Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick is a Sikh temple in Smethwick, near Birmingham, UK. This is UK's first and biggest Gurdwara. The total Gurdwara spans an area of about 78,000 square metres and the building is four storeys high.
It is also the first Gurdwara to have organised Shaheedi Tournaments (games held in the memory of current and past martyrs of the Sikh religion) in the United Kingdom and Europe. The Tournaments have been held regularly in Birmingham during the last week of July every year since 1963 (apart from 1984). In the past all tournaments were held under the banner of 'Shaheed Udham Singh Tournament' but now the Tournaments are held also in the names of the current Sikh Shaheeds, namely Shaheed S. Satwant Singh Ji, Shaheed S. Beant Singh Ji, Shaheed S. Kehar Singh Ji and Shaheed S. Hardev Singh Ji Bapoo. In 2000 the Shaheedi Tournaments were held at the West Bromwich Albion Football Ground.
The Sikh Community from Birmingham first began holding religious services in a Primary School at Brass House Lane, Smethwick, Birmingham for the first time in 1958. This led to larger and larger congregations of Sikh worshippers and the need arose to acquire a more suitable premises for the Gurdwara.
A church building at 130 High St in Smethwick was purchased. The Gurdwara opening took place on 31 July 1961. The present Gurdwara premises is still at the old church site but totally rebuilt.
The programmes begin daily when Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji arrives from the Sachkhand Sahib into the lower main hall in the early hours of the morning. Prayers (Nitnem) commences, then Sri Asa Ji Di Waar Kirtan is sung by the Sikh musicians (Ragi's). Programmes run continuously everyday till dusk when Rehraas Sahib starts which then begins the evening services at the Gurdwara Sahib. Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is taken back to the Sachkhand Sahib at the end of services in the evening. Throughout the day Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji presides over the Sikh congregations.
Throughout the day thousands of Sikhs and non Sikhs attend the Gurdwara Sahib to worship and visit the beautiful Gurdwara complex. Guru Ka Langar (free community kitchen) is served all day long, everyday for 365 days a year.
The Gurdwara has 10 halls, used for Sri Akhand Path Sahib's, and other activities such as weddings, sports, and education. There are also offices and meeting rooms.
The Gurdwara has the largest library of all Gurdwaras in UK and Europe. It is named the Shaheed Gen. Subegh Singh Library and is located at 122 High St.