KUCHING, April 12 — The Sikh community in Kuching came together in large numbers to observe Vaisakhi with prayers and community service at Gurdwara Sahib Kuching, marking one of the most significant religious events in the Sikh calendar.
The multi-day celebration, which began on April 9, reflected strong participation from the local Sikh sangat, who gathered for spiritual reflection and voluntary service. The programme started with sewa, where devotees cleaned and prepared the gurdwara, reinforcing the importance of humility and service in Sikh teachings.
On April 10, the Akhand Path, a continuous recitation of the Sikh holy scripture, commenced and continued uninterrupted until its completion on Sunday morning. Evening Kirtan Darbar sessions held over two days drew steady attendance, as devotees listened to devotional hymns and engaged in prayer.
The main highlight took place early Sunday, with members of the community assembling from 6.00am for Langar Sewa. This was followed by the completion of the Akhand Path, a ceremonial Nishan Sahib salute, and another Kirtan Darbar. The programme concluded with Guru Ka Langar, where a communal meal was served to all, regardless of background, in line with Sikh principles of equality and sharing.
Vaisakhi, observed annually in mid-April, commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. It also marks the Sikh New Year and carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning, often linked to harvest traditions and community unity.
Across Malaysia, Vaisakhi is widely celebrated in gurdwaras with prayers, hymns, and charitable activities. The Sikh community in the country continues to uphold these traditions, contributing to Malaysia’s multicultural and religious landscape.
In Kuching, the gurdwara remains a key centre for religious and social activities. Ongoing improvements and long-term development plans are being carried out to upgrade facilities, including halls and learning spaces, to better serve the growing congregation. These efforts are supported by community leaders and local authorities.
During the event, the President of the Sarawak Sikh Temple Association, Dato Dr. Kalwinder Singh Khaira, expressed satisfaction with the strong turnout. He also highlighted the importance of unity and community participation. As part of the programme, tokens of appreciation were presented to high-achieving students, encouraging them to continue contributing positively to society.
The celebration demonstrated the continued strength of Sikh traditions in Kuching, with families and devotees gathering not only for worship but also to strengthen community ties and uphold shared values.
The Vaisakhi observance will continue on April 14 with Sangrand, marking the beginning of the month of Vaisakh, with prayers and cha pani hosted by members of the community.
