Sri Kalgidhar Gurdwara is the largest religious place in New Zealand connected to the Indian Diaspora. This magnificent building is housed in 8.6 acres of prime flat land in the Takanini suburb in Auckland and home to the revered Sri Guru Granth Sahib. This nodal Sikh place of worship has over 8000 devotees visit it over any given weekend thus again making it the most visited religious place in the country. The foundation stone of this temple was laid by the traditional Sikh Panj Piaras in the presence of the then Prime Minister Helen Clark who was a regular visitor throughout her tenure as the leader of the nation. This project was completed in a record time of 2.5 years under the able leadership of Daljit Singh JP.
The building houses a modern stainless steel 220 m2 kitchen and a angar hall on the ground floor and the main assembly hall on the first floor were a congregation in excess of 5000 can assemble and listen to kirtan in the presence of Guru Granth Sahib. There is also a three bed room accommodation for the religious minister apart from cricket, soccer, volleyball and kabadi ground.The official opening ceremony was held on the 13th of March 2005 and ever since its annual anniversary function is celebrated with intense religious fervour around the middle of March. As of today the total assets on this site are about $10Mn and the NZ Sikh Society Auckland which is a registered charitable trust manages the day to day operations.
Recently the 6th anniversary was celebrated with great religious enthusiasm and fervour. The celebration spanned over a week and every day there was a function culminating in a large function over the weekend where over 8000 people paid obeisance and partook langar in community kitchen as per established Sikh traditions. A noted Sikh scholar and preacher Bhai Pinderpal Singh had specially come all the way from India to interact with the community and share his knowledge and love for the religion. The in house kirtan jatha led by Bhai Jeet Singh Jeet and Bhai Gurpreet Singh Jalandharwala also regaled the audience with mesmerising kirtan and sang hymns from the revered Guru Granth Sahib. After a week long string of religious functions, the celebrations were culminated with traditional Indian games like Kabadi, Soccer, Volleyball. There was also a kabadi competition for young children. In line with the importance the Sikh religion accords to women, a special musical chairs competition was also held for the girls.
with thanks : indianweekender : link above for detailed news.
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