Oldest Sikh Temple Reopens

April 2, 2007

Author: Ian Austin

Source: The Province

http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=8f750e98-d245-47d9-90ea-0486baaf1fd8

South Fraser Way was transformed into a sea of saris yesterday.

The busy Abbotsford thoroughfare was shut for seven hours as thousands of Sikhs gathered for the ceremonial reopening of the oldest standing Sikh temple in North America.

Premier Gordon Campbell cut the ribbon as the 96-year-old Gur Sikh Heritage Temple received a steady stream of visitors all day long.

"The Abbotsford temple, or gurdwara, is the oldest standing Sikh temple in North America and is a testament to the incredible resiliency and vitality of early Sikh pioneers," said Campbell.

"This temple stands as a symbol of the enduring contribution of the Sikh community to B.C."

The modest temple has been refurbished. It now features fountains and two large sculptures of Sikhs on horseback, representing the two original immigrants from the Punjab region of India.