Special Report
Editorial
Op-Ed
Opinion
Columns

Politics
Literature
Music
Art & Culture
Sikh Religion
Rights
1984
Books
Education
Business

Entertainment
Lifestyle
Travel
Health
Heritage
Sports
Kids Corner

Panjab
India
Pakistan
South Asia
US of A
Canada
Asia-Pacific
UK
Europe
Middle East
Africa
World
 

Archives
Newsletter
Advertise

Obituaries

Feedback
Contact Us
About Us
Site Map

New Lodi gurdwara opens after a year's delay
WSN Network

LODI: Local Sikhs observed the grand opening of a new gurdwara in Lodi with a parade and service on Sunday. The parade began at 9:30 a.m. and was  confined to the immediate vicinity of the gurdwara at Armstrong Road and West Lane, just south of the city limits, said head priest Harnam Singh. Members of the local Sikh community purchased the 10-acre parcel in 2004, and the gurdwara has been under construction since September 2006, Singh said. Worshipers have held services in a small building on the same lot in the interim.

The gurdwara had to wait for its opening for a year because of the delay in getting final approval by San Joaquin County officials. The new hall can hold an estimated 400 people, said Harnam Singh. He has been the head granthi at the Lodi temple the past three years. More than 800 people attended the special parade, which was limited to the perimeter of the grounds at Armstrong Road and West Lane.

Speakers explained what Sikhism is and what Sikhs' religious beliefs are. An elaborate 10-foot-long model of the Golden Temple in Amritsar was also placed. The model temple has a white marble plaza and is made of artificial gold that is lighted from inside. The real temple is made of solid gold, Singh said.

In keeping with the tenets of the Sikh faith to help victims of natural disasters, the temple is collecting contributions for Southern California wildfire victims.

Harnam Singh is one of four priests at the Lodi temple. The others are Dhram Singh, Ronak Singh and Satbal Singh.

28 November, 2007   
 

Bookmark with

Reddit    Yahoo     Furl    Delicious