NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT UK: Charity number: 1168884
Check our status @ Our UK Charity status.
The objective of NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT UK is to serve as an umbrella organisation that supports and continues the work and legacy of former individual Namdhari Sikh charities in the UK, namely: NAMDHARI SANGAT (Charity No. 516560), NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT UK (268305), NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT SOUTHALL (1092824), and NAMDHARI SIKH COMMUNITY LEICESTER (1117808). These charities have since had their registered status removed, and their activities are now consolidated under NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT UK.
The primary focus of NAMDHARI SIKH SANGAT UK is to advance the Sikh religion by facilitating regular prayer gatherings, organising public celebrations of Sikh religious festivals, delivering educational lectures on Sikh history, and administering Amrit (Sikh initiation). The organisation also promotes the practice and teaching of classical Sikh music (Gurbani Kirtan) and supports community wellbeing. In alignment with Namdhari Sikh principles, the Sangat strictly prohibits the consumption of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and meat.
Namdhari Community Centre and the Southall Namdhari Sikh Community
The Namdhari Community Centre is situated in Old Southall, at the junction of Spencer Street and Balfour Road. It serves as a central venue for key community functions, including weekly religious services, Punjabi language classes, and classical music lessons.
Early History and Growth of the Namdhari Community in Southall
The Namdhari Sikh community in Southall was established in the early 1960s by a small number of families. The community grew significantly during the late 1960s, particularly following the arrival of Asians expelled from East Africa. A pivotal moment in the community’s history came in August 1967, with the first visit to the UK by His Holiness Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, the spiritual leader of the Namdhari Sikhs. This visit led to the formal establishment of the Namdhari Sangat in Southall.
In the early years, gatherings were held in the homes of community members. From 1965 onwards, major events—including the annual Jap Paryogs—were hosted at Saint George’s Church on Southall Broadway, a venue used by the Sangat for 18 years.
By 1991–1992, land was acquired for a dedicated community centre. Following a period of construction, the Namdhari Community Centre was officially inaugurated in 1994. The first Jap Paryogs in the new building were held that same year. Since its opening, the Centre has continually provided its facilities and programming to accommodate the growing needs of the Sangat and remains a vital hub for spiritual, cultural, social and educational activities.
Namdhari Community Center first visit of Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji – June 2017
Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji blessed the UK Sadh Sangat during a short but spiritually uplifting visit from Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4, 2017. This visit marked His Holiness’s first visit to Namdhari Sikh Sangat Southall (NSSS) since attaining Gurgaddi in 2012. On Friday, June 2, NSSS had the honour of hosting the first Asa Di Vār of the visit. It had been 17 long years since the last visit to the Southall premises by Sri Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, and the deep yearning of the Sangat for this moment was clearly reflected in both the turnout and the devotional atmosphere. As Guru Nanak Dev Ji reminds us,
“Were a hundred moons to rise and a thousand suns, the light so created will be but utter darkness without the Guru.”
The Asa Di Vār Kirtan was performed in the early morning hours in a beautifully melodious and traditional style. Led by Ustad Harbhajan Singh and Raagi Kirpal Singh, the Vār was rendered collectively by UK-based Namdhari musicians. The singing was interwoven with soul-stirring Shabads, evoking deep spiritual reflection. Before the conclusion of the programme, Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji delivered His pavitaar updesh (sacred guidance) to the assembled Sangat, leaving hearts touched and spirits uplifted.
Memorable Event in Southall: 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 Centre serves the Namdhari Sikh population of Southall and the surrounding areas of North West London. It remains a vibrant hub for spiritual, cultural, and community life. The Centre regularly hosts weekly religious programs, classical music and Punjabi language classes, yoga sessions, the annual Naam Simran Jap Paryogs and a variety of other community-focused events.
To accommodate the large gatherings that occur during Sri Satguru Ji’s visits (Duoras) to the UK, the management often arranges for larger venues, such as community or sports halls, to ensure all members of the Sangat can participate comfortably in these special occasions.