About us
Sixty years of worship, learning and service
Guru Nanak Gurdwara is Leicester's first established Sikh Gurdwara and one of the city's most significant Sikh institutions — a registered charity serving worshippers, students, visitors and neighbours alike.
Our story
From New Walk to Holy Bones
What began as a small congregation meeting in modest rented premises has become a landmark of Sikh life in the East Midlands. The move to Holy Bones in 1989 gave the sangat room to grow, and successive generations of volunteers have expanded the site ever since.
The Gurdwara sits close to Leicester city centre, a short walk from the Jewry Wall and the Highcross. Its gold ornamental ironwork, white domes and brick frontage have become a familiar part of the city's skyline.
Timeline
Milestones in our history
Post-war years
A community takes root
Sikh families settle in Leicester after the Second World War, arriving from India and later from East Africa, and begin gathering for worship in homes and hired rooms.
1960s
The first Gurdwara in Leicester
The congregation establishes itself in smaller premises on New Walk — the first Sikh Gurdwara in the city.
1989
A new home on Holy Bones
As the sangat outgrows New Walk, the community moves to 9 Holy Bones. The building — formerly a knitwear factory — is extensively converted into a purpose-built Gurdwara.
1992
The Sikh Museum opens
The Guru Nanak Sikh Museum is established within the complex and is recognised as Europe's first museum dedicated to Sikh history and heritage.
2002
A visit from the Queen
HM Queen Elizabeth II visits during her Golden Jubilee — widely recognised as the first official visit by a reigning British monarch to a gurdwara in the UK.
Today
A growing complex
The Gurdwara now includes multiple Darbar Halls, a Langar Hall, the Punjabi school, the library, the museum and wider community facilities.
Our purpose
Guru Nanak Gurdwara is a registered charity established for the advancement of the Sikh religion. In practice that means keeping the doors open for daily worship, feeding anyone who comes through them, teaching the next generation, preserving Sikh heritage, and standing alongside people in our community who need help.
- Charity number
- 254837
- Registered address
- 9 Holy Bones, Leicester LE1 4LJ
- Objects
- Advancement of the Sikh religion
Sikh values in practice
Seva — selfless service
Every meal cooked, floor swept and class taught here is given freely by volunteers.
Sangat — community
The congregation sits together on one level, without distinction of status or background.
Langar — the free kitchen
Open to all people irrespective of religion, ethnicity, gender or means.
Sarbat da Bhala — the wellbeing of all
Our work reaches beyond the Sikh community to the whole city.