Gurdwaras are centres of Sikh religious life. They serve as focal points of community activity and campaigns. Amritsar, Punjab is home to Sachkhand Sri Harmander Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple. It was completed in 1577. (Image: Jasleen Kaur)

Gurdwaras maintain the Sikh faith. They also provide for a variety of Sikh community needs, such as blessings for special occasions. Democratically, most gurdwaras elect or select people from the membership for governance and thus have a right to represent them.

Across the UK there are hundreds of gurdwaras. Major towns have at least one, and highly populated cities have several or more. Some of the larger gurdwaras feature distinctive domes, such as Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Hounslow, West London.  (Image: Des Blenkinsopp)

DRAFT Daily prayers (Ardas) complement its hymns (Shabads), which are set to India’s universal music system (rags).

Gurdwaras globally offer communal nourishment and refreshment, known as Langar. The concept of Langar is a demonstration of giving and equality. Langar provides everyone in need of food, irrespective of their caste, class, religion and gender.