As the first Sikh establishment in British Columbia, the Khalsa Diwan Society is a key historical figure when looking at the history of Sikh migration to British Columbia. At a time when newly migrated Sikh families needed a communal ground in order to share their collective experiences, and assist one another emotionally, financially, etc., the establishment of the Khalsa Diwan Society helped Sikhs to not only build their community, but also to build their lives in British Columbia.
As the Khalsa Diwan Society refers to the corporate name given to the Sikh society, “Gur Sikh Temple” is the given name of the first Sikh Temple established in Abbotsford. And since there would not have been any Sikh temples in B.C without the Khalsa Diwan Society, it is important to understand its origins in order to understand the history of Sikh pioneers in B.C.
The Khalsa Diwan Society was first established on July 22nd, 1906, and officially registered on March 13th, 1909 in Vancouver, and located at the 8000 Ross Street. In par with its official status as a formal “society,” a committee was also elected
Between the process of its establishment in 1906, and its official registration in 1909, the very first Sikh temple under the auspices of the Khalsa Diwan Society was built in 1908 at the location of 1866 West 2nd Avenue. Following its initial construction, the Sikh Gurdwara was formally inaugurated on January 19, 1908.
Because the Khalsa Diwan Society, and the Sikh Gurdwara’s were built for the well being and growth of the Sikh community in British Columbia, it was up to the Sikh community to raise the funds to build the Gurdwara. And indeed, in this feat, the Sikh community did not fail as it was due primarily to their efforts that the first Sikh Temple in British Columbia was constructed.
Following its first inauguration, the Khalsa Diwan Society not only continued to maintain its presence in Vancouver but also spread to areas such as Abbotsford. And with the growth of the Khalsa Diwan Society into Abbotsford, followed the construction of the Gur Sikh Temple in 1911.
AllAboutSikhs is a comprehensive web site on sikhism, sikh history and philosophy, customs and rituals,sikh way of life, social and religious movements. Based on the belief in One God, the Sikh religion recognizes the equality of all human beings, and is marked by rejection of idolatry, ritualism, caste and asceticism. This website serves to heighten the awareness of Sikhism and hopefully can be of some use to seekers of knowledge.
SearchGurbani brings to you a unique and comprehensive approach to explore and experience the word of God. It has the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Amrit Kirtan Gutka, Bhai Gurdaas Vaaran, Sri Dasam Granth Sahib and Kabit Bhai Gurdas. You can explore these scriptures page by page, by chapter index or search for a keyword. The Reference section includes Mahankosh, Guru Granth Kosh,and exegesis like Faridkot Teeka, Guru Granth Darpan .
Encyclopedias encapsulate accurate information in a given area of knowledge and have indispensable in an age which the volume and rapidity of social change are making inaccessible much that outside one’s immediate domain of concentration.At the time when Sikhism is attracting world wide notice, an online reference work embracing all essential facets of this vibrant faithis a singular contribution to the world of knowledge.
You cannot copy content of this page
Javascript not detected. Javascript required for this site to function. Please enable it in your browser settings and refresh this page.