A Joyful Occasion For Sikh Congregation

Sundays give many a chance to reflect on their week and perhaps their lives, and give thanks through religious practice. For the Sikh Congregation in Southington Sunday, Feb. 13th arrived with new beginnings.

The Gurdwara (Sikh Temple) Guru Nanak Darbar, at 1610 West Street, officially opened for religious services. The new 10,000 sq. ft. temple can accommodate up to 500 people. The transition from the existing 2,400 sq. ft. space next door (the old Redmen's Club hall the association bought in 1999) to the new temple brought crowds from throughout the state as well as Massachusetts.

Borghesi Building & Engineering Co., Inc of Torrington designed and constructed the temple and according to Trustee member Kanwaljit Singh.

"The costs were approximately $1.7 million but a bigger temple was much needed,” Singh said. “The smaller building is still valuable and will now serve as an educational facility."

The ceremony consisted of moving the holy books from the old to new temple. The Guru Granth Sahib is the holy scripture of Sikhism and contains hymns and descriptions of the qualities of God and reasons why meditating is important.

Devotees walked a pathway between the two structures that had been specially laid down for the transport of the scriptures. It is customary to remove shoes in temple or anywhere the sacred books travels. Although the temperature was cold no one complained about walking barefoot while many members tossed flower petals honoring the transition.

The temple is divided into two large rooms. On the left side, the temple is carpeted. While many devotees stand initially, they will sit down upon the floor for the duration of the service. 

Hymns are sung and everyone listens to to katha - the translation of shabads and historic/scriptural narration. Community and Gurdwara news, religious speeches and any recent events are communicated to all during this time. People move about and approach the donation bench followed by however long they wish to sit in prayer with family or friends.

Large flat screen monitors hang on the right and left side of the temple, displaying prayers. Two languages are shown on screen - native Punjabi and English translation because Sikhism welcomes all denominations into worship. Live music is played and provides a rhythm to meditate on what it is that God wants you to do.

The right side of the building is for langer, the kitchen and dining hall at the gurdwara.

Following prayer service, vegetarian food is served to everyone, Sikh and non-Sikh. Eating together and sharing the preparations of the langer is part of the Sikh ways of showing everyone is equal. Members take turns helping in the langer. Sikhs believe that serving others (sewa) is a way of showing your love for God.

All are welcome to join services and learn more about Sikhism.