Gurudwara Sahib Quebec - Montreal, Quebec

The Gurdwara Sahib Quebec, located at 2183 Wellington Street in Montreal, is a significant Sikh place of worship and a central hub for the local Sikh community. It moved into its current building, a former church, in 1986, having originally started in 1983. 

Key features

Worship: The Gurdwara offers religious services that include the singing of hymns (kirtan) and the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh scripture.

Community Kitchen (Langar): A free community kitchen is open to everyone, regardless of background, as a demonstration of the Sikh faith's principles of charity and equality. On weekends, families often take turns hosting the langar after services.

Sunday School: The Gurdwara hosts a Sunday school where children can learn about Punjabi, Sikh history, and culture.

Library: A library of books, CDs, and videos in both English and Punjabi is available for the community.

Charitable Work: The community regularly organizes food drives and donates to local organizations like Sun Youth and Share the Warmth.

Open Access: With residents living in the Gurdwara, it operates 24/7, providing continuous access for worshippers.

Equality and community: The egalitarian nature of Sikhism is evident, with everyone, regardless of gender or age, seated on the floor together during langar. This fosters a strong sense of community and equality.

Welcoming: The Gurdwara is known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, and visitors are made to feel at ease. Volunteers assist visitors and ensure their needs are met during meals.