The Brent Sikh Centre was acquired about thirty years ago. Initially a couple of portacabins placed on the site, which now a carpark, provided the local congregation a rudimentary worship base. The Gurdwara construction work commenced straight away. The building above was opened in 2003. The adjoining building providing accommodation and the classrooms opened in 2013.
A Gurdwara basically a place of worship is often a site where people meet, greet and socialize. Gurdwaras are open to anyone and all.
Entering a Gurdwara filled with congregation with the musicians (the Ragi Jatha) singing the selected hymns put to music makes the place serene and a place of bliss. The Langar, free food served on the event days, is perhaps the main attraction for most who attend the premises.
Guru Nanak preached that simply following rituals achieved little. His divine understanding of this world and the universe was seen by all a realistic approach to humble living free from the worldly distractions and disillusions. The die was cast to emulate an ideal human being to be one very similar to our creator. This phenomenon was followed by further nine gurus who demonstrated not to waver from the accepted principles even if the cost was to pay the ultimate price. The final guru, Guru Gobind Singh gave the Sikhs Siri Guru Granth Saheb, the holy proclamation containing the scriptures from the gurus and the recognized notable scholars. This is the living ordainment for the Sikhs. Listening to the Gurbani being sung is wonderful. The singing being melodious and rhythmic sticks in mind. It is beautiful. This describes the real purpose of a Gurdwara.
