The first Sri Guru Ravidass Ji Sabha Medway was founded in 1984 and was located at Station Road (Rochester, Strood) before relocating to Brompton Lane (Strood, Rochester), and then moving to a larger venue in 1994 on Vicarage road (Strood, Rochester). The sabha has been the local place of worship for the Ravidassia, Sikh, and Hindu communities for decades. People of all faiths, cultures and communities are welcome to attend.
Welcome
Our History
Important Information
Visitors to the prayer hall are asked to pay respect to the Guru Granth Sahib Ji by bowing and avoiding pointing feet in that direction whilst sitting, and try to avoid turning your back toward the Guru Granth Sahib if at all possible. If you do not feel comfortable bowing, it is appropriate to simply walk directly over to your seat and sit down.
Wear modest clothes to the Gurdwara.
Please remove shoes upon entering the Gurdwara so that floor is kept clean and you show respect.
Always wash your hands after taking your shoes off, before/ after eating any food (either karah prashad or Langar), and before praying.
Do not drink alcohol or use/have tobacco or any drugs.
(controlled substances) on the Gurdwara premises including in the carpark.
Please wear a head covering.
- For women/ girls – will need to wear a headscarf. But they can also wear the Gurdwara’s large-knotted handkerchief too upon entering the building.
- For men/boys – will need to wear a large-knotted handkerchief.
- Not appropriate: Other hats and caps (eg baseball-style caps).
Do not walk up onto the podium or stage inside the prayer hall.
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- The palki sahib is the main structure that houses the Guru Granth Sahib.
- Over it there is a canopy made out of cloth called a chanani.
- The Nishan Sahib is a flag bearing the Sikh symbol (the Khanda). These flags are placed on either side of the palki sahib.
- The Guru Granth Sahib sits in the centre covered with a special cloth called a rumalla.
Charitable giving is an important part of being a Sikh, so in front of the palki sahib there is a golak (collection box). Here, the community can give money towards the upkeep of the gurdwara and the langar.
The langar is a place where everyone gathers to eat together, even those outside the gurdwara, with free food served from the kitchen.
The langar is run by volunteers. Many Sikhs see it as a privilege to help by cooking, cleaning or serving food there. Only vegetarian food is served in the langar, to make it inclusive of all faiths. The langar reminds Sikhs that all people belong to the same human family and therefore should be treated fairly.