Sikhs in Singapore: A Century of Heritage and Community

A Gurdwara in Singapore is celebrating its centenary with a series of events from June to December, commemorating the arrival of early Sikhs and their contributions. The site's history includes murals of revered figures and serves as a cultural and community hub offering daily meals and prayer services.

A Gurdwara in Singapore is commemorating its 100th anniversary by revisiting the history of early Sikh arrivals in the 1800s, including a revolutionary jailed by the British Raj, according to The Straits Times.

The entrance features two murals: one honoring Bhai Maharaj Singh, the first documented Sikh in Singapore, and another celebrating Sikhs in the police force.

The murals were unveiled by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on July 6 during the centennial celebrations.

Located near Singapore General Hospital, the Gurdwara's anniversary events began on June 15 and will last until December, with National Day as a key highlight.

Founded by Sikh immigrants brought by the British in the 1800s, the Gurdwara also sheltered Sikh soldiers' families during WWII.

On Singapore's 59th birthday, devotees attended prayer sessions and festivities at the Silat Road Sikh Temple, declared a historical site in 1999, showcasing the site's cultural importance.

The Gurdwara provides daily meals for 1,000 devotees and 2,000 over weekends, with prayers and meal preparations conducted by local Sikhs and migrant workers.

Completed in 1924, the temple relies on selfless service (seva) from its Sikh community. Only trained personnel from India are employed for specific roles, such as Kirtan singers and cooks.

"This temple holds our history and we contribute through seva, like cooking and cleaning," said Nirmal Singh, 40, to the Singapore Daily.

(With inputs from agencies.)