Singapore Sikh Celebrations

SINGAPORE SIKHS CELEBRATE 300TH GURGADDI DAY WITH A TAKHAT SACHKHAND SRI HAZUR SAHIB FLOAT PARADE
Thousands of Sikhs gathered at the various Gurdwaras of Singapore on the 18th and 19th of October in commemoration of 300 years establishment of the holy scripture and living Guru of the Sikhs, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji (SGGS). The 10th Guru of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji passed the Gurgaddi (guruship) to the SGGS at the .location where today stands Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib, a Gurdwara on the banks of the Godavari in Maharashtra. A replica of the Gurdwara was created in the form of a float for the occasion, which was celebrated majestically by the Sangat (congregation) of Singapore.
“The idea of creating a fully scaled float replica of Takhat Sachkhand Sri Hazur Sahib was conceived in early March this year; and real work stated in June. The design was done using photographs and videos of the actual Gurdwara and took about 2 weeks to create and the actual construction of the float took about 4 weeks to complete,” said Gurdip Singh, Chairman of the Silat Road Sikh Temple (a unit of the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board). The astounding creation was done Richard Tang, a Chinese float designer and constructor. The float drew in crowds from all ages, ethnicities, and even religions. “Handicapped and other elderly believers all joined in the celebrations in getting a glimpse of the holy site,” said Singh.
Organized by the Central Sikh Gurdwara Board in conjunctions with all Sikh Gurdwaras in Singapore, the float traveled on Oct 19 from the Silat Road Gurdwara to the all the seven Gurdwaras of Singapore, namely, Gurdwara Sahib Yishun Sahib, Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Khalsa Dharmak Sabha, Central Sikh Temple, Pardesi Khalsa, Gurdwara Katong and finally making its way back to the Silat Road Gurdwara.
The magnitude of respect shown towards their living Guru by the Sangat is immeasurable as they stood in long lines to enter the float, bowing their heads in respect and love for the SGGS, which was instated in the float. In anticipation of the float at the Gurdwaras, sevadaars (volunteers participating in selfless service) swept and washed the streets in preparation for the arrival of their Living Guru.
The Singapore Sikh Community also launched a book “Sikhi – A Way of Life” in conjunction with this auspicious occasion. The Guest of Honour at these celebrations was Prof S. Jayakumar, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore.
sent by :
Sd.Gurdip Singh Usma,
Chairman, Silat Road Sikh Temple ,
8 Jalan Bukit Merah, Singapore 169543

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