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.
![Battle of Amritsar: Timeline
Operation Bluestar refers to the military invasion that was conducted by the Indian Army on the orders from Indira Gandhi [then PM of India], which commenced with an attack on the Sri Harmandir Sahib Complex. In an attempt to inflict maximum casualties and the demoralisation of the Sikhs, the attack took place on one the busiest days, the Shaheedi Divas of Sri Guru Arjan Dev Ji. Unofficial reports suggest that over 5000 civilians were killed during the Operation.
74 Gurdwara Sahibs across Panjab were also attacked by security forces, including Gurdwara Dukh Niwaran where 257 people were killed and Dera Baba Shyam Singh where the Border Security Force looted the Gurdwara Sahib and devotees.
This was a direct assault on the Sikh faith, and marked the beginning of a campaign of genocidal violence against the Sikhs. After the Operation, the army used municipal garbage trucks to transport dead bodies for illegal mass cremations: 25 to 30 people are cremated on each pyre and others were thrown in rivers and canals. The practice of “secret mass cremations” would be used reguarly by the State in the following decade to destroy evidence relating to thousands of Sikhs who had been unlawfully detained, tortured and killed by the government.
Operation Bluestar contributed to the demand for an independent Sikh State- an ongoing cause.
#OperationBlueStar #NeverForget84 #Sikh #Genocide #June1984](https://app.gtbgurdwara.com/wp-content/plugins/custom-facebook-feed-pro/assets/img/placeholder.png)
Home
Livestream