Cultural and Spiritual Visit to Leicester Highlights Faith, Service and Unity

A diverse group of participants took part in a cultural and spiritual visit to Leicester, exploring two significant faith centres — the Guru Amar Das Gurdwara and the Brahma Kumaris Harmony House — before concluding the day on the city’s famous Golden Mile. The visit provided an inspiring opportunity to learn about Sikh and Brahma Kumari beliefs, both grounded in peace, compassion and service to others.

The group began their day at the Guru Amar Das Gurdwara, a former Baptist church that has served as a Sikh place of worship for over three decades. They were warmly welcomed by Surinder, who delivered an engaging talk on Sikhism, founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the Punjab region. He spoke about Sikh values of equality, humility and selfless service (Seva), which remain at the heart of Sikh community life today.

A highlight of the visit was learning about the Langar, the free kitchen that has provided meals to people of all backgrounds for more than 500 years. This long-standing practice embodies the Sikh principle of equality and service to humanity. The group also heard about Khalsa Aid, a humanitarian organisation that supports those in need during global crises. Surinder explained Sikh family customs such as bringing newborns to the Gurdwara for a naming ceremony, and the importance of covering the head as a sign of respect. The visit concluded with the sharing of Prasad and a communal Langar meal, offering a true experience of Sikh hospitality and unity.

The second visit was to Harmony House, the Leicester centre for the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. The group was welcomed by Natalie, who provided an overview of the centre’s work, and Parmjit Basra, who gave a talk on the core teachings and beliefs of the Brahma Kumaris and guided a short minute of meditation. The Brahma Kumaris, founded in the 1930s by Brahma Baba (Lekhraj Kripalani), promote spiritual awareness, self-realisation and positive living through the practice of Raja Yoga Meditation, which helps individuals connect the soul with the Supreme Soul to experience peace and clarity.

The Brahma Kumaris’ international headquarters is in Mount Abu, Rajasthan, and the organisation operates in over 120 countries, holding consultative status with the United Nations for its contributions to peace and sustainability.

The day concluded with refreshments and time for reflection before exploring Leicester’s Golden Mile, known for its vibrant shops and restaurants. The visit was a memorable experience celebrating Leicester’s diversity and interfaith understanding.