NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT UK: Charity number: 1168884
The objectives of NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT UK is to support each individual Namdhari Sikh Charities in the UK (516560 NAMDHARI SANGAT, 268305 NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT UK, 1092824 NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT SOUTHALL, 1117808 NAMDHARI SIKH COMMUNITY LEICESTER). To Advance Sikh Religion through facilitating prayer gatherings, public celebration of religious festivals, lectures on Sikh History And to Administer Amrit, promote Classical music and wellbeing. Prohibit alcohol and drug consumption, smoking and meat eating.
NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT UK is recognised by HMRC for gift aid
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Namdhari Community Center and the Southall Namdhari Sikh Community
The Namdhari Community Center is located in “Old Southall” at the junction of Spencer Street and Balfour Road. Its main hall serves as the venue for major functions, including weekly services, Punjabi lessons, and music classes.
Early History and Growth of the Namdhari Community.
The Namdhari Sikh community in Southall began in the early 1960s with only a few families. The late 1960s saw a significant rise in their numbers, especially after the influx of Asians from East Africa. A landmark moment occurred in August 1967 when His Holiness Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, the Namdhari spiritual leader, visited England for the first time. This visit led to the establishment of the Namdhari Sangat in Southall.
Initially, gatherings were held in members’ homes. From 1965, the community began holding major events, including the annual Jap Paryogs, at Saint George’s Church on Southall Broadway, where they met for 18 years. By 1991/1992, land for a dedicated Center was acquired, and after a period of construction, the Namdhari Community Center was inaugurated in 1994. The first Jap Paryogs in the new Center were held in the same year. Over time, the Center has evolved to accommodate larger events and continues to undergo improvements.
Memorable Event: The “Rain Maker”
A particularly memorable event occurred during the drought of 1976 when Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji prayed for rain. Following his prayers, heavy rainfall ensued, earning him the title of “Rain Maker” from the English press. On August 28, 1976, The Sun newspaper reported:
“It rained yesterday and Sikhs claimed a hundred per cent success of their Holy Man, Guru Jagjit Singh Ji. The Guru was flown in from the Punjab on Wednesday to pray for rain for the Sikhs who live in Southall, West London.”
Present-Day Activities
Today, the Namdhari Community Center serves a Namdhari Sikh population of Southall and nearby areas of North West London. The Center hosts weekly programs, music and Punjabi classes, yoga sessions, and other community events, continuing its role as a vibrant hub for cultural and spiritual activities.