Community members are invited to visit the Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar in April — an important month in the Sikh religion.
For the second consecutive year, Coun. Ruby Campbell is hosting a free tour of the Gurdwara Sahib Sukh Sagar. This year’s event is on Wednesday, April 9 at 6:30 p.m. at 347 Wood St.; it's free but appreciated if folks RSVP ahead of time.
Campbell said she frequently meets New Westminster residents who have lived here for decades and are curious about what the Gurdwara looks like from inside.
“They know it is an important place of worship for many of their friends and neighbours; they hear about how lovely it is inside and just never had an opportunity to go in,” she said. “Most residents also know about the free community meals and are aware they can visit anytime but simply just uncomfortable to go on their own the first time, which is completely understandable.”
Campbell said her family was quite active at this Gurdwara in the mid-1970s, so she spent a great deal of her childhood attending services, helping to cook, or and just hanging out with her cousins at the Queensborough temple.
“I always feel a strong connection to the community when I am there, so wanted to share with other New Westminster residents,” she said.
According to Campbell, April is Sikh Heritage Month in Canada. In mid-April, Sikhs will also celebrate Vaisakhi, which commemorates the founding of Sikhism and honours the teachings and spiritual legacy of the 10 Gurus and the Holy Book Guru Granth Sahib Ji.
“It is also the arrival of spring and the harvest season, so I thought this time of the season would be ideal for the tour,” she said.
Campbell said about 50 people attended last year’s tour.
“Most were really impressed with how many community activities, especially for youth, are hosted at the Gurdwara,” she said. “The tour was led by the outreach team, including many youths from the community. The attendees were astounded at how busy it was inside and how many programs were being offered.”
While at the Gurdwara, she said visitors saw a community cooking class hosted by the city’s parks and recreation department, learned about a variety of youth programs, had an opportunity to learn more about the Sikh faith, and asked questions.
Campbell said folks who take part in the upcoming tour will learn about some of the simple customs to visit a Gurdwara, including why people take off their shoes, why they cover their heads with scarves, and the general protocols. They’ll also visit upstairs, where the main hall for worship is located, and also see the other rooms where programs occur.
“Guests will also be welcomed to stay for a vegetarian meal after the tour. There will be lots of opportunity for questions,” she said. “The Gurdwara provides a spiritual and community space for many residents. It has been in New Westminster for over a century and is also a significant part of New Westminster’s history.”
