SELMA – Sikhs of Selma and surrounding areas finished construction of the new Sikh Temple, known as a Sikh Center of Pacific Coast, in Selma at Highland Avenue just a few blocks away from the old much smaller complex. The new complex consists of two large buildings, the main hall and a langar hall.
Selma Sikh Temple committee members and devotees outside the new Selma Sikh Temple main hall.
Celebrations commenced on Thursday and finished on Sunday, with over five thousand devotees, community members and political figures attending the ceremonies.
Paul Sihota of the Sikh Center of Pacific Coast said, “We are very excited today. We had outgrown the old Gurdwara building several years ago and needed a building to accommodate the ever increasing population of Sikhs in the Selma and the nearby areas. The building wasn’t the work of one person. It was a combined effort of the Gurdwara committee members, the local Sikh sangat, and many more Sikhs from other parts of California.”
“We are thankful to the community members that supported us in constructing this new complex,” Harry Gill, a prominent Sikh community leader, joyfully stated.
The opening ceremonies were attended by many Sikh devotees, community leaders from throughout California, and political personalities.
“The new Gurdwara will be large enough for the Sikhs of Fresno area. It will also feature a Sunday School for children,” said Surinder Nijjar, a prominent Sikh community leader.
Selma Sikh Temple committee members and devotees at the opening ceremonies of the Selma Sikh Temple complex.
Selma Sikh Temple committee members and devotees at the opening ceremonies of the Selma Sikh Temple complex.