A GREAT day in the Sikh calendar was celebrated on Saturday when the Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara opened its doors to guests and visitors - inviting them to 'discover Bandhi Chhor'.

Bandhi Chhor celebrates the story of the sixth of the 10 Gurus Sri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji, who refused to accept his release from prison unless all his fellow prisoners were allowed to go too - even though they were of the Hindu religion.

Saturday's open day was designed to celebrate the tradition of sacrifice and compassion for others regardless of faith, caste or culture that the Guru's story represents.

Activies at the gurdwara included an immersive story telling experience in a specially created fort designed to recreate the prison Sri Guru Hargobind Singh Ji helped liberate.

The fort boasted impressive looking guards taking turns to create the right atmosphere, as well as an impressive life size model of the Guru himself.

There were impressive displays of the defence weapon called the Chakri, once used to deflect arrows - but still very impressive when wielded by skilful youngsters like Daya Kaur, 12, under the watchful eye of instructor Herman Singh Johal.

There was also a chance for families who came along to admire some skilful performances of the ancient martial art Gatka, as well as to try out their archery skills and admire some historic Sikh artefacts.

The Guru Maneyo Granth Gurdwara is still relatively new in the area, having opened its doors on the site of the old Citroen HQ only three years ago and has become a leading hub in the community.

Regular worshipper Sukhvir Singh said: "Every Sunday we have a Sunday school for 500 children where Sikh history is taught in Punjabi.

"We also try and pioneer good health. Three weeks ago we organised a walk from the mosque to our temple as part of a 'walk to worship' campaign. Diabetes is a major problem in the community and all the food we are serving here today is organic.

"The target is to make all the food we serve in the gurdwara organic but it may take a little while."

Recently the gurdwara organised a trip to Mount Snowdon in Wales as part of the health drive.

Special guests who joined the festivities included the Sikh Tory peer Lord Suri of Ealing and Slough's mayor Cllr Paul Sohal as well as councillors and community leaders.