Members of the local Sikh community welcomed one and all to experience a “glance of grace” amidst prayers and joyful feasting at the recent opening of a new Sikh temple at East Gosford on Sunday, May 12.
The opening of the Central Coast Sikh temple, the Gurdwara Sahib, was celebrated by local Sikh families, other residents and visiting dignitaries and their families.
Gurdwara Sahib means the doorway to God.
This doorway, or temple, is at 134 Erina St, Gosford.
The celebration began with prayers, and was followed by Kirtan which are prayers or praise for the divine, as well as a feast for all attending.
Minister for the Central Coast and Member for Wyong David Harris attended along with his family.
He was welcomed in a speech by Chetanpreet Singh Gill, eldest son of Central Coast Sikh Community President Arvendar Singh Gill.
“Your presence among us today is a great honour, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have you with us,” he said.
“May your leadership be guided by the principles of justice, equality, and service to humanity.”
Chetanpreet also talked about the ethics of the Sikhs and the tradition of a community kitchen where everyone, regardless of caste, religion or status, is welcome to a free, nutritious meal.
“This tradition emphasises equality and the importance of sharing with others,” he said.
Also present were Ruoinder Kaur, Navroop Kaur, Simatjut Malhi and Lakshpreet Kaur, Manpreet Kaur and Taranbir Sing Gill.
The Sikh community has opened the space for both Sikh families and Central Central residents to come together for prayer and afterwards to share a delicious meal every Sunday, free of charge.
Local Sikhs recognised the need for a local temple because the nearest alternative is more than 60km away in Turramurra.
There are more than 300 Sikh families living on the Central Coast who recognised the need for a local temple because the nearest alternative is more than 60km away in Turramurra.
The new Central Coast temple will be open from 5am to 8pm daily and volunteers will look after the temple and provide the feast free of charge to all attendees every Sunday.
Congratulations on opening your new house of worship, may it flourish for years to come