Foundation and Establishment
Grand Lodge of Upper India was officially consecrated on 21 January 1995 at the Masonic Complex in Daun, Chandigarh. It was formed by brethren who voluntarily chose to create an autonomous Grand Lodge distinct from other Indian Masonic jurisdictions. At its inception there were 13 Lodges working under its Constitution.
GLUI was founded to uphold the ancient principles and practices of Craft Masonry in its region — emphasizing regularity, fraternity, moral discipline, and civic responsibility — while enhancing local governance of Masonic lodges.
Jurisdiction and Lodges
Since its consecration, the Grand Lodge of Upper India has served as the governing body for Freemasonry across northern and central India. It operates through a number of warranted lodges that uphold the Craft’s rituals, moral teachings, and working traditions.
Its administrative headquarters remain at the Masonic Complex, Daun (Chandigarh), where the Grand Lodge convenes Annual Communications, Grand Festivals, and ceremonial events that bring together brethren from across its jurisdiction.
In January 2020, the Grand Lodge of Upper India celebrated its Silver Jubilee (25th Anniversary), marking a significant milestone in its history. The celebrations were attended by distinguished brethren from sister jurisdictions — including Grand Lodge of South India, Grand Lodge of Belgium, Sovereign Grand Lodge of Austria, and delegations from Grand Lodge of Hungary and Grand Lodge of Serbia.
These celebrations reflected not only the growth of GLUI as a regional institution but also its international fraternal relationships and recognition among the broader Masonic family.
Role within the United Grand Lodges of India
The Grand Lodge of Upper India is a principal constituent of the United Grand Lodges of India (UGLI), a collaborative body formed to represent Masonic jurisdictions like GLUI and the Grand Lodge of South India. This association fosters mutual dialogue, cooperation, and fraternal ties across regional boundaries, and maintains connections with Grand Lodges in Europe, South America, and Asia.
Under this framework, GLUI operates alongside other Masonic disciplines such as its Grand Mark Lodge of Upper India and the Supreme Grand Chapter of Upper India (Holy Royal Arch), demonstrating the integrated Masonic influence in both Craft and concordant orders.
Masonic Principles and Activity
The Grand Lodge of Upper India, like all Regular Masonic Grand Lodges, is committed to traditional Masonic principles:
- Brotherhood and fellowship among men of good character.
- Moral and ethical self-improvement through symbolic instruction and ritual.
- Charitable service and community engagement, encouraging members to be constructive citizens and contributive members of society.
Each lodge under GLUI carries out its duties and activities in accordance with the Ancient Landmarks and usages of Craft Masonry, maintaining ritual uniformity while also adapting to local contexts and needs.
Present Status and Outreach
Today GLUI continues to function actively with its lodges in northern and central India. Its activities include regular lodge work, Masonic education, charitable outreach, and participation in international Masonic exchanges. Its Silver Jubilee celebration was a testament to its maturity, regional importance, and growing visibility within the Indian and global Craft.
Growth and Milestones
Since its consecration:
- GLUI has continued to administer Craft Masonry through its network of lodges based in cities across northern and central India.
- The jurisdiction celebrated its Silver Jubilee (25th Anniversary) on 21 January 2020, a major milestone attended by representatives and Grand Masters from sister Grand Lodges including Grand Lodge of South India and European obediences.
- GLUI actively participates in the United Grand Lodges of India (UGLI) — a collaborative body that fosters cooperation and fraternal relations between regional Masonic jurisdictions in India.
Masonic Activities and Influence
Under the leadership of successive Grand Masters, the Grand Lodge of Upper India continues to promote the core values of Freemasonry:
- Brotherhood and Fraternity
- Ethical Leadership and Character Development
- Community Service and Charity
- Masonic Education and Tradition
GLUI lodges work regularly to uphold ritual consistency, promote Masonic learning, and serve local communities through discreet charitable work.