STV 28 April 2013: Thousands of Sikhs gathered for a colourful procession on Sunday to herald the opening of Scotland's largest Gurdwara.
More than 3000 people formed queues ten deep to be among the first to see inside the spectacular new building in Pollokshields, Glasgow.
Volunteers prepared 10,000 chapattis, 3000 vegetarian samosas and 15,000 cups of tea for visitors from all over Scotland and as far afield as London and Birmingham.
The building officially opened as the sacred scripture Guru Granth Sahib arrived at the new Gurdwara on a throne aboard a decorated carnival float.
Traditional drums were played as fresh flower petals were scattered on it by the worshippers who had joined a procession from the old Gurdwara a few streets away. An 18-metre Nishan Sahib flag was then raised in a ceremony witnessed by an excited crowd.
Members of the Sikh community were joined by representatives from other faiths and politicians from all parties, including Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Charandeep Singh, assistant secretary of the Gurdwara management committee, said: "It is probably the most historic day for Scottish Sikhs.
"It has been fantastic and such a great day. We could not have hoped for a better day. It is phenomenal. We never expected so many people. People have come from all over Scotland and all over Britain. It is a show of unity and diversity.
"The Gurdwara has ignited a real flame in the Sikh community. It is a very iconic building. We hope it becomes a space where we can celebrate multi-cultural Glasgow.
"For young people in the community, they have got something to be proud of and something to help them connect with Sikhism."
The Sikh community bought the land for Scotland's first purpose-built Gurdwara in 2003, and it was designed to resemble the traditional temple in Punjab, India.
The Gurdwara includes a Punjabi language school and will also provide English lessons for elderly migrants to help integrate them in the community.
It is equipped with a vast prayer hall, eight classrooms and a large Langar - or free kitchen - which will serve thousands of meals each week.
The sacred scripture will be kept on a platform in the impressive prayer room, where up to 1000 people can gather for prayers or wedding ceremonies. Community leaders are expecting 1500 people a week will use the Albert Drive temple.
Ms Sturgeon, the MSP for Glasgow Southside, joined the throng admiring the Gurdwara. She said: "The new Gurdwara will serve the community through its various services in education, culture and heritage.
"It is a fine organisation and I am delighted to have it in my constituency. The project has captured the hearts and minds of Scots and I wish the Gurdwara every success in the future."
The ornate building was constructed in just 14 months by Govan building contractors, CBC.
Director Matt Ferrie said his team enjoyed learning about the culture and openness of the Sikh faith, elements that were crucial to the building’s design.
He added: "Clearly, we had never built a Sikh temple before but as work went on, all parties grew to know each other better and worked extremely hard together."
Scotland's first Gurdwara was opened in 1947 by a small Sikh community, including the late Hansa Singh, whose son Ranbir Singh was at the ceremony.
He said: "My father would have been so proud to see the opening of the new Gurdwara and the raising of the Nishan Sahib in the Gurdwara forecourt, a right which he campaigned for in the early years.
"This is the sign of progress and it is incredibly beautiful to see."
Video by Ian Hendry.
In Pictures
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