The Sikh Community in Preston
Preston has a very small Sikh community, even with the inclusion of the Sikh families from the surrounding areas
of Blackpool, Chorley, Lancaster and west Lancashire; Sikhs are still a minority within a minority in Lancashire
unlike Coventry where Sikhs are the largest minority group.
Many of the first generation Sikhs who settled on Lancashire were economic migrants in the 1950’s in response to
the British Government’s call for workers from the Commonwealth countries to come to Britain and plug the gaps
in the workforce. Many of the Sikhs who migrated to Lancashire went to work in the mills, foundries and factories.
Many of this generation were made to cut their hair and thus give up some of their identity and in doing so give up
some of their beliefs in order undertake the manual work which was offered to them.
Long hair is one of the five ‘K’s which give Sikhs their unique identity:
Kesh: (uncut hair). A Sikh is to maintain and adorn this natural God-given gift. To work with nature and not
against it.
Kanga: (wooden comb). This is to keep the Kesh tidy and a reminder to regularly maintain the body and mind in a
clean and healthy state.
Kara: (steel bangle). It is worn on the right arm and is a closed circle with no beginning or end. It is to remind
Sikhs that there is no beginning or end to God. It is to remind Sikhs of their duties. It is made of steel so that it is
affordable to all, showing equality.
Kacherra: (cotton underwear). Comfortable and dignified attire which reflects modesty and control.
Kirpan: (small sword). A sign that a Sikh is a soldier in God’s army and has a duty to protect the weak and needy.
Never to be used in anger and a reminder to stand up for justice.
As the Sikh community in Preston and the surrounding area grew so did the need for a Sikh temple (Gurudwara).
There was a small Gurudwara in the Avenham area of Preston which had been established by a small insular
travelling Sikh community who at the time did not really mix with the mainstream community.
A small group of the most respected amongst the community took it upon themselves to try and find a way of
establishing a Gurudwara. In a bid to raise some money they to every Sikh household in the area and asked for
donations which many were more then willing to help with. A deposit was put down on an old cinema and work
began to convert it into a building fit for purpose. The whole community was involved in the renovation with people
giving all their spare time to help with the manual work which was necessary, using all the skills available in the
community.
After many months of hard work, on 4th January 1981 the Guru Nanak Gurudwara, Cultural and Recreational
Centre opened its doors. It was a single story building consisting of a Prayer Hall, Langar Hall, Kitchen, small
store room and toilet facilities. The Gurudwara opened every Sunday for congregational worship and Langar
which was prepared by members of the community.
The institution of the Sikh Langar or free kitchen was started by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak. It was designed
to uphold the principle of equality between all people regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or
social status, a revolutionary concept in the caste-ordered society of 16th century India where Sikhism began. In
addition to the ideals of equality, the tradition of Langar expresses the ethics of sharing, community, inclusiveness
and oneness of all humankind. "..the Light of God is in all hearts." Food is eaten sitting on mats on the floor to
symbolize the denouncing of rank.
On 1994 the Guru Nanak Gurudwara secured a lottery grant which was match funded from donations by
the Sikh community who attended the Gurudwara. Building work started with the existing building being
completely demolished. The whole community was present when the foundation stone was laid and
joined in prayers. A temporary facility in a community centre was hired so that the community could still
meet for Sunday worship whilst the building work was being carried out.
In 1995 the new two storey building was opened. The new building has a purpose built kitchen, langar
hall and other facilities which allows for the accommodation of larger numbers on festival days and
weddings etc. The prayer hall which is located upstairs is ornate and has a purpose built canopy and
stage. There are also a number of small rooms upstairs.
The Gurudwara opens every morning and evening and congregational
worship takes place on
Wednesday evenings and Sunday, with festivals, Gurpurbs and other
events taking place throughout the year. There are music classes,
Punjabi reading & writing classes and Gurbani classes held at the
Gurudwara on Saturday.