Sikh Religion is the world’s fifth main religion with about 30 million followers worldwide,
majority of whom are living in Punjab, India. Outside India, Canada, USA, UK and Australia have a significant population of the Sikhs!
Sikh Religion was founded by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in the 15th century in the Punjab state of India, what is now India and Pakistan. Sikh Religion is based on the teachings of the 10 Sikh Gurus, though only 6 Guru Sahiban contributed to Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (the holy Granth of Sikhs, and in fact is meant for the entire humanity), along with 15 Indian saints, both from the Hindu and the Islamic Faith, 11 Bhatt Sahiban and 4 Sikhs. The Sikh Religion is quite distinct from the Hindu and the Islam Faiths, though there are some commonalities; e.g. Muslims, like Sikhs, believe in one God and both the Sikhs and the Hindus believe in the ‘Karmic Theory’; as you sow, so you reap. Idol/stone worship and bathing in pious rivers, called ‘Tirths’, as the Hindus mostly do, have no place in the Sikh Religion.
Satguru Arjun Dev Ji defined the best religion as the one that preaches recitation (Jap) of The Lord’s Name and doing pious deeds;
“ਸਰਬ ਧਰਮ ਮਹਿ ਸ੍ਰੇਸਟ ਧਰਮੁ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਕੋ ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪਿ ਨਿਰਮਲ ਕਰਮੁ ॥ Of all religions, the best religion is to chant the Name of the Lord and maintain pure conduct. Ang 266”. And that is what the Sikh Religion is!
Apart from recitation (Jap) of The Lord’s Name, two other strong pillars of the Sikh Religion are: Kirat Karna (working hard) and Vand Chhakna (Sharing with others, especially the food so that no one goes hungry). Free food is served at all the Gurdwaras the world over all the time.
Canadian Sikhs number approximately 771,790 and account for about 2.1 % of Canada's population. The Legislative Assembly of Ontario celebrates the month of April as a Sikh Heritage Month.
All Sikh Gurus since Guru Nanak have kept uncut beards and hairs and have worn turbans. However, covering one's hair with a turban was made a necessary conduct by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. The main reasons to wear a turban is to take care of the hair, promote equality and sovereignty, and preserve the Sikh identity.
The Gurudwara Project
With the grace of Almighty and prayers of Sikh Sangat, Thunder Bay Sikh Society established the Gurudwara Sahib in Thunder Bay (first one in Northern Ontario), starting with a rental building in September 2018. We bought an old building in March 2023, renovated it and moved the Gurdwara Sahib to the new building at 830 Spring Street Thunder Bay, ON, P7C 3L6 on September 9, 2023. We may feel short of the space and eventually, we will need to expand the Gurudwara Sahib for which we require the support of Sangat. Please donate to the project at donate@tbaysikhsociety.com. Cheque or cash payments can also be made to the Thunder Bay Sikh Society and we will issue receipts for each payment.
Our Programs
At our Gurdwara, we are blessed to organize spiritual and community-focused programs throughout the year. From daily prayers and weekly Satsangs to special Gurpurab celebrations and Kirtan Darbars, every event is dedicated to bringing the Sangat (community) together in love, service, and devotion.
Stay connected with our upcoming programs, Satsang dates, and events — and be a part of this journey of spirituality, unity, and Seva (selfless service).
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