Sikhism is a monotheistic faith founded more than 500 years ago in South Asia. It has roughly 27 million followers worldwide, making it the fifth-largest religion. Observant Sikhs do not cut their hair; male followers often cover their heads with turbans - which are considered sacred - and refrain from shaving their beards. There are roughly 500,000 Sikhs in the U.S., according to estimates. The majority worldwide live in Punjab a northwestern state of India.

The Sikh community in Kansas City dates from the 1960s. The community was formed with only five families and originally met every Sunday in the homes of members. The community continued to operate out of private homes until 1978, when members began renting buildings on Sundays in order to accommodate the expansion of their community. Finally, in 1989, the Kansas City Sikhs completed a gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), where they continue to worship today.