National Gurdwara | American Turban

The "National Gurdwara" on Embassy Row in Washington, D.C. (source: Panoramio)

Washington, DC’s National Gurdwara to reopen

May 17, 2013 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

The Sikh News Network is reporting that the National Gurdwara, the ill-fated Sikh house of worship located prominently in Washington, D.C.’s “Embassy Row”, will be reopening under new ownership after it was formally closed last year due to financial issues for several years. The closing of this Gurdwara in such a prominent location came to the dismay of many in the Sikh community. After several parties expressed interest, the Gurdwara has been purchased by the Jaswant Sawhney Irrevocable Charitable Trust, […]

Categories: News Bits • Tags: Embassy Row, Gurdwara, Jaswant Sawhney Irrevocable Charitable Trust, Maryland, National Gurdwara, Pingalwara, Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C.’s National Gurdwara closes

February 21, 2012 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

About six months ago, we received news of the dire financial situation surrounding the National Gurdwara located in the US Capitol district in Washington, DC. The Gurdwara has apparently finally succumbed to its financial issues and closed, but not without objections from its sangat (congregation): Said Sardar Bakhshish Singh, President of the Gurdwar,a in a communique, “I want to inform the Sikh sangat all over the United States of some very sad news that the National Gurdwara, DC has been […]

Categories: News Bits • Tags: "Washington, D.C.", National Gurdwara, Washington D.C.

D.C.’s National Gurdwara heading to the auction block

August 16, 2011 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

The National Gurdwara, located on Massachussetts Avenue in Washington, D.C., is in dire financial straits. Built in 2005, the Gurdwara (Sikh house of worship) is located in the heart of D.C. – steps away from the National Cathedral and only a few miles away from the White House – and claims to be the only Gurdwara in Washington. However, despite its lofty goals, it seems that the Gurdwara has become too mired in politics and poor management to be able to […]

Categories: News Bits • Tags: "Washington, D.C.", National Gurdwara, SGPC, Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Washington D.C.

Can’t see the religion for the buildings

November 12, 2010 by Rupinder Mohan Singh

“I am sorry I failed.” — D.C. Superior Court Judge Bruce Beaudin, on his attempts to bring resolution to the dispute over the National Gurdwara in Washington, D.C. Such disputes involving Gurdwaras (Sikh places of worship) are all too common in North America. Many Gurdwaras are plagued with an over-emphasis on buildings, personal ambition, and finances. A visit to this Gurdwara’s website takes the visitor to a page asking for donations to keep it afloat. The Gurdwara is surrounded by such […]

Categories: News Bits • Tags: "Washington, D.C.", Gurdwara disputes, National Gurdwara