Maritime Sikh Society - Halifax, NS

The Maritime Sikh Society Gurdwara, located at 10 Parkhill Road in Halifax, is a community hub that has served the religious, cultural, and social needs of Sikhs in the Maritime provinces since its founding in 1968. The Gurdwara is undergoing a major expansion to meet the needs of the growing Sikh population.

Key features

Establishment: The Society was founded in 1968 by pioneer Sikh families in Nova Scotia. The first Gurdwara was built in 1978 and later expanded in 1997.

Community growth: The construction of the new, larger Gurdwara was initiated in December 2019 due to the recent influx of new immigrants and the continuous growth of the Sikh population in Nova Scotia.

All-volunteer organization: The Society is run entirely by volunteers, with no paid employees. This includes the preparation and serving of food in the communal kitchen (langar).

Inclusivity: The Gurdwara welcomes people of all communities and faiths, reflecting the Sikh tradition of promoting equality and mutual respect. Some Hindu families even participate in celebrations and volunteer for langar service.

New facility: Worship was moved to a community member's home in 2020 to begin construction on a new, much larger Gurdwara on the site of the old structure.

Increased capacity: The new Gurdwara will be approximately three times the size of the old one, with a larger prayer room, langar hall, and capacity for 700 to 800 worshipers at once.

Community investment: In February 2025, the federal government announced a $2.3 million investment in retrofitting the new building for enhanced energy efficiency, including solar panels and other upgrades. The Society is also actively fundraising to complete the construction.

Benefits of new building: The expansion will serve as a place of worship, a community center, and a support system for new Sikh immigrants, helping them feel "at home" in a new country.

Kirtan: The Gurdwara holds daily Gurbani Paath and kirtan (devotional singing) and special services on weekends and important Sikh occasions (Diwans).

Langar: The community kitchen provides free vegetarian meals to all visitors, regardless of their background.

Educational programs: The Society has historically offered classes for children to learn the Punjabi language and shabad kirtan.

Services: Other services include paath, Akhand Paath, and Anand Karaj (marriage).

Charitable giving: The Society operates as a charitable organization and has been involved in food drives and other community outreach programs.

Interfaith relations: The Society has a history of building positive relationships with other religious communities, with announcements for events in the local Hindu community sometimes made in the Gurdwara.

Wheelchair accessible: The Gurdwara is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, parking, and lift.

Parking: Good parking is available behind the venue for visitors.