After putting those long arduous hours, the day finally arrived to celebrate the opening of the new building of Sri Dashmesh Darbar Gurudwara in the South Auckland suburb of Papatoetoe on December 11, 2011.
The strategic location of Sri Dashmesh Darbar on Kolmar Road, which connects old, Papatoetoe to the new seem to fit nicely with the symbolic importance of this new building and its purpose.
For three days prior to the inauguration of the new building, devotees participated in ‘Akand Path’ (continuous recitation of Guru Granth Sahib).
Filled with excitement to the brim, beaming with pride and emotions, hundreds of Sikhs and people from other ethnic groups gathered at the new premises, making it a truly community ceremony.
The Sangat, which had waited impatiently for almost a year for the new Gurdwara, began pouring in early. The entire car park was full and many had to park in the neighbouring lots.
Establishing a Gurudwara that is reflective of the Sikh community’s progress in New Zealand was a laborious task but well worth the effort.
The new Building has all the modern amenities, with state-of-the-art equipment and adequate space to accommodate a large gathering.
These include eight television screens to disseminate the translated verses from Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book of Sikhism. This would enable people to listen to the verses wherever they are within the complex.
The building also has modern kitchen facilities to accommodate small to large gatherings.
Careful planning and endless meetings with architects, builders and the community has paid off.
The Opening day ceremony began with a procession.
More than 2000 people attended the opening ceremony. They included Members of Parliament Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Dr Cam Calder (National), Ross Robertson, Dr Rajen Prasad (Labour), Judge Dr Ajit Singh, community and religious leader and Government and private sector officials.
Religious Hymns were recited throughout the day and Guru’s free Langar (food) was served. Everyone gathered marvelled at this gigantic achievement.
The Gurudwara committee members were happy with the day’s achievements.
Donors were acknowledged with a Seroppa (cloth) as a mark of respect and their contributions were praised.
As the ceremony ended, joyous sangat returned home with the satisfaction and pride of a splendid Gurudwara.
The devotees also took with them photographs of various aspects of the new Gurdwara for their family album.
Sri Dashmesh Darbar Gurudwara Fact Sheet
Total Area: More than 2000 Sq mts
Built-Up Area: 1500 Sq mts
Cost of Property: $2.2 million (in 2009)
Estimated Cost of Construction: $0.8 million
Diwan Hall Capacity: 600 persons
Langar Hall Capacity: 400 persons
Akhand Path Sahib Capacity: 80 persons
Board Room Capacity: 30 persons
Special Room for Women and Children: 20 persons
Special Fittings: Latest Security System with CCTV monitors
Project Managed by: Raj Bedi, Prithipal Singh Basra, Beant Singh Jador, Harvinder Singh Basra, Manjit Singh, Resham Singh and other senior members of the Executive Committee
Prithipal Singh Basra (centre) was honoured for his services to the Gurdwara and the Sikh community in New Zealand at the inauguration of Sri Dashmesh Darbar on December 11, 2011. Along with him are Manjit Singh, Raj Bedi, Beant Singh Jador and others.
