# Sikh Centre of Seattle - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Sikh Centre of Seattle in Bothell, WA — open daily 5AM–9PM. Free langar, Kirtan & community seva since 2008. Complete visitor guide. # Sikh Centre of Seattle Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: The Sikh Centre of Seattle, officially known as Gurudwara Sikh Centre of Seattle (G.S.C.S.), is one of the principal Sikh places of worship and community hubs in the state of Washington. Situated at 20412 Bothell Everett Highway in Bothell, Washington — a suburb approximately 18 miles north of downtown Seattle — this gurdwara serves as a vital spiritual, cultural, and humanitarian anchor for the Pacific Northwest Sikh diaspora and the wider community alike. Incorporated as a Washington Nonprofit Corporation in 2008 and receiving its federal 501(c)(3) status in 2009, the Sikh Centre of Seattle embodies the foundational Sikh principles of unity, equality, and universal brotherhood. Its guiding mission is to share the teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib — centered on the oneness of God and the welfare of all humanity — through education and selfless service (seva). The gurdwara's doors are open to people of every faith, nationality, and background, making it a truly inclusive sacred space. Beyond its role as a house of worship, the Sikh Centre of Seattle is deeply engaged in humanitarian outreach. The centre operates a year-round free community kitchen (langar), runs medical camps for underserved populations, and mobilizes resources for victims of natural disasters. It maintains active partnerships with respected organizations including Volunteers of America Food Bank, the Susan G. Komen cancer foundation, and Puget Sound Blood Center — reflecting a commitment to community well-being that extends far beyond its own congregation. Weekly and daily services at the gurdwara include Kirtan Sewa (congregational devotional singing of Gurbani hymns), Akhand Path (the continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the entire Guru Granth Sahib), wedding ceremonies conducted under Anand Karaj rites, and regular langar sessions. The gurdwara is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, welcoming worshippers and visitors at virtually any hour. The Sikh Centre of Seattle is widely regarded as a welcoming gateway for newcomers seeking to understand Sikhism, offering explanations of Sikh philosophy, history, and practice alongside its devotional and community programs. For the Sikh community spread across Bothell, Everett, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond, and greater King and Snohomish counties, it stands as an indispensable spiritual home. ## Significance The Sikh Centre of Seattle holds profound religious and cultural significance for Sikhs across the Pacific Northwest. As a gurdwara — meaning 'the Guru's door' — it enshrines the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal living scripture of Sikhism, at the heart of its spiritual life. The Guru Granth Sahib is revered not merely as a text but as the living embodiment of the Sikh Gurus' divine wisdom, and its presence consecrates the gurdwara as a sacred space. The centre carries on the teachings of all ten Sikh Gurus, from Guru Nanak Dev Ji's message of universal brotherhood and equality to Guru Gobind Singh Ji's establishment of the Khalsa in 1699. Observances of major Gurpurabs — the birth and martyrdom anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus — are central to the religious calendar, drawing large gatherings of devotees for prayer, kirtan, and langar. Culturally, the gurdwara serves as a critical institution for preserving Punjabi language, Sikh heritage, and cultural identity among second- and third-generation Sikhs growing up in the American Northwest. It provides a space where young Sikhs can connect with their traditions, learn Gurbani, and participate in community life. The centre's extensive humanitarian work — free meals, medical camps, disaster relief — embodies the Sikh principle of Seva (selfless service), demonstrating to the broader Pacific Northwest community the living values of the faith. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Bothell Gururdwara Bothell, WA, Canada 16 m away Bothell Gururdwara is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Bothell, WA, 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, Bothell Gururdwara 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 Sikh Temple of Marysville Marysville, Canada 27 km away Guru Nanak Sikh Temple of Marysville is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Marysville, 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, Guru Nanak Sikh Temple of Marysville 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 Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji Kent, WA, Canada 48 km away Gurdwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Kent, WA, 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 Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib 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 formal history of the Sikh Centre of Seattle traces to the early twenty-first century, when the growing Sikh population in the greater Seattle metropolitan area created a pressing need for an additional dedicated place of worship in the northern suburbs. The organization was incorporated as a Washington State Nonprofit Corporation on May 23, 2008, with Gurmail Gill serving as the founding registered agent, alongside early governors including Karaljit Singh, Jaswinder Singh, and Karamjit Kahlon. The Internal Revenue Service granted the centre its 501(c)(3) charitable status in 2009, formalizing its standing as a religious and humanitarian nonprofit. The gurdwara was established to serve the expanding Sikh communities in Bothell, Snohomish County, and the northern reaches of King County — areas that had seen significant South Asian immigrant settlement in the technology and professional sectors from the 1990s onward. Prior to its establishment, many Sikh families in this region relied on the Gurdwara Singh Sabha of Washington in Renton, which had served the broader Seattle area since 1993 and expanded in 1997. The founding of the Sikh Centre of Seattle represented the community's growth and its desire for a conveniently accessible spiritual center on the north side of the metro area. Sikhism itself arrived in the Pacific Northwest in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, carried by Punjabi immigrants — many of them laborers and farmers — who settled along the western coast of North America. The faith, founded by Guru Nanak Sahib in 1469 CE in Punjab, grew steadily in Washington State through the twentieth century, particularly from the 1960s onward with post-Immigration Act migration waves that brought educated professionals and their families from India and elsewhere in the South Asian diaspora. Since its founding, the Sikh Centre of Seattle has grown in both congregation size and humanitarian impact, broadening its community partnerships and extending its reach well beyond the Sikh community to serve all residents of the region in need. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central sacred space of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is reverently installed under a ceremonial canopy (Palki Sahib). Congregants sit on the carpeted floor as a sign of equality before the Guru. Kirtan, Akhand Path, and all major congregational services take place here. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen and Dining Area) langar_hall A dedicated kitchen and dining facility where free vegetarian meals (langar) are prepared and served daily to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background. The langar hall embodies the Sikh principle of equality, with all diners sitting together on the floor. ### Entrance and Shoe Room entrance The gurdwara entrance where visitors remove their shoes and cover their heads before proceeding into the sacred interior. Shoe racks and hand-washing facilities are provided, as is customary in all gurdwaras. ### Nishan Sahib (Sikh Flag Pole) tower The tall flagpole bearing the triangular Nishan Sahib — the Sikh flag featuring the Khanda symbol — which identifies the building as a gurdwara and is visible from the surrounding road, serving as a landmark for the community. ### Community and Administration Area museum Administrative and multi-purpose spaces supporting the gurdwara's educational programs, community outreach coordination, volunteer management, and organizational activities, including coordination of medical camps and partnerships with external charities. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering required (scarves/patkas available at the entrance); remove shoes before entering the prayer hall; modest, respectful clothing recommended ### Photography Photography policies should be confirmed directly with the gurdwara management; respectful, non-disruptive photography may be permitted in common areas ### Etiquette Cover your head before entering; remove shoes at the entrance; bow before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering the Darbar Sahib; sit on the floor in the prayer hall as a sign of equality; refrain from smoking, alcohol, or consuming non-vegetarian food on the premises; all are welcome regardless of faith or background ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) Exact seating capacity not publicly documented; the langar hall is designed to serve the congregation and walk-in visitors Seating Capacity ## Architecture The Sikh Centre of Seattle is housed in a purpose-adapted building at 20412 Bothell Everett Highway, designed to accommodate the spiritual and community needs of a growing congregation. While specific architectural details about the building's exterior design have not been widely documented in public sources, the facility follows the functional layout characteristic of North American gurdwaras: a central Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) where the Guru Granth Sahib is reverently installed and where congregational worship, kirtan, and path take place; dedicated langar facilities (community kitchen and dining hall) capable of serving the free communal meals that are central to Sikh practice; and spaces for community gatherings and educational programs. The building is designed to be accessible and welcoming to all visitors, with separate areas for shoe storage and hand-washing at the entrance, as is traditional in all gurdwaras. The interior of the Darbar Sahib is believed to feature the ceremonial canopy (Palki Sahib) over the Guru Granth Sahib, as well as the Nishan Sahib (the Sikh flag) prominently displayed. The facility includes adequate parking to serve its congregation and community programs. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib (Main Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The central sacred space of the gurdwara where the Guru Granth Sahib is reverently installed under a ceremonial canopy (Palki Sahib). Congregants sit on the carpeted floor as a sign of equality before the Guru. Kirtan, Akhand Path, and all major congregational services take place here. ### Langar Hall (Community Kitchen and Dining Area) langar_hall A dedicated kitchen and dining facility where free vegetarian meals (langar) are prepared and served daily to all visitors regardless of faith, caste, or background. The langar hall embodies the Sikh principle of equality, with all diners sitting together on the floor. ### Entrance and Shoe Room entrance The gurdwara entrance where visitors remove their shoes and cover their heads before proceeding into the sacred interior. Shoe racks and hand-washing facilities are provided, as is customary in all gurdwaras. ### Nishan Sahib (Sikh Flag Pole) tower The tall flagpole bearing the triangular Nishan Sahib — the Sikh flag featuring the Khanda symbol — which identifies the building as a gurdwara and is visible from the surrounding road, serving as a landmark for the community. ### Community and Administration Area museum Administrative and multi-purpose spaces supporting the gurdwara's educational programs, community outreach coordination, volunteer management, and organizational activities, including coordination of medical camps and partnerships with external charities. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Jayanti (Gurpurab) The birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, is the most celebrated Gurpurab in the Sikh calendar, typically observed in November. The Sikh Centre of Seattle marks the occasion with extended Akhand Path, Kirtan Darbar, Nagar Kirtan procession, and special langar for the community. ### festival #### Baisakhi / Vaisakhi Celebration Baisakhi (also spelled Vaisakhi), celebrated around April 13–14, commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699 and marks the Punjabi New Year. The gurdwara hosts special prayers, kirtan, and a large community langar. A Vaisakhi celebration event was confirmed at the gurdwara on April 13, 2025. #### Humanitarian Outreach Programs The gurdwara regularly organizes medical camps, food drives in partnership with Volunteers of America Food Bank, blood donation drives with Puget Sound Blood Center, and disaster relief coordination. These events reflect the Sikh principle of Seva (selfless service) and are open to the entire community. ### weekly #### Akhand Path Akhand Path is the continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the entire Sri Guru Granth Sahib from beginning to end, typically completed over approximately 48 hours. These are regularly organized at the Sikh Centre of Seattle for significant occasions, personal milestones, and community observances. #### Weekly Diwan (Congregational Service) Regular weekly congregational services (Diwan) featuring Kirtan (devotional hymn singing), Ardas (community prayer), Hukamnama (reading of the day's divine order from Guru Granth Sahib), Katha (spiritual discourse), and Langar. Services are held daily with larger gatherings on Sundays. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting The Sikh Centre of Seattle is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, seven days a week. Visitors are welcome at any time during these hours for prayer, langar, or to learn about Sikhism. No, entry is completely free of charge. All gurdwaras follow the Sikh tradition of welcoming everyone without any fee. The langar (communal meal) is also offered free to all visitors regardless of faith or background. The Sikh Centre of Seattle is located at 20412 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell, Washington 98012. It is situated along the main Bothell Everett Highway in Snohomish County, easily accessible from Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, and Everett. The gurdwara offers Kirtan Sewa (devotional singing of Gurbani), Akhand Path (continuous scripture recitation), Langar Sewa (free vegetarian community meals), and Anand Karaj wedding ceremonies. Community outreach includes a year-round free kitchen, medical camps, disaster relief, and partnerships with Volunteers of America Food Bank, the Susan G. Komen cancer foundation, and Puget Sound Blood Center. All visitors must cover their head before entering the gurdwara — head coverings such as scarves or patkas may be available at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall. Modest and respectful clothing is recommended. Alcohol, smoking, and non-vegetarian food are not permitted on the premises. Absolutely. The Sikh Centre of Seattle warmly welcomes people of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds. The gurdwara actively promotes universal brotherhood and equality, and visitors are encouraged to attend services, partake in langar, and learn about Sikhism. The centre provides explanations of Sikh philosophy and practice for newcomers. ### history The Sikh Centre of Seattle was incorporated as a Washington State Nonprofit Corporation on May 23, 2008, receiving its federal 501(c)(3) charitable status in 2009. It was founded to serve the growing Sikh community in Bothell and the northern Seattle metro area, with Gurmail Gill as the founding registered agent and governors including Karaljit Singh, Jaswinder Singh, and Karamjit Kahlon. ### transport From downtown Seattle, take I-5 North and then merge onto SR-522 East (Bothell Everett Highway). Follow SR-522 into Bothell; the gurdwara is located along Bothell Everett Highway approximately 18–20 miles from downtown Seattle. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are also readily available throughout the area. Suggest an Edit Upload Photos ![Marker](https://unpkg.com/leaflet@1.9.4/dist/images/marker-icon.png) Sikh Centre of Seattle Leaflet Get Directions → ### Contribute Help improve this page. Suggest edits, add photos, or share information about this Gurdwara. Suggest an Edit