Gurdwara Nanak Shahi: A Sikh Place of Worship in Dhaka

Gurdwara Nanak Shahi is the main Sikh place of worship in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It’s located at the University of Dhaka and is the largest of the 9 to 10 Gurdwaras in the country. This Gurdwara is a special place for Sikhs because it remembers the visit of Guru Nanak, who lived from 1469 to 1539. The building itself was built in 1830 and was later renovated in 1988–1989, with a verandah added for protection.

While there’s another Gurudwara in Banglabazar, this one is more popular and crowded. Beyond Dhaka, you can find two more Gurudwaras in Chattogram and Mymensingh.

everyone is welcome to enjoy a community lunch at its “langarkhana.” To join in, you can wear a handkerchief and scarf with a symbol called ‘Khand.’ On Fridays, they prepare a special meal that includes rice, lentils, vegetables, and sweets. They also serve a delicious prasad. This lunch is made possible by the support of Baba Sukka Singh from Punjab. On Fridays, the Gurudwara gets even busier, with up to five or six hundred people attending the special prayers and lunch. This place is important for Sikhs in Bangladesh because Guru Nanakshahi, their chief Guru, visited here. Devotees come not only from Bangladesh but also from other parts of the world.

A Bit of History

Bhai Natha Ji, a missionary during the time of the sixth guru, originally built this Gurdwara in 1830. It’s a reminder of Guru Nanak’s stay in Dhaka. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, the building was renovated and a verandah was added to protect it. This work was guided by Sardar Harban Singh.

Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, aimed to promote unity among all humans rather than dividing them by religion. He came from Punjab to Bengal in the early 16th century during the rule of Mughal Emperor Jahangir to spread this message of equality. The Sikh Gurudwara in Dhaka was constructed in 1830, several centuries after his visit.

During the Liberation War, this Gurudwara faced a threat, and two of its staff members, Sharan Singh and Muhammad-ul-Malik, lost their lives.

Why It’s Important

This building is a historic and important part of Bangladesh’s national heritage, especially for Sikhs. It’s the main place of worship for this religion and is well-preserved by The Bangladesh Gurdwara Management Committee.

Its Current State

The Gurdwara is in good condition and is painted entirely white. After the renovation in 1988–1989, it’s well-maintained and observed. Today, the Gurudwara has nine rooms, and the main shrine is set amidst a green lawn. On Fridays, everyone wears gerua-colored handkerchiefs with the ‘Khand’ symbol. Followers of Guru Nanak, called ‘Udasi,’ don’t wear turbans, while those of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth guru, known as ‘Akali,’ do wear turbans.

Sikh Treasures

Inside the Gurdwara, there are two hand-written copies of Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. One of them is 18 x 12 inches with 1336 pages. Worship happens five times a day at the Gurudwara. They recite the teachings of the religion’s ten gurus from the ‘Granth Sahib,’ written in Punjabi. The handwritten holy book is kept on a wooden altar in the worship room.

Religious Activities

Gurdwara Nanak Shahi welcomes people of all religions. Daily recitations from the Sikh holy scripture, Granth Sahib, and prayers happen here. Every Friday, there are special prayers and Kirtan. In the morning and after prayers, free food called langar is served to all.

Besides their regular activities, the Gurudwara also helps during natural disasters. For example, during the Covid-19 outbreak, they provided food aid to those in need, showing their commitment to supporting the community.