© Basil Ahmad
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Belief: Sikhism
Era:1981 CE
Fazal Ahmad, London, UK
From the well-crafted turbans of Sikhs to their inseparable connection to their culture, Sikhism is truly a unique religion.
Their places of worship, called gurdwaras, are often incredibly designed and surrounded by their tightly knit communities. Canada boasts the largest population of Sikhs outside India, with some 750,000 Sikhs accounting for 2.1% of its population.
Indeed, the city of Vancouver has a particularly large Sikh community – over 200,000 people, or 8.5% of its population – dating back to the 19th century. Thus, it is only natural that the city contains magnificent gurdwaras where Sikhs can congregate, worship and celebrate.
The Sikh Community in Vancouver first established a gurdwara in 1908, but some customs, such as cremation, were not permitted in Canada. Thus, the Sikh community slowly established its own centres to practise Sikhism without interference or judgement.
The Akali Sikh Gurdwara in eastern Vancouver was first established in 1952, but the current larger structure we see today was constructed in 1981. This new temple incorporated the traditional Gurdwara design from India while also fusing modern architecture from North America.
The word ‘Akali’ means ‘Timeless One’ or ‘Eternal One’. The Gurdwara acts as a place to practise the basic tenets of the Sikh faith which include the belief in equality, a heavy emphasis on charitable work, and worship based on the hymns of the Gurus. In line with their tradition and belief, the Gurdwara offers free meals to any visitor, including vulnerable local families of all backgrounds and ethnicities.
References:
Akali Singh Gurdwara, Akali Singh Society. Accessed: January 1, 2024. https://akalisinghgurdwara.ca
Norman Buchignani, “Sikhism in Canada,” Canadian Encyclopedia, August 28, 2008. Accessed: January 1, 2024. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sikhism
Michael Kerrigan, Amazing Temples of the World (London, UK: Amber Books Ltd., 2021).
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