Kulwant Singh: The Vision Behind Sikh Motorcycles in Nagar Kirtan

The Vision Behind Sikh Motorcycles in Nagar Kirtan

Merging Sikh Identity with Modern Brotherhood

In the heart of Leicester, Kulwant Singh founded the Sikh Motorcycle Club UK in 2020, a unique initiative that celebrates Sikh values while embracing the power of community and motorcycling. What began as a small group of passionate riders quickly evolved into a movement that is now reshaping how Sikh heritage is represented in public processions across the UK.

Transforming Nagar Kirtans Since 2022

Prior to Kulwant’s initiative, motorcycles were not a common sight in Nagar Kirtan processions. The thought of these powerful machines weaving through the crowds of devotees seemed audacious, even sacrilegious. However, Kulwant saw an opportunity to showcase the Sikh community’s diversity and modernity while maintaining reverence for tradition. The club made its first Nagar Kirtan appearance in April 2022 in Leicester, marking a powerful moment where Sikh riders, in vibrant turbans and full gear, rode with the Sangat in harmony and pride.

With full cooperation from local Gurdwaras, Police and the City Council, the motorcycles became a respectful and energizing part of the spiritual procession—turning heads and warming hearts.

Since then, the club has proudly featured in Nagar Kirtans and Sikh events across the UK:

Leicester, Derby, Nottingham, Ipswich, Manchester
Crawley (March 2025 – Holla Mohalla celebrations)

What began in Leicester is now spreading like wildfire. Other towns and cities—like Birmingham, Gravesend, Leeds, Wolverhampton, and Woolwich—are beginning to adopt similar motorcycle processions, inspired by the Sikh Motorcycle Club UK’s respectful, disciplined, and visually powerful presence.

Not Just a Ride—A Mission

From day one, the Sikh Motorcycle Club UK has stood for more than riding. The club upholds core Sikh principles like seva (selfless service), unity, and identity. Members actively:

Participate in multi-faith Remembrance Day services
Support community langar and charity drives
Organise youth-focused events, including turban-tying and Sikh heritage workshops

This unique combination of faith, public service, and visibility has helped reshape perceptions of Sikh identity across the UK.

Media Recognition

The club’s growth and impact have not gone unnoticed:

BBC Radio Leicester – Jo Bostock Show
BBC One Show – Vaisakhi Special 2023
ITV’s The Motorbike Show with Henry Cole (May 2023)
Sikh Channel, Akaal Channel, Brit Punjabi, Channel Punjab
Leicester Mercury and Leicestershire Live

These features have helped amplify the club’s mission: to proudly represent Sikhs in public spaces, inspire younger generations, and share Sikh values with the wider community.

⚠️ Important Advisory for Riders Taking Part in Nagar Kirtans

✅ Planning to Ride in Your Local Nagar Kirtan?

If you are planning to take part in a Nagar Kirtan procession with your motorcycle, please consult your local Gurdwara Sahib and local council well in advance. There are legal and safety protocols that must be followed, including:

Being included in the official procession plan
Following health and safety assessments
Maintaining discipline and spiritual respect during the event

This ensures the safety of everyone and protects the sanctity of the Nagar Kirtan.

❌ Not a Member of the Sikh Motorcycle Club UK? Please Read Carefully

If you’re taking part but are not affiliated with the Sikh Motorcycle Club UK, please do not bring shame to the community or proper clubs by:

Acting recklessly or performing stunts
Riding without a valid licence, MOT, or insurance
Ignoring procession rules or disrespecting the Sangat

This kind of irresponsible behaviour brings disrepute not only to yourself but to all Sikh riders across the UK. We urge you to represent our community with integrity, respect, and discipline.

Riding Into the Future

From a grassroots idea in 2020 to a national phenomenon by 2025, the Sikh Motorcycle Club UK has become a symbol of how tradition and modern identity can ride side by side.

With more towns adopting their model and communities growing more united, the club is proof that the roar of a motorbike can echo the spirit of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s warriors—loud, proud, and full of purpose.

In the heart of Leicester, a visionary named Kulwant Singh dared to break the mold. He spearheaded the participation of motorcycles in the city’s famed Nagar Kirtan, a vibrant procession that celebrates Sikh culture and spirituality. This unprecedented move not only introduced Sikh Motorcycle Club UK (SMCUK) to a wider audience but also set a precedent for other towns across the country.

With unwavering determination, Kulwant worked tirelessly to overcome initial scepticism and secure permission from the Nagar Kirtan organisers & City Council. He believed that motorcycles could represent the Sikh spirit of innovation and adaptability, perfectly complementing the procession’s message of harmony and unity.

On the day of the Nagar Kirtan, Kulwant’s vision came to life. As SMCUK’s gleaming motorcycles cruised through the streets, the crowds erupted in cheers and applause. The sight of these majestic machines, adorned with vibrant Sikh symbols, transformed the procession into a dazzling spectacle that captivated the entire city.

Kulwant’s ground-breaking initiative did not stop there. Inspired by this success, other towns began incorporating motorcycles into their Nagar Kirtans, replicating SMCUK’s unique style and spreading the message of Sikh tradition as well as modernity.

Beyond Leicester’s streets, Kulwant’s impact extended to the world of television. His story caught the attention of mainstream media, showcasing the Sikh community’s dynamic and progressive spirit. Kulwant’s charismatic personality and unwavering commitment to his faith resonated with viewers, projecting a positive image of Sikhs that challenged stereotypes and fostered understanding.

Kulwant Singh’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of a single procession. He has become a role model for Sikhs worldwide, demonstrating that innovation and tradition are not mutually exclusive. His vision has transformed the Nagar Kirtan, imbuing it with a new dimension of vibrancy and cultural expression.

As Kulwant continues to inspire others, his impact will undoubtedly reverberate through generations to come. He has not only brought Sikh Motorcycle Club UK to the wider community but also ignited a movement that celebrates Sikh culture’s adaptability and modernity. Kulwant Singh is a true visionary, leading the way for others and creating positive vibes on mainstream TV.