|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
::
Gurdwara - Cholburi (Pattaya) :: |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
In the year
1975 A.D. there were only around 3 - 4 Sikh families in Pattaya.
But after Pattaya was made a tourist spot, many Sikhs migrated
from other provinces like Ubol Ratchthani, Udon Ratchthani, Nakorn
Ratchsima (Korat) and Sattahip.
|
|
In addition,
more Sikhs moved to Pattaya due to the withdrawal of American
troops from the Vietnam War and the Amertican base in Thailand.
At that time, the Sikhs were mostly businessmen trading with the
American troops and other officials, who began returning to their
country, thus making many Sikhs move to Pattaya and Bangkok. Many
started their businesses in Pattaya, which attracts many million
tourists per year.
|
|
In this way
the population of the Sikh community started increasing, and finally
a Gurdwara was established by renting a building. All Sikh ceremonies,
Kirtan and religious prayers were held here on Sundays and other
Sikh religious dates during the period of 1979 - 1980.
|
|
After that the
Gurdwara was moved to a new location a number of times. It was
only until 1985, that the Sikh population had increased a lot
and decisions were being made to construct a permanent Gurdwara
and big enough to handle all religious ceremonies and duties.
This led the Sikh community in purchasing a piece of land in the
south of Pattaya and starting the construction of a permanent
Gurdwara.
|
 |
 |
|
On October 28,
1990, local Sikhs along with many other Sikhs in Thailand celebrated
the opening ceremony of the new Gurdwara in Pattaya, which was
a magnificent and beautiful building.
|
|
The new Gurdwara
is a three storey building, with a golden dome and lotus petals.
The building involved a mixture of Persian and north Indian architecture.
In addition to this there are also a few golden domes along the
sides of the building. Situated on the ground floor are the offices,
quarters of the head and other members of the Gurdwara. Towards
the back is the kitchen for preparing the food for the Langar
Hall. Along the side are the toilets. The second floor is the
Guru Ka Langar (Langar Hall), where food is served to all.
|
 |
|
This hall is
also used for other activities of the Sikh community as well.
The third floor is the main hall, with a carpeted floor. In the
middle of this main hall is a platform, about one meter higher
than the normal floor. The Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy book)
is placed on this platform. This main hall is now the place where
all the Sikh ceremonies, Kirtan (hymns) and religious prayers
are to be held. On the roof top of the Gurdwara, there is a big
room, in which the Guru Granth Sahib is placed every night. The
Nishan Sahib (Sikh Flag) is also hoisted up on the roof top.
|
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|