Bhatra and Ramgarhia gurdwaras
In his teachings, Guru NanakGuru Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and the first of the ten Gurus, who lived from 1469 to 1539. rejected the idea of discriminating against people because of their background, status, wealth or occupation (often called casteThe anglicised term for varna; originally a Hindu social order of higher and lower class. Also followed by some Sikhs.). He believed that these differences are not relevant to a person’s spiritual progress towards being gurmukhGod-centred, living by the Gurus' teachings..
Some Sikh communities are still based on the occupations of their original members. For example:
- Bhatra Sikhs (also called Bhat Sikhs) have their origins in the bardpoet who lived at the time of the Guru. They are now a sub-group of Sikhism, not a caste. At first, they used homes as places for their congregations, housing the Guru Granth SahibThe Guru Granth Sahib is the most important Sikh holy book. It is a collection of songs, prayers and hymns from the Sikh Gurus and other holy men, as well as teachings from other faiths. It is treated as a living Guru. in special rooms. By the 1950s they were the most established Sikh community in Britain, and many ran businesses. In the 1950s they began establishing gurdwaraSikh place of worship. Literally, the 'doorway to the Guru'. in major cities across the UK.
- Ramgarhia Sikhs have their origins in the PunjabPunjab meaning "five rivers" covers a geographical region in northern India and eastern Pakistan.. Their traditional occupations were carpenters, stonemasons and blacksmiths. They formed their own congregations and gurdwaras as a community in Britain.
