Non Historical Gurdwaras in North & South America

Sikhs in America

It was around the end of the 19th century, when the state of Punjab had fallen under the control of the Britishiers that many Sikhs emigrated to California state of USA with a view to work on the Farms. At that time, the Sikhs were travelling via Hongkong to Angel Island, California. First of all, they got concentrated in the Agriculture sector in Yuba city of California state. When, during two world wars, the Sikh fought and settled thereafter in European cities, they started moving from these cities to USA and join other earning areas. Gradually they got their education in USA and spread out to various metropolitan areas all over the states, particularly the Newyork city. Presently the Sikhs are living in many parts of USA with the largest population on the East and West Coast, together with additional population in the Detroit, Chicago and Austin. A large number of Sikhs converted from Americans and other communities can also be seen in different parts of the country with their maximum concentration in Los Angles and Espanola, New Mexico.

Gurdwaras in California

As mentioned above, the first state which got the concentration of Sikh population, was California. The first Gurdwara was built at Stockton in 1912 with joint efforts of S. Basakha Singh and Bhai Jawala Singh, who were later on appointed as the first Granthies of the Gurdwara. When the original building became old, a second building was added in 1929 to the original Gurdwara. However, the old building is still continuing to be used for Akhand Paaths and Anand Karaj purposes. The contact details of this Gurdwara are: address: 1930 S Grant St, Stockton, CA 95206, USA. Contact number 2094600843 and 2098082665. As the number of Sikhs working on the farms was larger in Yuba City, efforts were made by the Sikhs to build a Gurdwara there. But, it took a long time and ultimately in 1969, a Gurdwara was constructed in Yuba City to commemorate the 500 Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanank, the founder of Sikh religion. The groundbreaking ceremony for the Gurdwara in 1969 was a watershed moment symbolizing both the continuity of Sikh traditions, as well as the resurgence of Sikh community and religious life in Yuba City. The Gurdwara is the first in the US to be built in the Indo-Persian architectural style, and its facade is grand and imposing. The Gurdwara is over 18,000 square feet in size and contains a large prayer hall and a communal kitchen. The Gurdwara was built on three acres of land that was part of an almond orchard donated by two brothers, Bakhtawar and Udham Singh Purewal. Many other members of the Sikh community, including Didar Singh Bains and Dr. Narinder Singh Kapany, have given generous donations of land and/or funding over the years to the Gurdwara. In the late 1960s, it was a time of unity in the local Sikh community where the entire community worked together to contribute to the temple’s founding.

Yuba City Gurdwara

The Yuba City Gurdwara has played a transformative role in revitalizing the religious and social life of the local Sikh community. Until the opening of the Gurdwara in Yuba City, Sikhs had to drive nearly 100 miles along country roads to the Stockton Gurdwara. Within a brief time, the Gurdwara introduced remarkable changes in the Sikh community. Major Sikh events are observed in the Gurdwara, together with important life events, such as weddings, birth ceremonies, and the final prayers. Women play a very active role in the life of the temple, participating in the devotional services, serving on temple committees, and volunteering to prepare food on a massive scale for the Langar Hall meals and for weddings and other important community events. The opening of the Gurdwara, and the growth and renaissance of the Sikh community in Yuba City, also led to the creation of the Sikh parade (Nagar Kirtan) that was founded in 1980 and has become one of the largest South Asian festivals outside of India. This Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Temple is situated at 2269 Bogue Rd, Yuba City, CA 95993, USA. Its contact no. is 0015303122168.

The Gurdwara situated at 2468, Tierra Buena Rd., Yuba City, CA 95993, USA having contact no. 00 15306737944,5306739918,53067338436 is the most popular Gurdwara of Yuba City. This is known all over the world for the Sikh parade which is held annually in the 1st weekend of November to celebrate Gurugadee Divas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Yuba City has been hosting an annual Guru Gadee Parade since 1979. Singhs carrying a welcome banner lead the parade. Sikhs come from all around California, the USA and Canada and other locations around the world. Local people and folks from around California come to observe the festivities. Some time more than 100,000 people attend, and each year the numbers grow. The details will follow in another Chapter dealing with this aspect.

Other Gurdwaras in California

There are many other important Gurdwaras in state of California. Some Gurdwaras are managed by specific groups like Gurdwara at Fresno (contact number: 559 442 9323) is managed by Nanksar Samparda Group and Guru Ramdas Ashram at Los Angeles (contact number: 301-201-0954) is managed by Khalsa Council of Sikh Dharma, Southern California (started by Yogi Harbhajan Singh) Some other important Gurdwaras which attract a large number of devotees as well as tourists are Gurdwara Sahib at Fremont, San Jose Gurdwara, Vermont Gurdwara and San Diego Gurdwara. Special mention may be made of Gurdwara San Jose because it is built on a hill top covering about 90000 sq. ft. considering its height, dimensions and the visitors it attracts, it is the largest Gurdwara in North America. When it was opened in 1985 to public, 20000 people had gathered to see its beauty and splendour with a unique fusion of indoPersian architecture. Even presently 5000 persons attend the programmes in this Gurdwara. The architect who designed the project of this Gurdwara was last S. Malkiat Singh Siddhu. Its contact details are, address 2785, Quaintly Rd. SJ CAL 95148, contact no. 4082749373.

Apart from the state of California, we have a number of other Gurdwaras on the west coast of America. The same include two Gurdwaras in Alaska, Three in Arizona, two in Colorado, two in Navega, two in Oregon, two in Utah and four in Washington state including two in Seattle. Among the Gurdwaras in New Mexico, we have a Gurdwara in Albuquerque managed by Sikh Dharma International.

There is another Gurdwara at Espanola (contact number: 505-753-6341) which is also controlled by this organization mainly comprised of converted Sikhs. Considerable Sikh population lives on the east coast also. The maximum Gurdwaras on the east coast are in New Jersey and New York. New York is the most important city of USA as it is the commercial capital of the country and has a secular population comprised of people from different countries of the world. The number of Sikhs living in New York is also quite substantial. Although there are Gurdwaras scattered all over New York, Richmond Hill area has the maximum Sikh population. So we have a number of Gurdwaras in this area. Most of these Gurdwaras are named after the organization which governs these Gurdwaras. Some of these Gurdwaras named after the organizations are tabulated here under:

The name of the organization governing the Gurdwara, Address and contact details:

All the Gurdwaras mentioned in the table hold many important programmes by inviting Gurbani singers and Kathavachaks from India. In all the Gurdwaras plenty of Langar is available for all who visit the Gurdwara. When the Sikh parade is organised in New York, all these Gurdwaras associate with it. Whenever there is some VIP Sikh guest from India, the Gurdwara Committees welcome him. For example, Gurdwara Baba Makhan Shah Lubana is one of the prominent Gurdwaras. It is notable particularly because of its name as there is very few Gurdwaras which are named after prominent Sikhs, particularly the Sikhs like Makhan Shah Lubana who had revealed Guru Tegh Bahadar Ji to the whole world. This Gurdwara celebrates every year Guru Ladho Re Day. Dr. Gurmej Singh Haryana is the President of this Gurdwara. S. Daler Singh is its Secretary. The contact details of the Gurdwara are:- Address: 113-10 101 ST Avenue, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, USA. Its contact no is +1718-805-6941.

Long Island Gurdwara

There is one important Gurdwaras is Long Island Area of New York. This area has too considerable Sikh population. This is very huge Gurdwara built on 30,000 sq. ft. with three big halls, 20 rooms and a five bedroom house to be used as residence by the sewadars. The Sikhs of Long Island area purchased a property for 1.20 million dollar to make this Gurdwara. The famous Kathavachak Bhai Jagtar Singh Jachak was the first Head Priest of Gurdwara. Bhai Sahib left to serve again as an international Kathakaar. Presently the Granthi is Bhai Paramjit Singh. Sewadars of Gurdwara Sahib are Bhai Swinder Singh and Bhai Navdeep Similarly, Gurdwaras in New Jersey are known after the names of their management organizations. A few examples are given in the following table Central Jersey Sikh Association Guru Nanak Society of Delaware Sikh Sabha of New Jersey Sri Guru Singh Sabha INC (President: S. Amrik Singh Sikand, Secretary: S. Harjinder Singh) Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar (President S. Berjinder Singh Brar Secretary: Satnam Singh Virk) Shahid Bhai Mani Singh Cultural Society of New York Dhan Dhan Baba Buddha Ji Association Glen Cove Gurdwara, 100 Lattingtown Rd, Glen Cove, NY 11542, USA contact No. +1 516-609-3333 P.O. Box 3113, Mercirville NJ 08619, Contact No. 6097992143 Deptford, NJ 08619, Contact No. 609464-9835 P.O. Box 1655 Hight Stone NJ 08520 541, Pospect St. Glenrock, NJ 07452, Contact No. 2014479891, 2012514300/4301 800 Port Reading Ave. Port Reading NJ07064 Tel: 732-541-6000, 732-541-6600 President: Ranjeet Singh Dhillon, contact number: 347- 744-0339 President: Deedar Singh Cheema, Secretary: S. Buta Singh Cheema, Chairmen: S. Satnam Singh Dhami Glen Cove Gurdwara, New York Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara, Gurdwara Singh Sabha Glen Rock, New Jersey of Washington, Renton Singh.

The president of Gurdwara Sahib is Sardar Harbinder Singh Sachdev and Secretary is Sardar Mohan Singh Kabuli. Gurdwara Sahib have Ragi Jathas by each month and Gurbani Vichar is done by Sikh preachers. Gurdwara Sahib attracts an average weekly congregation of 200 families from the surrounding area. It has weekly services and celebrates Gurpurabs. Associations/organisations associated with Gurdwara Sahib are East Punjab Sikh Society, Itshi Ladies Satsang, Sikh Missionary College, International Sikh Women’s Council, American Sikh Prabhandak Committee, World Sikh Council, Akhand Keertani Jatha, The Sikh Coalition, Long Island Keertan Project.

In addition to a large numbers of Gurdwaras in New Jersey and New York, there are Gurdwaras in Maryland, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, Massachusetts and Florida on the east coast. There are two Gurdwaras on Washington D.C. also which is the capital of the country. One of these Gurdwaras situated at 3801 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington D.C. 20016 its Contact No. is 2023640363. There is one famous Gurdwara Rockville MD which is being managed by Guru Gobind Singh Foundation. This foundation has played an important role in strengthening the position of Sikhs. When Sikhs were considered as terrorist in the early 90s, Guru Gobind Singh Foundation had made efforts to become a part of all religions gathering which gave some recognition to the Sikhs and when an act for Religious Freedom was passed in USA the Sikhs were invited through this foundation to give their views. They were invited to White House in 1992 where this foundation represented them. In the middle of America also, we have Gurdwaras in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio, where there are eight Gurdwaras. We have a famous Gurdwara known as Gurdwara Gurjot Prakash Chicago. This Gurdwara is managed by Guru Nanak Sikh Mission of America. S. Jagmehar Singh Virk and S. Avtar Singh Adampuri are the President and Gen. Sec. of this Gurdwara. Its contact details are 217-4 state road island lake. IC -60042. Email waheguru@sikhmission.com. Mobile number is 8475265633. Another Gurdwara of Singh Sabha is situated at 5200 Talbat Road, South – Renton (Seattle) WA. Contact number 4252262277 and email is gssrenton@live.com. This gurdwara, known as Gurdwara Sikh Centre, is one of the main Gurdwara in the state of Washington. The city of Seattle in the pacific North West is the largest city of Washington state and one of the most beautiful cities of USA, surrounded by water, mountains and ever green forest. The King country which includes Seattle and Suburbs like Kent, Renpon and Auburn has a sizable Sikh population of around 50 thousand mainly concentrated in Suburbs like Despote. There have be a number of cases of hate crimes and bulling of Sikh children. In March last year when a Turbaned Sikh was shot, the community leaders decided to come together and increased the vigil to prevent such incidents. This gurdwara witnessed a gathering of hundreds of people of the community. Satvinder Kaur, the community leader fought election for the city council and got elected. All these facts associated with the said Gurdwara show its importance. It is also famous for various celebrations of Sikh events. Baisakhi celebration known as the Khalsa Day celebration is the most important day when a Nagar Kirtan is also taken out. There are three Gurdwaras in Winconsin also. It was here that one of the Gurdwaras situated at 7512, S. Howell Ave., Oakh Creek, WI 53154 (Contact No. 4147647454) had figured into news because of the tragedy that took place there because of a racial attack. In the Southern part of America, the thicker population of Sikhs is in Texas. There are eleven Gurdwaras in this state, the maximum in Houston followed by Austin.

Sikhs in Canada

Canada, having the second largest Sikh population in the world, has many Gurdwaras in almost all the parts of the country. There are very few Gurdwaras in Canada run by a Singh Sabha. Different Gurdwaras are run by respective organizations. The Gurdwaras are named after the name of the organizations. For example in Alberta there is Sikh Society of Calgary and in Manitoba, there is a Sikh Society of Manitoba. The two most populated Sikh areas in Canada are Toronto in West Canada and Vancouver in East Canada. There was a time when life for the Sikhs is Vancouver was very difficult. They were even not allowed to cremate their dead persons in the Vancouver city limits. When the first Sikh died in 1907, he could be cremated in distant wilderness. Thus, when the number of Sikhs started increasing, they setup their organizations and those organizations built Gurdwaras. The first Sikh organization that came into being in Vancouver (also in Canada) was the Khalsa Diwan Society. The next organization was Akali Singh Society. Until 1960s there were only three Gurdwaras in Metro Vancouver, the two built by Khalsa Diwan Society in Vancouver and New West Minister and the third one by Akali Singh Gurdwara in Vancouver. The population of Sikhs increased at a rapid speed in Suburbs of Vancouver, particularly in Surrey.

Khalsa Diwan Society of Canada

The Sikhs settled themselves first of all in British Columbia State of Canada. There were very few Sikhs in the beginning of the 19th century. Thus, it was felt that there should be an organization which should enable them to increase the interaction, share their experiences and assist one and another emotionally and financially. Thus the first Sikh organization was established in July 1906. It was officially registered on March 13th, 1909 in Vancouver, and located at the 8000 Ross Street. In par with its official status as a formal “society,” a committee was also elected. As such, from 1907-1909, the first committee of the Khalsa Diwan Society of Vancouver was comprised of the following Sikh community figures:

President- Bhai Sewa Singh, Vice President- Bhai Bhola Singh (Narinder Singh), Treasurer- Bhai Arjan Singh, Member- Bhai Bhag Singh, Member- Bhai Balwant Singh and Member- Bhai Bhola Singh.

This committee did a wonderful job by constructing the very first Sikh temple. The Sikh community supported them by contributing funds for the construction and finally the Gurdwara was built in 1908 at the location of 1866 West 2nd Avenue. Following its initial construction, the Sikh Gurdwara was formally inaugurated on January 19, 1908. The Khalsa Diwan Society not only continued to maintain its presence in Vancouver but also spread to Abbotsford and with the growth of the Khalsa Diwan Society into Abbotsford, followed the construction of the Gur Sikh Temple in 1911. This society continued to work for the welfare of the community and the management of the Gurdwaras under its control. However, in 1975 the Khalsa Diwan Society of abbotsford separated from the parent organization in Vancouver, as the title of the Abbotsford Gurdwara was transferred to the separated entity. The Abbotsford Sikhs wanted to have local control over their Gurdwara. The original society is still working and its present office bearers are S. Mahinder Singh Gill, the President and S. Jatinder Singh Gill, the Secretary. Its contact details are kds@canadiansikhheritage.ca and the contact no. is (604) 850-7338.

Other Gurdwaras in British Columbia State of Canada

As mentioned above the opening of Gurdwaras in Canada started in this state and as the Sikh population went on increasing, the number of Gurdwaras also increased. Presently, the Suburb (of Vancouver) of Surrey town has the largest Sikh population in Canada. Guru Nanak Gurdwara was established in North Delta in 1973 by the Guru Nanak Sikh Society in order to serve around 200 Sikh families living in the Surrey-Delta area. The society itself, the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple Society of Delta Surrey, opened that year. The current facility opened in 1981 along Soctt Road in Surrey. Due to opposition to the Gurdwara from non-Sikhs in Delta, the Delta city government asked the Guru Nanak Sikh Society to build the new Gurdwara in the Surrey side of the property that had been purchased by the society in 1973. In exchange the Delta city government gave access to the Delta sewage system. As of 1988 it was the largest Greater Vancouver Gurdwara building. The gurdwara was receiving a level income slightly below those of the two largest Vancouver-area Gurdwaras by 1979. Around 1984 the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF) took control of the Guru Nanak Gurdwara. The ISYF was a daughter organization of the World Sikh Organization (WSO), which controlled the KDS. According to Hugh Johnston, as of 1988 the Gurdwara “probably” had the second largest membership in Greater Vancouver, after the KDS.

Like this Gurdwara most of the Gurdwaras in British Columbia are managed by the societies. For example, Gurdwara Guru Amar Das Darbar Sikh Society, Cariboo Guru Sikh Temple Society, Canadian Ramgarhia Society Burnabi, brotherhood Sikh Temple Thornhill, Guru Gobind Singh Temple Association, Sri Hargobind Sahib Sikh Society and Gurdwara Sahib York Centre Society are some of the societies which manage the Gurdwaras named after them. A few Gurdwaras are governed by Singh Sabhas as Gurdwara situated at 8115 132 Street, Surrey (contact no. 6045903232) is managed by Canadian Singh Sabha. The formation of young students group and imparting them Gurmat training has been a notable feature of this Gurdwara.

When Interfaith Conference was held in Barkalona in 2004 some of their trainees had attended that conference along with volunteers and given Kirtan performance there which was highly appreciated by one and all. There is a Gurdwara in Victoria also (contact no. 2504752280) which is managed by a Singh Sabha. Although, there are more than 60 Gurdwaras in British Columbia, the best known are Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar, Vancouver and Gurdwara Sahib Dashmesh Darbar at Surrey.

Gurdwara Khalsa Darbar is situated at 390 61st Avenue East, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V5X2V6. Its contact no. is 6043252290. Gurdwara Sahib Dashmesh Darbar, Surrey was formed in 1998 and since then it has been attracting more and more devotees by holding programmes to benefit and promote the Sikh way of living. This Gurdwara also organises Punjabi/Gurmukhi Language Classes for Children and programmes in Sikh history. The daily maryada and kirtan organised at this Gurdwara are so popular that a live telecast of these programmes is made on Asian Television Network. The Gurdwara also has a web based internet radio station which plays religious programmes. The contact details of this Gurdwara are: Address 115 12885 85 Avenue Surrey, BC, Canada, V3W 0K8. Its contact no. : 6045942574 and E-mail : info@dasmeshdarbar.ca.

Gurdwaras in Toronto – Ontario Khalsa Darbar

After British Columbia, greater Toronto Area in Ontario State has the maximum number of Gurdwaras, because, as Surrey, a Suburb of Vencuvour has thick Sikh population, so is the position of Brampton in GTA. The number of Gurdwaras in such areas like Brampton, Mississauga and Markham is quite big. All these Gurdwaras have a large sangat which attends all the programmes and function organized there. The Gurdwara at Malton and Rexdale Gurdwara organise various programmes also which are associated with education, personality development and Gurmat way of living. For example Guru Nanak Academy organizes Gurmat camps for some days during vacations wherein the participants are addressed by prominent Sikh personalities and other public figures. The most well known Gurdwara is Ontario Khalsa Darbar located at 7080 Dixie Road Mississauga, ONL5SLB7. This Gurdwara is one of the largest Gurdwaras in Canada and attracts big crowds of devotees. It was officially started in 1978 in a small trailer. Gradually more and more funds were raised and land purchased for the expansion of the Gurdwara. In the mid to late 1990s the old building was getting overcrowded, so a 6 million dollar project was announced to build a large extension. Much money was raised, however the building still got overcrowded on special days like Bandhi Chhor (“Release from Confinement”, held according to Nanakshahi calendar on same date as Diwali) and Vaisakhi and New Year (December 31). In 2001 the Nagar Kirtan (which celebrates Vaisakhi) had a crowd of nearly 100,000 people. In 2003 the Bandi Chhor celebration drew in a crowd of over 40,000 people. This is when the Gurdwara got a lot of popularity. It has an atmosphere like if it is a major Gurdwara in India. A new plan in 2004 was announced to build a $3 million parking lot. This Gurdwara provides the facility of learning Punjabi, organizes spiritual camps for children and invites prominent ragis and preachers for religious celebrations. It also has a library and multi-media Sikh museum. The Gurdwara management being associated with WSO Canada plays a vital role in deciding Sikh issues. It also has good relations with the government and people of other religions. It is also well known for the tallest Nishan Sahib and sumptuous Langar served to hundreds of people every day.

Scarborough Gurdwara.

This is one of the famous Gurdwaras in Toronto situated at 1905 middle field road, Scarborough, ON, M1V4X1. This Gurdwara is governed by Gursikh Sabha Canada. This organization was established in 1979. They purchased an old church building in 1983. This building was burnt during a lightning strike in 1984. They purchased some other land at the present place and started constructing a Gurdwara. The Gurdwara building was completed in 1991 and further expansion was made in 1997, 2002 & 2005 and then the project was completed in February 2006. The Gurdwara is now having a large beautiful building and a garden attached to it, known as Bhagat Puran Singh Park. This Gurdwara Committee is also instrumental in bringing out a monthly magazine ‘The Gursikh’. This magazine not only elaborates the organisation’s programmes at the Gurdwara, but also gives sufficient readable material on Sikh Religion. One beautiful aspect of this magazine is that every month Gursikh Sabha publishes its monthly account herein covering all the details of income and expenses. The editor of this magazine is S. Ranbir Singh Parhar. The contact details of the Gurdwara are +1 416-299-4800, +1 416-299-9737 and email is info@ gsabha.com and gsabha@gmail.com.

Other Gurdwaras in Canada

Apart from British Columbia and GTA, there are Gurdwaras in other parts of the country also. Even where Sikh population is small, there is a Gurdwara made by them for their spiritual requirements. For example in New Foundland, there is a Gurdwara in St. John. There are only 5 Sikh families in this area. The first Sikh family of Mr. Grewal used to hold a congregation even when there was no Gurdwara. The few families at that time held these congregations at their homes in rotation. Now, when there is a small Gurdwara, there is a regular congregation on every Sunday followed by Tea and Snacks. Some 15 to 26 families scattered in different areas of New Foundland come to St. John during significant religious events. Similar is the position of Saskatchewan. Another society is Sikh Society of Saskatoon. They are managing two Gurdwaras in this state. In Quebec State we have six Gurdwaras; the most notable are Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar and Gurdwara Sahib Quebec. There is one Gurdwara each in Halton, Guelph and Windsor. In the capital city of Ottawa also, there is one Gurdwara, managed by Ottawa Sikh Society. Similarly, in Alberta there is Sikh Society of Calgary and in Manitoba which manages the Gurdwaras situated there. There are a few Gurdwaras managed by Sects and Sampardas such as Nanaksar Gurdwara and a Gurdwara in Burnaby known’s as Sri Guru Ravi Das Sewa Temple being managed by Ravi Dasias Sect.

It may be mentioned here that for all the Gurdwaras in Canada, a directory is available, wherein the contact numbers of all the Gurdwaras have been mentioned. For the benefit of the readers, these details are reproduced hereunder (courtesy Guru Fateh Sewa Centre):-

Ontario Gurdwara Committee

The Ontario Gurdwara Committee is a group of 16 Gurdwaras located in Ontario. It was found in 1985 with a view to Safeguard the interest of the Sikhs and supervise the activities of affiliated Gurdwaras and the organisations associated with it (e.g. British Columbia Sikh Gurdwara Council and Sikh sports Club, Ontario). A large number of persons are working with this association as volunteers. Among its activities, Annual Khalsa Day Parade in Mississauga, is the main event. It also participates in various community and interfaith dialogues. Recently, it came into news as they supported a ban of Indian officials from entering the premises of Sikh places of worship in any official capacity.

Gurdwaras in South American Continent

South American Continent consists of a good number of Countries like Brazil, Argentina, Panama, Mexico and Chile. The immigration to these countries has always been far less as compared to North American countries of USA and Canada. That is why, the Sikh population is also very low in all these countries. Further a major part of the Sikh population in these countries is comprised of the converted Sikhs under the influence of 3HO, an organization founded by Yogi Harbhjan Singh ji. They have played a more active role in constructing Gurdwaras, Maintain them and preaching Sikhs values, teachings and way of living through them. For example, Sri Guru Arjan Dev Sahib Gurdwara in Brazil is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the Sikhs of Brazil and particularly Mata Subagh Kaur Khalsa and (late) Bhai Gurusewak Singh Khalsa, who literally spent a good part of 20 years to almost single-handedly conceive, plan and build the huge building for the benefit of the Guru’s sangat in Brazil. Subagh Kaur Khalsa, an American and her late husband, Gurusewak Singh Khalsa, a Brazilian moved to Sao Paulo in 1987 bringing with them the Sikh holy scripture, Sri Guru Granth Sahib. They set up a yoga centre in their apartment and finally a separate Gurdwara in 2004. There are a few turbaned Surender Singh Kandhari Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai Bubbles Kandhari followers of Yogi Ji in Brazil. It is an experience to see them do “Ardas” in Punjabi followed by Portuguese translation. S. S. S. Bedi is the President of the gurdwara. The contact details of the gurdwara are: address Alameda Dos Sabias, 8120, Serra Da Contareira, Maucpora, Sao Paula, Brazil, e-mail: templeosikh@gmail. com, contact no. +551144851556.

Gurdwara in Panama

The Sikhs in Panama came as immigrants when they got employment in the railways and Canal building projects. When Panama became independent and USA established its base near around, immigrants became aware of the employment opportunities. Some immigrants established stores, restaurants, and some joined civil services with the US government. It is in this phase of immigration that many Sikhs settled here and made fortunes. The names of Gursan Singh Gill, Chain Singh, Amar Singh Mann and Rattan Singh Dhaliwal who arrived in Panama in the late 1930’s, need special mention. Rattan Singh Dhaliwal not only earned lot of money, but also commanded a high respect in the society. He was the founding father of a Gurdwara known as Gurdwara Guru Nanak Sahib in Panama. It was in 1947 When the Indian Community constituted mainly by Punjabi’s, Gujarati’s and Sindhi’s established the Indian Society of Panama receiving vast contributions from the Sikh community. It was in these times that the Indian customs and culture started integrating with the Panamanian community and social and religious establishments initiated. In this time the Sikh community maintained their cultural and religious belief through the Saadh Sangat Paath on Sundays that was constituted in different houses of the community members. From these congregations of the Sangat the idea of establishing a Gurdwara initiated. With the cooperation of the Punjabi and Sindhi community the Gurdwara Guru Nanak was founded under the non profit organization Sociedad Guru Nanak which opened its doors on Guru Nanak’s birthday 1986 and continues to serve as a place of worship for the Sikh Community in Panama. This gurdwara is situated at Iglesia 5, Quebroda De Piedra, Panama with contact no. +5072217798.

Gurdwaras in Argentina

Argentina is a popular country in South America where immigrants from different countries are settled. There are very few Sikhs, but like other countries, here also they are living a prosperous life and enjoy their religion and culture in their Gurdwaras. The first Gurdwara in Argentina was made in 1990 at Salta. This Gurdwara known as Templo Gurdwara Nanaksar, Rosario DE LA Frontera, Salta, Argentina now attracts regular devotees. In 2017-18 the Sikhs reached here from different places to celebrate Vaisakhi. S. Surjeet Singh of Delhi, now settled in Brampton, Canada (M: 416-725-1513) is the main person behind construction of the Gurdwara and the major celebrations held there. He was living in Salta, Argentina when the foundation stone of this Gurdwara was laid on 13th April 1988. S. Sukhdev Singh Boporai had donated land for the Gurdwara.

Even after settling in Brampton S. Surjeet Singh had been sending donations for the maintenance of the Gurdwara. There is another Gurdwara in Buenos Aires, capital city of Argentina. This Gurdwara has been setup and is managed by the converted American Sikhs. A Yoga centre is attached to this Gurdwara. The devotees visiting the Gurdwara include Sikhs, Hindus, Sindhis and even Muslims. The head priest of the Gurdwara, S Ram Kishan Singh had informed in one of his interviews in March this year (2018) that “We have enjoyed four years of harmony and growth—not without challenges—but full of blessings. We teach Gurmukhi, play Kirtan, and teach cooking classes. During this time, I also began to observe the need to make this path known to the rest of the religions and practices of our city

I began to participate in roundtables and interreligious dialogue groups, receiving support from wonderful people who taught me that in order to grow we should be resonating as another “instrument” in the symphony of diverse religions of Argentina.

I was able to connect with the Secretaria de Culto (Department of Worship) of the city of Buenos Aires and soon I awakened the interest of the other groups that invited me to give lectures, dialogues, and colloquies of ideas. I participated in all the congresses and forums of religion of the nation. In 2014, I began the process of registering the Sikh religion to be recognized by the state, and I invited a group of Punjabi Sikhs and Kundalini Yogis from Argentina to create a civil association, as the first step for state recognition.

After almost four years of negotiations and procedures, fulfilling all the requirements, I am happy to have completed this first step with the tranquillity that this legacy, being already part of the official religions landscape, will never disappear, transcending my person. The community of Indians residing in Argentina are very happy with this official recognition. With the support of the Ambassador of India in Buenos Aires and the National Government, our country will hold the first national census to determine how many Sikhs live in Argentina (first, second and third generation, as well as converts, as is my case). This year for the first time, Sikh Studies will be taught in Argentine universities, a task for which I have been undeservedly appointed.

These have been years of hard work. I offer my gratitude to the Sikh brothers and sisters who day by day share their heritage and knowledge and commit their time in service of the Guru. I am grateful to all those inter-religious leaders and others who advised our process with love and generosity, as well as to the public servants of governments of Buenos Aires and Argentina so that all of us with our hearts in Chardi Kala have the blessing to receive and celebrate this achievement.

Gurdwara in Mexico

There is only one Gurdwara in Mexico City. This Gurdwara is also managed by the disciples of Yogi Bhajan. Arjan Singh an Indian Granthi, who is married to a Mexican woman runs both a Yoga centre as well as the Gurdwara attached there with. The maximum people who visit this Gurdwara are Mexicans converted to Sikhism.

Sikh Dharma, Chile

Chile is a small country where the Sikh population is very small as there are very few Indian living in this country. Most of the Sikhs living here are Chileans/Americans converted to Sikhism under the influence of Yogi Harbhajan Singh. These Sikhs had constructed a Gurdwara in the capital city of Santiago. They also made efforts to get the Sikh religion recognized by the Chile Government. Their spictual efforts yielded fruit when the government accepted their demand and recognised Sikhism as one of the spiritual paths. This recognition came on 25th January 2016 after a struggle of about 4 years by the Chilian Sikhs.

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