Visit coincides with Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab
Sunday December 28, 2014 marked a very important and holy day on the Sikh calendar. This was the day that Sikhs all over the world gathered at Gurudwaras (Sikh Temples) to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab marking the birth of the tenth Guru 348 years ago.
Devout Sikh residents of Pattaya made a special pilgrimage to the Siri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara (Sikh temple) in Soi 17, where special programmes were arranged and kirtans (religious songs) were sung. Langar or community lunch was served to people of all walks of life and of all faiths. Local volunteers served it with a spirit of Seva (service) and Bhakti (devotion).
Father Krisada presents a token of goodwill to Amrik Singh Kalra, head of the Sikh community in Pattaya.
During the celebrations, the Sikh congregation was honoured by the visit of the Catholic delegation in Pattaya, led by Father Francis Xavier Kridsada Sukapat, Pastor of St. Nikolas Church, bearing good tidings of peace and joy.
This being his very first visit to a Sikh temple, Father Krisada was given a grand tour of the temple premises guided by the respected and very knowledgeable Paramjit Singh Ghogar, Vice President of the Sikh temple committee.
Gianiji Deep Sing, keeper and teacher of the faith greets Father Krisada.
Paramjit, also known as Harry, related the history of the Sikh religion to Father Krisada saying, “To trace the roots of Sikhism, one may have to go back thousands of years before the birth of Jesus Christ and the Islamic prophet Mohammad. For Sikhism is not just a form of religion or belief, but a form of Faith, in One supreme power that reigns beyond the scope of time and space.
“Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded Sikhism in the 15th century. He advocated equality of races and genders and rejected worship of idols. Sikhism broke away from Hinduism and Islam, the main religions of India. Sikhism has about 27 million followers world-wide, most of whom live in India.
Paramjit Singh Ghogar gives an in depth tour of the Sikhs and their faith.
“Today we are celebrating Guru Gobind Singh Ji Gurpurab. Gupurabs or festivals are anniversaries associated with the lives of the Sikh Gurus.”
Paramjit went on with his narration, much to the interest of the honourable visitors from the Catholic faith, “Guru Gobind Singh was the last of the ten Sikh Gurus. Guru Gobind Singh was born to Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh guru, and Mata Gujri in Patna, Bihar, India. He succeeded his father Guru Tegh Bahadur as the tenth Sikh Guru, leader of Sikhs.
“Shri Guru Gobind Singh is notable for founding of the Khalsa and his promotion of the covering of one’s hair with a turban. He was the last of the living Sikh Gurus and he initiated the Sikh Khalsa in 1699.
“He passed the Guruship of the Sikhs to the Eleventh Sikh Guru, the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scripture.”
Gianiji Deep Sing leads the congregation in singing kirtans.
Father Krisada was presented with a saffron shawl which was draped over his shoulders by the temple elders. This is the Sikh tradition of honouring men and women who have dedicated their lives in the service of humankind.
Father Krisada took to the podium and spoke emotionally to the Sikh congregation. He said, “I feel humbled, yet thrilled standing here in this holy place of worship of the Sikh faith. I have heard so much of your religion and am personally acquainted with many Sikhs in the Pattaya community. You are a compassionate and charitable people. I am honoured to be here today. Thank you so much for giving us such a warm and honourable welcome.”
The Sikh congregation prays to the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Scripture.
Father Krisada concluded by offering his heartfelt wishes. “I wish to convey the greetings of my entire congregation to you and bestow my blessings on you with a prayer that God may grant you good health and happiness throughout the New Year.”
