History of Sikh Gurudwara of North Carolina

Sikh began coming to North Carolina in small numbers in the '60s. In the early '70s, there was an increasing amount of immigration, and the number of Sikhs in North Carolina and South Carolina increased to an extent that the need was felt to establish Sikh organizations, with members holding periodic Sikh religious congregations. Groups used to meet three to four times a year in people's homes, but as the numbers grew, it became difficult to meet in people's homes, and an organization of Sikhs started meeting monthly at rented facilities and have invited visiting Ragis , or professional hymn singers for their functions. The organization then employed our present caretaker, who has been with this organization since its inception.

Plans were made and land was cleared to build a Gurudwara in the central area of North Carolina. After an extended search of almost two years, a piece of property was located in Durham, and donated by members of sangat to design the 8,500 square-foot building in traditional Eastern style. A ground breaking ceremony for the Gurudwara was performed in December of 1983 by the Panj Pyaras(five beloved ones), chosen by the sangat to represent them, who raised the Nishan Sahib , or religious flag, to inaugurate the site.

A beautiful steel and brick building was erected under the supervision of volunteers on the site. It was inaugurated in February 1985 with much fanfare and religious ceremonies. The Nishan Sahib (religious flag) was hoisted by the Panj Pyaras again, and the first service was held at the Gurudwara on February 9, 1985. On the same day, the building was dedicated in the memory of the latest of our Martyrs, lead by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhinderanwale, who lost their lives in Punjab in 1984 while trying to protect the rights of Sikhs to practicing their religion as they pleased, and fight for protection of the human rights of Sikhs. The building cost around $700,000.00, which was pledged by several families in the community. In 1994 the building was completed with installation of traditional domes especially designed for the building.

Currently, the Gurudwara holds regular Sunday services attended by about 150-200 individuals each Sunday. Five major religious holidays are also celebrated during the year when the congregation is close to 400 people. The Sikh community has seen tremendous growth around this institution, and already there is a feeling that we will run short of space to provide services to our increasing population.

The institution is managed by 20 trustees selected from the community based on certain criteria related to Sikh observances. Each individual serves for a term of five years. A Board of five Directors is selected from these 20 trustees to manage the day-to-day activties of the institution. Religious functions of this institution are guided by the dictates of the "Akal Takht ", the supreme Sikh religion body located in Amritsar, in the Punjab. Activities are financed by voluntary contributions, their being no membership dues or trusteeship dues.

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