MELAKA: Gurdwara Sahib Melaka on Jalan Temenggong commemorates a historic milestone with a five-day celebration of its centenary anniversary.
The temple’s secretary, Amritpal Singh, said that the gurdwara would host gatherings of community members and devotees from throughout South East Asia.
"The event will showcase unwavering faith, community service and cultural preservation," he said on Thursday (Feb 27).
Amritpal said the celebration started on Wednesday (Feb 26) and would continue until Sunday (March 2).
Since its founding in 1925, Gurdwara Sahib Melaka has been a pillar of Sikh spirituality and community service.
Amritpal said the gurdwara holds a special place in the hearts of many because of its historical significance and because it was home to the revered Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji, a spiritual figure who was influential in the community.
"His presence and spiritual contributions have left a lasting impact, and to this day, devotees from near and far gather at the Gurdwara annually for the "Yaadgiri Semagam" held in his memory.
"The 100th-anniversary celebrations offer an opportunity to honour this rich history while looking ahead to continued service and devotion," he said.
Amritpal said a series of religious and cultural programs have been planned to mark the grand occasion.
He said the celebration began with the "Kirtan Darbar" (a devotional music session featuring melodious recitations of hymns from the Guru Granth Sahib.
"Renowned devotional singers from both local and overseas will lead these recitations," he said.
Amritpal said on Fri (Feb 28), "Akhand Paath Sahib", a continuous, uninterrupted recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib would be held at the temple's ground
He said that the recitation, encompassing all 1,430 pages of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, would conclude with the final prayers on March 2.
He said the grand official inauguration of the centennial celebration would be done by Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo on Sat (March 1) and Yang-Di Pertua Negeri Tun Dr Mohd Ali Rustam.
Amritpal said on the same day (March 1), the grand Nagar Kirtan, a religious procession, would begin at 6pm.
"The procession will see the Guru Granth Sahib, the eternal Sikh scripture, being carried on a beautifully adorned float, accompanied by devotees singing hymns and offering prayers.
The procession would make its way through key streets within the historic city," he said.
