Midwest Sikh Association - Shawnee, KS

The Midwest Sikh Gurudwara, which operates under the name Midwest Sikh Association, is a newly constructed and thriving center for the Sikh community in the Kansas City metropolitan area. After years of planning, the association moved from its former location in Kansas City, MO, to a new, modern, and much larger facility in Lenexa, Kansas, to better serve its growing congregation.

Key features 

Place of worship (Gurudwara): The gurudwara is a spiritual home for the Sikh community, offering a welcoming environment for prayer and cultural activities.

Worship (Kirtan and Path): The temple employs priests (gyanis) to lead services. Devotees and volunteers participate in Path (praying) and Kirtan (singing of devotional hymns).

Holy book: The central focus of worship is the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism.

Inclusivity: The gurudwara welcomes people of all faiths, backgrounds, and walks of life to join in worship.

Community kitchen (Langar): The tradition of langar, a free community meal, is a core part of Sikh practice at the gurudwara. It emphasizes the Sikh principle of equality, as people sit together to share a vegetarian meal.

Youth education: The association places a high priority on the education of Sikh children. Sunday morning classes teach the Punjabi language (essential for reading Sikh scripture) and provide religious instruction.

Cultural events: The gurudwara is a hub for celebrations and special events throughout the year.

Community engagement: The association actively participates in community service and interfaith dialogue. Following the 9/11 attacks, the organization increased its public outreach to raise awareness about Sikhism and address harmful stereotypes.

Growing congregation: The association has grown significantly over the years, starting with a few families in the late 1980s and now serving thousands of Sikhs across the Kansas City metro area.

Welcoming the public: Despite its religious focus, the gurudwara maintains a commitment to community outreach and building relationships with its neighbors.