# Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara Nottingham > Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara in Lenton, Nottingham — a historic Sikh place of worship offering daily prayers, kirtan, and free langar to all. # Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara Get Directions Share: Entry: Dress Code: Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship located at 36 Church Street in the Lenton neighbourhood of Nottingham, United Kingdom. Named in honour of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675), the ninth of the ten human Sikh Gurus, this gurdwara serves as a spiritual, cultural, and community centre for a significant portion of Nottingham's Sikh diaspora. Its location in the inner-city area of Lenton places it within easy reach of the University of Nottingham and the Queen's Medical Centre, making it accessible to residents and visitors across the west of the city. The word 'gurdwara' is derived from Punjabi, meaning 'door of the Guru' or 'home of the Guru' (ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ, gurdu'ārā), and these institutions are defined not only as places of collective worship but as living centres of Sikh values: equality, selfless service (seva), and the welfare of all (Sarbat da Bhala). The Guru Granth Sahib — the eternal, living scripture of Sikhism — is enshrined at the heart of the gurdwara's main prayer hall (Darbar Sahib), which forms its spiritual nucleus. Registered as a charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under registration number 508328, the gurdwara was formerly known as Gurdwara Sikh Temple Singh Sabha before adopting its present name. It is also recognised by HMRC for gift aid, formalising its role as both a religious institution and a charitable body committed to community welfare. This dual identity — as a house of worship and a force for social good — is central to the gurdwara's purpose. Daily life at the gurdwara is structured around the three pillars of Sikh practice: Naam (meditation on God's name), Kirat Karni (honest living), and Vand Chakna (sharing with others). Services include morning and evening prayers, recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib, and kirtan (devotional music and hymns). The langar — a free communal meal prepared and served by volunteers — is available to all who visit, regardless of religion, caste, nationality, or background, embodying the egalitarian spirit at the heart of Sikhism. Nottingham's Sikh population numbered approximately 4,110 at the 2021 census, and Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara is one of seven gurdwaras now serving the city's Sikh community. The gurdwara occupies a significant role in this ecosystem of faith, providing a spiritual home for worshippers in the Lenton, Dunkirk, and surrounding areas of west Nottingham. It also participates in interfaith dialogue, community events, and charitable initiatives, standing as a welcoming landmark in one of the East Midlands' most diverse cities. ## Significance Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara carries profound spiritual and cultural significance for the Sikh community of Nottingham and the wider East Midlands. As a gurdwara bearing the name of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji — revered across Sikhism as 'Hind di Chadar' (the Shield of India) for his supreme sacrifice in defence of religious freedom — the institution embodies the Sikh ideals of courage, justice, and compassion at the deepest level. Spiritually, the gurdwara serves as the centre of the Sangat (congregation), where the divine presence is experienced through the Guru Granth Sahib and through collective recitation of Gurbani. The daily prayers, kirtan, and the observance of Gurpurabs (anniversaries of the Sikh Gurus) connect worshippers to the living tradition of Sikh spirituality. The annual Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, observed on 24 November, holds particular resonance at this gurdwara, bringing the community together in remembrance and reflection on the Guru's supreme sacrifice. Culturally, the gurdwara functions as a bridge between generations of British Sikhs, providing younger members of the community a space to engage with Punjabi language and culture, Sikh history, and the values of the Gurus. It is believed to play an active role in interfaith dialogue, civic engagement, and community outreach, reflecting the Sikh teaching that service to humanity is the highest form of devotion to Waheguru. The gurdwara's langar and open-door policy make it a point of solidarity across Nottingham's diverse communities, welcoming individuals of all backgrounds. During times of local hardship or community need, gurdwaras such as Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur are believed to have provided vital charitable support to residents beyond the Sikh community alone. ## Nearby Gurdwaras ### Gurdwara Guru Nanak Dev Ji Nottingham, United Kingdom 999 m 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 ### Guru Nanak Satsang Gurdwara Nottingham, United Kingdom 1.5 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 ### Sri Nabh Kanwal Raja Sahib Ji Nottingham, United Kingdom 2.4 km away Sri Nabh Kanwal Raja Sahib 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, Sri Nabh Kanwal Raja 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 ### Gurdwara Siri Guru Singh Sabha Sikh Temple Nottingham, United Kingdom 3.0 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 ## Founding Story A gurdwara, gurudwara, or gurudwar (Punjabi: ਗੁਰਦੁਆਰਾ, romanized: gurdu'ārā, lit. 'door of the guru') is a place of assembly and worship in Sikhism, but its normal meaning is "place of guru" or "home of guru". Sikhs also refer to gurdwaras as Gurdwara Sahib. People from all faiths and religions are welcomed in a gurdwara. Each gurdwara has a Darbar Sahib where the Guru Granth Sahib is placed on a takht (an elevated throne) in a prominent central position. Any congregant (sometimes with specialized training, in which case they are known by the term granthi) may recite, sing, and explain the verses from the Guru Granth Sahib, in the presence of the rest of the congregation. All gurdwaras have a langar hall, where people can eat free lacto-vegetarian food served by volunteers at the gurdwara. They may also have a medical facility room, library, nursery, classroom, meeting rooms, playground, sports ground, a gift shop, and finally a repair shop. A gurdwara can be identified from a distance by tall flagpoles bearing the Nishan Sahib, the Sikh flag. ## Historical Timeline 1841 ### Founded Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara was established. 1499 ### Event in 1499 became the Sikh centre during Guru Nanak Dev time Kapurthala District, Punjab (India) 1521 ### Event in 1521 by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev, near River Ravi, Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan 1539 ### Event in 1539 by the second Sikh Guru, Guru Angad Dev ji, near River Beas, Amritsar District, Punjab, India 1552 ### Event in 1552 by the third Sikh Guru, Guru Amar Das ji, near River Beas, Amritsar District Punjab, India 1577 ### Event in 1577 By the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das ji, District Amritsar, Punjab India 1590 ### Event in 1590 by the fifth Sikh Guru, [Guru Arjan Dev ji], District Tarn Taran Sahib, Punjab India 1594 ### Event in 1594 by the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev, near river Beas, Jalandhar District, Punjab India 1609 ### Event in 1609 is situated in the complex of The Golden Temple, Amritsar, India Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, located in 1627 ### Event in 1627 by the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind, near river Sutlej, Ropar District, Punjab, India 1665 ### Event in 1665 by the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, near river Sutlej, Punjab, India 1685 ### Event in 1685 by the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, near river Yamuna, Himachal Pradesh India ## Detailed History The history of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara must be understood within the broader narrative of Sikh settlement in Nottingham, which is itself part of the wider wave of South Asian migration to the United Kingdom during the post-war decades of the twentieth century. Sikhs from the Punjab region began arriving in Nottingham in significant numbers during the late 1950s and early 1960s, drawn by employment opportunities in the city's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The first Sikh gurdwara in Nottingham was inaugurated in 1963, initially housed in a converted garage on Wilford Grove in the Meadows area of the city — a milestone documented by Midlands News (ITV) in August of that year and preserved in the MACE broadcast archive. This founding marked the formal establishment of institutional Sikh worship in Nottingham and provided the spiritual and communal foundation upon which subsequent gurdwaras would be built. As the Sikh population of Nottingham grew through the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, the community's religious and social needs expanded beyond the capacity of a single institution. Multiple gurdwaras were established across different neighbourhoods of the city, each serving its local congregation while remaining united in faith. Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara at 36 Church Street, Lenton, is believed to have been established during this period of community growth, serving worshippers in the western parts of the city. The gurdwara was formerly registered under the name Gurdwara Sikh Temple Singh Sabha, reflecting the Singh Sabha reform movement — a nineteenth-century revival movement within Sikhism that emphasised education, scriptural study, and the purification of Sikh practice from external influences. Its subsequent renaming as Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara honours the ninth Sikh Guru, whose life and martyrdom stand as the defining example of sacrifice for human rights and religious freedom. Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was executed on 24 November 1675 on the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam and for his defence of Kashmiri Hindu Pandits facing forced conversion. His martyrdom — commemorated annually as Shaheedi Divas — is one of the most sacred dates in the Sikh calendar. Over subsequent decades, the gurdwara has served successive generations of Nottingham Sikhs, maintaining the traditions of Gurbani recitation, langar, and community service while adapting to meet the needs of a modern British Sikh congregation. ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib Prayer Hall The main prayer hall of the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed beneath an ornate canopied throne (Palki Sahib). Worshippers sit on the carpeted floor in the presence of the scripture. Kirtan (devotional music) and Gurbani recitation take place here during daily and special services. The hall is open to all. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen and Dining Hall The langar hall houses the gurdwara's communal kitchen, where volunteers prepare and serve free meals to all visitors daily. A central institution of Sikh social practice, the langar embodies the values of equality and seva (selfless service). Capacity may be expanded during festivals and special occasions. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Flagpole The Nishan Sahib — a triangular saffron flag bearing the Sikh emblem (Khanda) — flies above the gurdwara building and serves as the most recognisable external symbol of a Sikh gurdwara. It signals to the community that the gurdwara is a place of sanctuary, worship, and free langar. ### Shoe Storage Area Entrance Facility An area at the entrance to the gurdwara where visitors remove and store their shoes before entering the sacred precincts. Head coverings are also provided at or near this point for visitors who do not bring their own. ## Visitor Information ### Dress Code Visitors must cover their head before entering. A dupatta, scarf, or handkerchief is acceptable; head coverings are usually provided at the entrance. Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall. Modest, respectful clothing is encouraged for all visitors. ### Photography Photography inside the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) is generally not permitted without prior consent from gurdwara management. Visitors should seek permission before taking photographs. ### Etiquette Bow or touch the floor before the Guru Granth Sahib upon entering the Darbar Sahib. Sit on the floor with legs crossed or to the side — never point feet toward the scripture. Alcohol and tobacco must not be brought onto the premises. Speak quietly and respectfully inside the prayer hall. ## Climate & Best Time to Visit ## Accommodation ### Nearby Hotels Available in nearby area ## Langar (Free Community Kitchen) The langar hall accommodates the regular congregation. Capacity is believed to be expanded during festivals and major Gurpurabs to serve larger numbers of visitors. Seating Capacity ## Community Services ### Charitable Programs Free langarReligious services ## Architecture Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara occupies a building at 36 Church Street, Lenton — an address whose name reflects the area's historic ecclesiastical character and its proximity to Holy Trinity Church, Lenton. Like many British gurdwaras established during the mid-to-late twentieth century, the building is believed to have been adapted from an existing structure to serve as a place of Sikh worship, a common practice among diaspora communities that repurposed former churches, community halls, or civic buildings. The most visible external marker of the gurdwara is the Nishan Sahib — the triangular, saffron-coloured Sikh flag mounted above the building — which serves as a universal symbol of Sikh presence and welcome. Inside, the Darbar Sahib (main prayer hall) is arranged in the traditional manner: the Guru Granth Sahib is installed beneath an ornate canopied throne (Palki Sahib) at the focal point of the hall, and worshippers sit on the carpeted floor in a posture of reverence, maintaining the Sikh principle of equality in the presence of the scripture. A separate langar hall provides space for the communal kitchen and dining. While the building does not feature the elaborate ornamental domes, gilded towers, and marble facades characteristic of purpose-built gurdwaras in India, it is maintained as a dignified and welcoming house of worship, with the interior reflecting traditional Sikh devotional aesthetics. Architectural Style: Modern Sikh architecture ## Sarovar (Sacred Pool) ## Structures in the Complex ### Darbar Sahib Prayer Hall The main prayer hall of the gurdwara, where the Guru Granth Sahib is installed beneath an ornate canopied throne (Palki Sahib). Worshippers sit on the carpeted floor in the presence of the scripture. Kirtan (devotional music) and Gurbani recitation take place here during daily and special services. The hall is open to all. ### Langar Hall Community Kitchen and Dining Hall The langar hall houses the gurdwara's communal kitchen, where volunteers prepare and serve free meals to all visitors daily. A central institution of Sikh social practice, the langar embodies the values of equality and seva (selfless service). Capacity may be expanded during festivals and special occasions. ### Nishan Sahib Religious Flagpole The Nishan Sahib — a triangular saffron flag bearing the Sikh emblem (Khanda) — flies above the gurdwara building and serves as the most recognisable external symbol of a Sikh gurdwara. It signals to the community that the gurdwara is a place of sanctuary, worship, and free langar. ### Shoe Storage Area Entrance Facility An area at the entrance to the gurdwara where visitors remove and store their shoes before entering the sacred precincts. Head coverings are also provided at or near this point for visitors who do not bring their own. ## Events & Celebrations ### Religious Observance #### Shaheedi Divas of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji The martyrdom anniversary of the ninth Sikh Guru, observed on 24 November each year. Marks Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's execution in 1675 by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for defending religious freedom. Observed with extended Gurbani recitation, kirtan, Ardas, and langar. A deeply significant occasion at all gurdwaras bearing the Guru's name. ### Festival #### Vaisakhi Celebrated annually in April, Vaisakhi marks the founding of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699. Observed at the gurdwara with special prayers, kirtan, and langar. Nagar Kirtan (outdoor procession) may be held in conjunction with other Nottingham gurdwaras and the wider Sikh community. #### Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev Ji The birth anniversary (Gurpurab) of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev Ji, observed in November. Celebrated with akhand path (continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib), kirtan, and langar. One of the most joyful occasions in the Sikh calendar. #### Bandi Chhor Divas Observed alongside Diwali in October or November, Bandi Chhor Divas commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from Gwalior Fort along with 52 Hindu princes. Marked with illuminations, kirtan, and extended langar at the gurdwara. ### Community Procession #### Nagar Kirtan A public procession through the streets of Nottingham featuring the singing of Gurbani and the display of the Sikh flag. Organised in coordination with other Nottingham gurdwaras, typically around major Gurpurabs. A visible expression of Sikh faith in the wider city. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Location The gurdwara is located at 36 Church Street, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2FF, United Kingdom. It can be contacted by telephone on +44 115 970 0750. ### History Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji (1621–1675) was the ninth of the ten human Sikh Gurus. He is revered as 'Hind di Chadar' (Shield of India) for his martyrdom on 24 November 1675, when he was executed by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb for refusing to convert to Islam and for defending the religious freedoms of Kashmiri Hindu Pandits. His sacrifice is considered one of the foundational events in Sikh history. ### Visitor Information Yes. Gurdwaras, including Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara, are open to people of all faiths, backgrounds, and nationalities. Visitors are welcome to attend prayers, observe kirtan, and partake in the langar (free communal meal). The Sikh principle of Sarbat da Bhala — the welfare of all — underpins this open-door policy. Visitors must cover their head before entering the gurdwara. Head coverings are usually provided at the entrance. Shoes must be removed at the door. Modest and respectful clothing is encouraged. Alcohol and tobacco must not be brought onto the premises. There is no charge to visit the gurdwara or to eat langar. Entry to the prayer hall and the communal meal are entirely free of charge to all visitors, in keeping with the Sikh tradition of equality and selfless service (seva). ### Administration Yes. The gurdwara is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under registration number 508328 and is recognised by HMRC for gift aid. It was formerly registered under the name Gurdwara Sikh Temple Singh Sabha. ### Events The Shaheedi Divas (martyrdom anniversary) of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is observed on 24 November each year. This is one of the most significant observances at gurdwaras bearing his name, marked with extended prayers, kirtan, and langar. 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