HYDERABAD: Founded in 1926, the Central Gurudwara Saheb (CGS), Gowliguda, has stood witness to Hyderabad’s transformation through the decades while retaining its timeless message of faith, equality, brotherhood and service. As it completes 100 years, the Sikh community is celebrating with a year-long programme of events, beginning with a centenary marathon.
For generations, the gurudwara has been a place for prayer, fellowship and sewa, the Sikh tradition of selfless service. The year-long celebrations will begin with a centenary marathon on Sunday, themed ‘Run for Faith, Run for Sewa’. Around 5,000 participants have registered for the 3K and 5K runs and Family Walkathon.
The marathon will be flagged off from HMDA Grounds near Prasad’s Theatre, Khairatabad, with participants proceeding towards People’s Plaza and Necklace Road before returning to the starting point. Families, youngsters, senior citizens and members of the Sikh community are expected to take part.
“It is a celebration of faith, service and unity, bringing the entire community together,” says S Trilok Singh, president of the prabhandak committee of CGS Gowliguda.
A century in the city
The old Gurudwara Saheb Bada Naka, now CGS Gowliguda, was constructed in 1926. The area developed around the British Residency, now Koti Women’s College, with a temple, mosque and gurudwara established alongside one another.
The gurudwara initially began in Sikh Galli before moving to its present building. Its interiors were similar to those of Gurudwara Sahib in Lahore, according to the community.
For the Sikh community, the gurudwara’s 100-year journey is one of continuity — preserving traditions while becoming part of Hyderabad’s diverse social fabric.
The marathon will set the tone for the celebrations, with September set to see Akhand Path Sahib, continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib; Kirtan Darbar, featuring mass congregations and devotional music; and Amrit Sanchar, the Sikh initiation ceremony.