham is part of the seven-gurdwara collaborative in the city and participates in the annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan — a public street procession celebrating the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa, drawing thousands of participants across Nottingham. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Ramgarhia Sabha Nottingham Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit