Guru Tegh Bahadur Gurdwara
Sikhs began settling in Leicester in significant numbers after the Second World War, contributing to the city’s cultural diversity and economic development. The establishment of the city’s first Sikh Gurdwaras in the 1960s marked a pivotal moment in the growth and organization of Leicester’s Sikh community. By 2021, the Sikh population in Leicester had risen to over 15,000, representing approximately 5% of the city’s residents, compared to a national average of 0.9%.
The Sikh community’s contributions are particularly evident during annual Nagar Kirtans (processions). The Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan, held in April, attracts thousands of people from Leicester and the Midlands, with a vibrant procession through the city centre. Another significant event is the Nagar Kirtan in November, celebrating Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Parkash Purab (birth anniversary), which unites the community in faith and joy.