Category:New Zealand Sikhs

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The New Zealand Sikh Society (Wellington) Inc. was Incorporated on 24 June 1991. The main objective of the society is to preach the teachings of Sikhism, to provide religious services and ceremonies, to foster a better understanding among the people of New Zealand about Sikh religion, to promote harmony among the followers of various religious creeds in New Zealand and to promote Punjabi language. (Punjabi is spoken by roughly 9,600 people in New Zealand)

The Sikh migration to New Zealand is already more than 100 years old. The first Sikh came to New Zealand in 1890. The Sikh population in New Zealand is estimated to be approximately 9,507 (According to the New Zealand census 2006). Worldwide Sikh population is 24 million. It is the fifth largest religion in the world.

The Gurdwara in Wellington is the southern most Gurdwara of the world. A Gurdwara is a Sikh place of worship. Traditionally a Gurdwara has four doors opening in all directions symbolising the universality of Sikhism that all are welcome. Shoes are not allowed inside a Gurudwara and also one needs to cover the head at all the times inside the Gurdwara. The Gurdwara at Wellington was opened on 20 April 1997 by Mr Graham Kelly, the then MP Mana. http://www.sikhs.wellington.net.nz/