This former Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha archway stands discreetly in the rushy bazaar of Dharampura (now Mustafaabad), Lahore. Once marking the entrance to a small local Sikh place of worship, this arched gateway is the only surviving element of the Gurudwara. Over time, shops have taken over the lower portion, and only the upper part of the arch remains visible above the market crowd. A faded Khanda symbol can still be seen at the top center, silently bearing witness to its Sikh heritage.
The Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha was historically linked to the Singh Sabha Movement. This major Sikh reform initiative began in the late 19th century to promote education, religious clarity, and community revival. The Sri Guru Singh Sabha Lahore was officially established on 2 November 1879, with key figures like Diwan Buta Singh and Gurmukh Singh playing foundational roles (Discover Sikhism, Wikipedia).
Today, nothing else remains of the original Gurudwara structure—only this lone arch survives, surrounded by commercial activity, stripped of its religious function but retaining deep historical and cultural value.
Dharampura is one of Lahore’s most historic and culturally layered localities. Established in 1583 by Emperor Akbar as a designated settlement for Hindus, it continues to echo its old identity despite being officially renamed Mustafaabad after the 1947 Partition. To this day, locals affectionately refer to it by its original name, Dharampura.
Located between the Walled City of Lahore and the Lahore Cantonment, this working-class area still preserves subtle yet telling signs of its rich, pre-Partition religious and cultural diversity.
A special thanks to Dr. Zishan Ahmed for guiding me to this hidden spot. Without his help, I could not have reached it in a million years—it lies deep within a narrow, overcrowded market bustling with female customers. If you plan to visit, try doing so early in the morning, when the market is still waking up; otherwise, there’s hardly space to place a foot.
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