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In 1959, many respected individuals journeyed to England, driven by the desire for a better life despite the challenges that lay ahead. One of their first hurdles was finding housing, as potential landlords often turned them away based on their appearance.

After persistent efforts, they secured a place to call home. Recognizing the need for a Gurdwara for future generations—since there was only one in the country at the time—they embarked on a quest for land. Their determination paid off when they acquired a site on Oswald Road in Southall. In 1969, they purchased a property that had once been a laundry, requiring immense dedication to transform it into a Gurdwara.

With limited funds, they undertook the construction with the power of their volunteer spirit. The construction of Ramgarhia Sabha began in 1970, with workers pouring their Sundays and evenings into this meaningful project.

In 1974, the Ramgarhia Sewak Jatha and the Ramgarhia Education and Music Academy came to life. Between 1989 and 1990, they purchased an Old Rectory site for £1 million, which included three acres of land for sports and educational development, exemplifying their commitment to growth.

Ramgarhia Sabha captured media attention with inspiring articles like “Sikhs on Target: £1 Million Sports Complex” and “Self-Help Sikhs Build New Temple.” The Gurdwara was realized in 1971, completed in just a year through the dedication of volunteers.

Yet, shortly after its opening, the need for expansion became clear. To accommodate the flourishing community, they acquired several houses—one for the Gurdwara’s growth and another to provide shelter for those in need. A house at the back of the Gurdwara now serves as a welcoming library.

In 1971, Ramgarhia Sabha further expanded by purchasing a hall, which opened in 1974. This hall became a hub for karate, table tennis, hockey, and badminton, as well as a venue for community meetings, fostering unity and engagement.

GURU Gobind Singh, the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs founded the Khalsa (Servants of God) at the Vaisakhi gathering in 1699, at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur, where he had arranged for followers to meet him at the Vasakhi Fair in Anandpur. On that day Guru Gobind singh asked for a man to step forward from the congregation, who was willing to die for his cause. One man Daya Singh stepped forward, and followed Guru into his tent. When Guru came out of the tent, his sword was stained with blood; and asked for another volunteer. One by one Dharam Singh, Himmat Singh, and Sahib Singh came forward. One after another they entered Guru’s tent, and the Guru emerged alone with his blood stained sword. The crowd was nervous, until five men then emerged from the tent, and were nominated as Panj Piares; or the five beloved ones.

The Guru put water in a bowl for sprinkling over the five in a simple initiation ceremony. He said prayers as he stirred the water with a short steel sword; symbolising the need for strength. The Guru’s wife, Mata Sundri, then came forward and placed some sugar crystals into the holy water or amrit as a reminder that strength must always be balanced by sweetness of temperament. After completing his prayers, the Guru then sprinkled the amrit over the five.

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THE SIKH MARRIAGE CEREMONY The couple and their parents stand up and take blessings from God, thereafter, the father of the bride places the fringe of the bridegrooms’ scarf in the hands of the bride, a gesture of responsibility to one another and the willingness to accept each other in the new phase of their lives. The four shabads are recited from the Guru Granth Sahib composed by Guru Ram Das Ji, the fourth Guru, recorded on pages 773-774.		The bride and bridegroom both listen to the shabads and as the shabads are sung in turn they bow their heads to the Guru Granth Sahib accepting and promising to take their vows and to fulfil them. As the shabads are sung by the Ragis (musicians), the couple stand up and walks around the Guru Granth Sahib calling to God and the Congregation to witness their acceptance. Marriage is the union of two souls and companionship for spiritual advancement. A transition and new phase of life being entered by the bride and bridegroom.
THE FIRST SHABAD THE PROMISE TO LOVE EACH OTHER – Look to the Guru Granth Sahib for your guidance and remember to mediate the name of God and follow the path of truthful living and love from within your heart and keep faith in Waheguru and you will be blessed with happiness – Dedication. THE SECOND SHABAD THE PROMISE TO MERGE COMPLETELY AND DEVELOP AS ONE SOUL – Respect each other and dispel all fears and shares your happiness equal to your sorrows, Commitment. THE THIRD SHABAD THE PROMISE TO BE FAITHFULL –Speak to each other with sweetness and love and do not forget Waheguru and the Holy Congregation, and in your excitement keep control, Communication. THE FOURTH SHABAD THE PROMISE TO BE TOGETHER THROUGHOUT THE UPTURNS AND DOWNTURNS THAT LIFE WILL BRING – The wish of your hearts is solemnized in the presence of God and graces your existence throughout eternity. Barjinderpal Kaur Lall

Vaisakhi (also spelled Baisakhi) is the festival which celebrates the founding of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa. It is celebrated on April 14 each year. On Vaisakhi day in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh summoned Sikhs from all over India to the city of Anandpur Sahib. At this gathering, the Guru called upon Sikhs to uphold their faith and preserve the Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh then lifted his sword and asked that anyone prepared to give his life for his faith to come forward. There was a big silence, but the Guru went on repeating his demand. One Sikh finally came forward and followed the Guru into a tent. Shortly after, the Guru reappeared alone with his sword covered in blood and asked for a second volunteer. Another Sikh stepped forward and again the Guru took him into the tent and reappeared alone with his sword covered with blood. This was repeated until five Sikhs had offered their heads for the Guru. Finally, the Guru emerged from the tent with all five men dressed piously in blue. Guru Gobind Singh called the five Sikhs the Panj Pyare, the Five Beloved Ones.

See:  http://www.sikhismguide.org/vaisakhi.shtml

The Battle of Amritsar took place between Guru Hargobind and the forces of the Mughal army and was fought on the 5 June 1628 (22 of Jeth, in Bikrami 1685). Jahangir had died in 1627 and his son Shah Jahan had become his successor. Adding to Shah Jahan's worries over the increasing influence and power of the Sikhs, those who harboured ill-will against the Sikhs renewed their conspiracies and incited him to turn against Guru Ji.

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Ik Onkaar
There is only one God.

Sat Naam
Truth is his name

Kartaa Purakh
He is the creator

Nirbhao
He is without fear

Nirvair
He is without hate

Akaal Moorat
He is timeless and without form

Ajoonee Saibhang
He is beyond birth and death, The enlightened one

Gur Parsaad
He can be known by the Guru’s grace

Jap
Embrace His meditation

Aad Sach.
He was present in the beginning

Jugaad Sach
He was present before the Yugas (ages) began.

Hai Bhee Sach
He Is present now

Naanak Hosee Bhee Sach. ||1||
(Guru) Nanak (Dev Ji) says that he shall certainly be present in the future.

The Nishan Sahib is a Sikh holy flag made of cotton or silk cloth and is generally triangular in shape, with a tassel at its end. The word, Nishan means symbol, and the flag is hoisted on a tall flagpole, outside most Gurudwaras. The flagpole itself covered with fabric, ends with a two-edged dagger (khanda) on top. The emblem on the flag is known as Khanda, which depicts a double-edged sword called a khanda in the centre, a chakkar which is circular, and flanked by two single-edged swords, or kirpans.

Traditional symbol of the Khalsa Panth, the Nishan Sahib can be seen from far away, signifying the presence of Khalsa in the neighbourhood. It is taken down every Baisakhi, and replaced with a fresh flag, and the flagpole refurbished.

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