# Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara - History, Timings & Visitor Guide | GurdwaraSahib.in > Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, Gravesend — Europe's largest Gurdwara. History, visitor info, timings & transport guide. ![Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/thumb.php?f=GravesendGurdwara3436.JPG&w=1200) Historical national # Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: The Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, located on Saddington Street in Gravesend, Kent, is the largest Gurdwara in Europe and one of the largest Sikh places of worship outside India. Rising majestically above the town centre, its five gleaming marble domes are visible from the River Thames, making it an architectural landmark of national significance as well as the spiritual heart of one of Britain's most established Sikh communities. The Gurdwara takes its name from Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, whose teachings of equality, selfless service, and devotion to the one God infuse every aspect of life within its walls. Inaugurated on 19 November 2010—the auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak's birthday (Gurpurab)—the current building was constructed at a cost of £18 million, funded entirely through voluntary donations from the local Sikh community. This extraordinary act of collective generosity reflects the deep roots and faith of Gravesend's Sikh diaspora, which has called the town home since the 1950s. The complex is a comprehensive facility by any measure. It can accommodate up to 1,200 worshippers at one time across its three prayer halls (Darbar Sahib), and features two langar halls where free communal meals are served daily to all visitors without distinction. Beyond the religious spaces, the Gurdwara houses a fully equipped lecture theatre seating 140 people, an ICT suite, a library, Punjabi language classrooms, and a day centre for elderly community members. Outdoor sports facilities, including a football pitch used by Guru Nanak Football Club, occupy the surrounding grounds. Gravesend is home to an estimated 15,000 Sikhs—more than 15 per cent of the total population of the Borough of Gravesham—making it one of the most significant Sikh communities in the UK outside London. The Gurdwara serves as the community's cultural, religious, educational, and social hub, welcoming worshippers and curious visitors alike seven days a week, free of charge. Guided tours are available for schools, community groups, and individual visitors wishing to learn about Sikh history and traditions. The only requirements for entry are a covered head and removal of shoes before entering the prayer halls. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gurdwara demonstrated the Sikh principle of sewa (selfless service) by providing over 60,000 free meals to NHS hospital staff, isolated residents, and people in need across the borough—an act of community solidarity that earned widespread admiration. Whether you come to participate in worship, share the langar, attend a cultural event, or simply admire one of the most architecturally striking religious buildings in the United Kingdom, Siri Guru Nanak Darbar in Gravesend offers a profound, inclusive, and deeply welcoming experience to all who visit. ## Significance The Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara carries profound religious and cultural significance at both local and national levels. As the largest Gurdwara in Europe, it represents the coming of age of the Sikh diaspora in Britain—a community that arrived with little in the 1950s and, through decades of hard work, faith, and collective effort, erected a monument of faith that rivals the great Gurdwaras of Punjab. The Gurdwara is named in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469–1539), the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Sikh Gurus. His teachings—of the equality of all human beings, the importance of nam japna (meditation on God's name), kirt karna (earning an honest living), and vand chakna (sharing one's earnings with others)—are embodied in every aspect of the Gurdwara's daily operation. The langar, served freely to all who enter regardless of faith, caste, gender, or background, is perhaps the most visible expression of these values. For Gravesend's Sikh community, the Gurdwara is far more than a place of prayer. It is the custodian of Punjabi language and culture, providing language classes for younger generations. It is a welfare provider, running a day centre for the elderly and offering community support services. It is a civic institution, having partnered with local authorities and the NHS to deliver over 60,000 meals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Gurdwara also plays a significant role in interfaith dialogue and education, regularly welcoming school groups, civic leaders, and visitors of other faiths who wish to learn about Sikhism. Its four symbolic gateways, inspired by the Golden Temple's design, deliberately face in all four cardinal directions as a statement of unconditional welcome to all of humanity. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Shri Guru Ravidass Gurdwara Gravesend, United Kingdom 729 m away Shri Guru Ravidass Gurdwara is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Gravesend, 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, Shri Guru Ravidass Gurdwara 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 ### Siri Guru Ravidass Bhawan Medway, England, United Kingdom 9.5 km away Generally open daily for morning and eve... Siri Guru Ravidass Bhawan is a Ravidassia place of worship and community centre situated in Medway, Kent, United Kingdom, serving the local Ravidassia and wider South Asian community in this part of south-east England. The bhawan is dedicated to the life, teachings, and spiritual legacy of Guru Ravidass (c. 1450–1520), the revered saint-poet of the Bhakti movement whose forty-one shabads and one salok are enshrined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal scripture of the Sikhs. The name 'Bhawan', meaning 'sacred abode' or 'house', reflects the devotional character of the institution, which functions simultaneously as a spiritual sanctuary, a community meeting place, and a hub of social welfare activity. The congregation at Siri Guru Ravidass Bhawan gathers for regular religious programmes including kirtan (devotional singing), path (recitation of sacred scripture), and katha (exposition of Gurbani). The institution upholds the core Ravidassia and Sikh values of seva (selfless service), simran (meditation on the Divine Name), and satsang (holy congregation). The langar (community kitchen) remains one of the most cherished expressions of these values, providing free vegetarian meals to all visitors without regard to caste, creed, or background, embodying the egalitarian philosophy that Guru Ravidass championed throughout his life. Medway, encompassing the historic towns of Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Strood, and Rainham, is home to a modest but deeply rooted South Asian diaspora, many of whom trace their origins to the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. The bhawan serves as a cultural anchor for this community, offering a space where Punjabi language, music, and tradition are preserved and passed down to younger generations born in the United Kingdom. Programmes for children and youth are believed to be an important part of the bhawan's outreach. Beyond its liturgical function, the bhawan engages in charitable activities aligned with Guru Ravidass Ji's teachings on social justice, human dignity, and the upliftment of marginalised communities. The saint himself challenged the oppressive caste hierarchy of medieval India, and this reformist ethos continues to animate the institution's work in a contemporary British context. Visitors of all faiths and backgrounds are warmly welcomed to attend services, share langar, and learn about the rich spiritual heritage of Guru Ravidass Ji. Community ### Gurdwara Guru Hargobind Sahib Dartford, United Kingdom 11 km away Gurdwara Guru Hargobind Sahib is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Dartford, 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 Hargobind Sahib 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 ### Siri Guru Nanak Gurudwara Gillingham, United Kingdom 14 km away Siri Guru Nanak Gurudwara is a community gurdwara that serves as a center for worship, congregation, and social services for the local Sikh community located in Gillingham, 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, Siri Guru Nanak Gurudwara 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 ## Founding Story The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara (Punjabi: ਗੁਰੂ ਨਾਨਕ ਦਰਬਾਰ ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ (Gurmukhi)) is a Sikh Gurdwara situated in the town of Gravesend, Kent. It is the largest Gurdwara in Europe and also one of the largest outside India. The complex has 3 prayer rooms and 2 langar halls. There is a building used for Punjabi lessons nearby, called Punjabi School, and as a day centre for the elderly community. There is also a sports hall hosting activities including boxing, basketball and karate. The grounds are used for outdoor sports including football and are where the Gravesend Guru Nanak Football Club plays. The architect was Teja Biring. ## Historical Timeline 1965 ### Event in 1965 by a group of Sikh students, and is named after Guru Nanak 1968 ### Event in 1968 the Gurdwara was located at Clarence Place 1969 ### Event in 1969 the first UK Kabaddi Tournament was held on Gravesend Gurdwara field 1976 ### Event in 1976 the then Gurdwara President, Mohan Singh, was attacked by the National Front and thrown through the 1980 ### Event in 1980 the National Front attempted to burn down the Gurdwara, then located at the Clarence Place site 1981 ### Event in 1981 such attacks were ongoing 2015 ### Event in 2015 visit of David and Samantha Cameron to the annual Vaisakhi celebrations amidst Tan Dhesi's 2015 Labo 2017 ### Event in 2017 election was held on 17 October 2017 2018 ### Event in 2018 with a UEFA Grassroots gold award for her leadership qualities 2019 ### Event in 2019 but was not elected 2020 ### Event in 2020 election was held on 26 January 2020, with voting taking place between 10am and 8pm 2021 ### Event in 2021 a Swastika was spray painted onto the entrance to the Gurdwara 2023 ### Event in 2023 election was held on 17 September 2023 2024 ### Event in 2024 a 17-year-old male snuck into the Gurdwara after Sukhasan and attacked two women and several securit 2025 ### Event in 2025 election was held on 7 September 2025, with voting taking place between 9am and 7pm ## Detailed History The history of Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is inseparable from the story of Sikh migration to Britain in the post-war era. The first Sikhs arrived in Gravesend during the 1950s, recruited to fill labour shortages in Kent's paper mills and on major infrastructure projects, most notably the Dartford Tunnel, which opened in 1963. These early settlers, predominantly from Punjab, clustered together in lodging houses along Pier Road, a street that became so associated with the Sikh community that locals nicknamed it 'Sikh Street.' As the community grew, the need for a dedicated place of worship became pressing. In 1956, Bhat Sikh Giani Santokh Singh Nirpakh is credited with establishing the first formal Gurdwara, based at a property on Edwin Street, Gravesend, which was purchased for just £575. In the 1960s, a schoolteacher and librarian named Joginder Singh Mattu enriched the community by bringing over a library of 500 books from India, establishing an early tradition of learning that continues today. By the late 1960s, the Edwin Street premises were no longer sufficient. On 17 November 1968, a new Gurdwara was inaugurated at Clarence Place, in a former chapel that had previously been used as a warehouse. The building was purchased for £13,000, with financial assistance secured through the efforts of the local Member of Parliament, Albert Murray. The Edwin Street property was subsequently sold for £2,500. Over the following decades, the Sikh population of Gravesend continued to expand significantly. By the late 1990s, the Clarence Place Gurdwara had itself become too small for the growing congregation. The community committee began planning a landmark new Gurdwara commensurate with the scale and ambition of what Gravesend's Sikhs had built in Britain. Land off Saddington Street was acquired, and a fundraising effort driven entirely by community donations began in earnest. The result was the current Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara, designed by architect Teja Biring and inspired by the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Stonemasons and artisans were brought from India to undertake the intricate marble and stone cladding, which took two years of dedicated work. The building was inaugurated on 19 November 2010, timed deliberately to coincide with the Gurpurab of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, at a total cost of £18 million—every penny of which came from voluntary community donations. Since opening, the Gurdwara has become a focal point for the wider Sikh community of Kent and southeast England, and a symbol of the contribution that Gravesend's Sikh community has made to British civic and cultural life. ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Principal Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The main Darbar Sahib is the largest of the three prayer halls, capable of accommodating over 1,000 worshippers at one time. It houses the Guru Granth Sahib Ji under a decorated palki (throne canopy) and features hand-crafted marble flooring, intricate stone carvings, colourful stained glass windows, and a central dome lined with glass mosaics. Kirtan and prayers are conducted here throughout the day. ### Langar Halls (Community Kitchen and Dining Halls) langar_hall The Gurdwara has two fully equipped langar halls where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served daily to all visitors. The kitchens are operated by volunteers as an act of sewa (selfless service). The langar halls embody Guru Nanak's principle of equality: all people, regardless of background, sit and eat together as equals. ### Five Marble Domes tower The five iconic white marble domes are the most recognisable feature of the Gurdwara, ranging from 6 to 18 metres in diameter. They were designed by architect Teja Biring, inspired by the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The domes are clad in marble tiles with decorative petal edges, and their interiors are lined with glass mosaics. Stonework was produced in India and installed by craftsmen brought specifically to Gravesend. ### Lecture Theatre and Education Suite museum A fully equipped lecture theatre seating 140 people, alongside an ICT suite, library, and Punjabi language classrooms, forms the educational hub of the Gurdwara complex. These spaces are used for community education, interfaith events, school visits, and the teaching of Punjabi language and Sikh heritage to younger generations. ### Four Cardinal Gateways (Entrance) entrance Following the architectural tradition of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Gurdwara complex features four gateways facing the four cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west. This design is a symbolic statement of the Sikh principle that the Gurdwara is open to all people from all directions and walks of life, without discrimination. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Head covering is required (scarves and head coverings are available at the entrance). Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer halls. Modest, respectful clothing is recommended. ### Photography Photography is permitted in most areas of the complex. Visitors are asked to be respectful, particularly in the prayer halls, and to avoid photographing the Guru Granth Sahib Ji directly without permission. ### Etiquette Wash hands before entering the Darbar Sahib. Bow before the Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the holy scripture) upon entering. Sit on the floor in the prayer hall (seating is not segregated but men and women may sit on separate sides). Do not bring alcohol, tobacco, or non-vegetarian food into the complex. Photography should be done respectfully and not during active prayer. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Accommodation ### Nearby Hotels Available in nearby area ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The two langar halls can serve hundreds of people simultaneously, with the wider complex able to accommodate over 1,200 visitors at any one time. On major festival days, thousands of meals are served. Seating Capacity ## Community Services ### Charitable Programs Free langarReligious services ## Architecture The Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is widely regarded as one of the most architecturally distinguished religious buildings in the United Kingdom. Designed by architect Teja Biring, the structure draws direct inspiration from the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, blending traditional Sikh architectural traditions with contemporary construction methods. The building's most striking external feature is its five white marble domes, which range in diameter from 6 metres to 18 metres. The dome exteriors are clad in square marble tiles with decorative marble petals along the edges, while the interiors are lined with intricate glass mosaics. The entire building—both inside and outside—is clad in granite and marble, with stonework and carvings produced in India by master craftsmen who were brought to Gravesend specifically for the project. Stonemasons worked for two years to complete the intricate detailing. Four gateways at the cardinal points of the complex reference the Golden Temple's principle of universal openness. The interior features colourful hand-crafted tiling and stained glass windows that fill the prayer halls with filtered light. The complex encompasses three Darbar Sahib (prayer halls), two langar halls, a lecture theatre, an ICT suite, a library, classrooms, and extensive outdoor grounds including sports facilities, all within a coherent and harmonious architectural whole that cost £18 million to complete. Architectural Style: Sikh Gurdwara architecture ## Sarovar (Sacred Pool) ## Structures in the Complex ### Main Darbar Sahib (Principal Prayer Hall) prayer_hall The main Darbar Sahib is the largest of the three prayer halls, capable of accommodating over 1,000 worshippers at one time. It houses the Guru Granth Sahib Ji under a decorated palki (throne canopy) and features hand-crafted marble flooring, intricate stone carvings, colourful stained glass windows, and a central dome lined with glass mosaics. Kirtan and prayers are conducted here throughout the day. ### Langar Halls (Community Kitchen and Dining Halls) langar_hall The Gurdwara has two fully equipped langar halls where free vegetarian meals are prepared and served daily to all visitors. The kitchens are operated by volunteers as an act of sewa (selfless service). The langar halls embody Guru Nanak's principle of equality: all people, regardless of background, sit and eat together as equals. ### Five Marble Domes tower The five iconic white marble domes are the most recognisable feature of the Gurdwara, ranging from 6 to 18 metres in diameter. They were designed by architect Teja Biring, inspired by the Golden Temple in Amritsar. The domes are clad in marble tiles with decorative petal edges, and their interiors are lined with glass mosaics. Stonework was produced in India and installed by craftsmen brought specifically to Gravesend. ### Lecture Theatre and Education Suite museum A fully equipped lecture theatre seating 140 people, alongside an ICT suite, library, and Punjabi language classrooms, forms the educational hub of the Gurdwara complex. These spaces are used for community education, interfaith events, school visits, and the teaching of Punjabi language and Sikh heritage to younger generations. ### Four Cardinal Gateways (Entrance) entrance Following the architectural tradition of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Gurdwara complex features four gateways facing the four cardinal directions—north, south, east, and west. This design is a symbolic statement of the Sikh principle that the Gurdwara is open to all people from all directions and walks of life, without discrimination. ## Events & Celebrations ### gurpurab #### Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurpurab The most important festival in the Gurdwara's calendar, celebrating the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. Held in November (exact date follows the Sikh lunar calendar), it is a particularly special occasion at this Gurdwara as the current building was inaugurated on 19 November 2010 to coincide with Guru Nanak's Gurpurab. Events include Akhand Path (48-hour continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), Nagar Kirtan procession through Gravesend, extended prayers, and all-day langar. #### Gurpurab of Guru Gobind Singh Ji Held in December or January, this Gurpurab celebrates the birthday of the tenth and final human Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, who founded the Khalsa and bestowed Guruship upon the Guru Granth Sahib Ji. Special Akhand Path, kirtan, and langar are organised at the Gurdwara. ### festival #### Baisakhi Celebrated in April, Baisakhi commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699 and is also the Sikh New Year. The Gurdwara holds special prayers, a Nagar Kirtan through the streets of Gravesend, and extended langar. This is one of the largest public Sikh celebrations in Kent, drawing worshippers and visitors from across the region. #### Diwali / Bandi Chhor Divas Celebrated in October or November, Diwali in the Sikh tradition marks Bandi Chhor Divas — the day Guru Hargobind Ji secured the release of 52 kings from Gwalior Fort. The Gurdwara is illuminated with lights, and special prayers and langar are held to mark the occasion. ### weekly #### Weekly Diwan (Congregation) Regular congregational prayers and kirtan (devotional music) are held every Sunday, drawing large numbers of the local Sikh community. The Sunday Diwan typically includes kirtan performed by ragis (musicians), the reading of Hukamnama (a passage from the Guru Granth Sahib Ji), an address, Ardas (communal prayer), and karah parshad (sacred food). Langar is served afterwards. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### visiting Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend is open daily from early morning to late evening, generally from around 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The Gurdwara hosts daily prayers (Nitnem) in the early morning and evening. For the most up-to-date programme of services and timings, it is best to contact the Gurdwara directly on 01474 350611 or visit gurunanakdarbar.org. No. Entry to Siri Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara is completely free for all visitors, as is the langar (community meal) served in the langar halls. This is consistent with the Sikh tradition of welcoming everyone regardless of faith, background, or means. The Gurdwara offers three prayer halls (Darbar Sahib), two langar halls serving free meals daily, a lecture theatre seating 140, an ICT suite, a library, Punjabi language classrooms, a day centre for elderly community members, outdoor sports facilities (including a football pitch), on-site car parking, and wheelchair access throughout. Guided tours are available for schools and community groups. The Gurdwara observes all major Sikh festivals including: Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Gurpurab (birthday, November) — the most important event in the Gurdwara's calendar; Baisakhi (April) — celebrating the founding of the Khalsa; Diwali/Bandi Chhor Divas (October/November); and the Gurpurabs of other Sikh Gurus throughout the year. On these occasions, special extended prayers, processions (Nagar Kirtans), and langar are arranged, drawing large crowds from across Kent and southeast England. Absolutely. The Gurdwara warmly welcomes visitors of all faiths and none. The only requirements are a covered head (head coverings are available at the entrance) and removal of shoes before entering the prayer halls. Guided tours are available for school groups, community organisations, and individual visitors. The langar is open to everyone without charge. ### history The Sikh community in Gravesend dates to the 1950s, when Punjabi workers arrived to work in Kent's paper mills and on the Dartford Tunnel construction. The first Gurdwara was established in 1956 on Edwin Street by Bhat Sikh Giani Santokh Singh Nirpakh. A second Gurdwara opened at Clarence Place in 1968. The current landmark building on Saddington Street was opened on 19 November 2010—on the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji—at a cost of £18 million, funded entirely through community donations. It is now the largest Gurdwara in Europe. The five marble domes of Siri Guru Nanak Darbar are a defining architectural feature, ranging from 6 metres to 18 metres in diameter. The design is directly inspired by the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Punjab. The domes are clad in marble tiles with decorative petal edges and lined with glass mosaics inside, representing Sikh architectural traditions transposed to British soil. The four gateways of the complex face in all cardinal directions, symbolising the Sikh principle of unconditional welcome to all people. ### transport By train: Gravesend Railway Station (575 metres / 8-minute walk from the Gurdwara) is served by Southeastern and Thameslink services from London St Pancras International (approximately 22 minutes). By road: Take the A2 eastbound from London to Gravesend (approximately 35 miles; 45–60 minutes by car). The Gurdwara is on Saddington Street, DA12 1AG. Bus routes 190 and 480 stop nearby, with the Clock Tower bus stop approximately 3 minutes' walk from the Gurdwara. 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