According to Yakima Herald “ Yakima’s Sikh community has been growing over the years, and its place of worship has moved during that time.
Members are building a gurudwara — also known as a gurdwara or Gurdwara Sahib — which is a place of assembly and worship for Sikhs — in Terrace Heights. The community previously met in Selah and then West Valley.
The two-story structure is under construction on Hillcrest Drive near the intersection Roza Hill Drive, and Sikhs from throughout the region have been coming to help build it.
Jaspal Singh, who is a Sikh temple priest, Sikh preacher and Sikh ragi — a “word chant” musician — has spoken to groups and individuals about the Sikh community here and its new gurudwara. He talks more here about the history of the community and a special event Dec. 9 at the Harman Center in Yakima that will also help raise funds to complete the gurudwara.
Sikhi is a distinct, independent religion founded in the Punjab region of South Asia in the late 15th century by Guru Nanak, who promoted the idea of a singular divine (God) and a life of spiritual reflection and selfless service. Sikhi is the term Sikhs use for their faith. The Sangat of Yakima (Sikh community of Yakima) has been steadily growing over the last few decades, since the early 1990s, and there was a need for a place of worship for our community. At first, our nearest gurudwara was in the Tri-Cities and several families would travel the distance on Sundays and during special occasions.
(A) church in Terrace Heights gave us a place to worship and we would celebrate main dates/days in our Sikh community, such as Gurpurab of our Gurus, our Guru’s birth date.
Then, in 2013 our first location was opened in Selah. In 2020, we relocated to the West Valley. Now, due to growing Sangat, there is a need for a permanent location. At the end of 2022, the construction for our gurudwara in Terrace Heights began and we are eagerly awaiting for its completion. We take pride in the religious services we offer, drawing upon a network of a community from various backgrounds, but with the common love of our Waheguru in common to effectively deliver organized worship schedules and perform special religious ceremonies. How can people learn more about the Sikh community here and Sikhism?
They can call us on 509-969-3815. They can ask any Sikh/ Indian individual here in Yakima. They can visit our Gurudwara any time and they can call us on 509-969-3815 before coming or email us on yakimagurudwara@gmail.com so we can organize a visit.
What are some of the ways the Sikh community gives back to the Yakima Valley?
Rod’s House, YWCA Yakima, the homeless shelter in Union Gap and food banks throughout Yakima. We did a school supplies drive and Red Cross drive in summer.
When did construction of the Gurudwara begin and how is it coming along? When might it open?
Construction started at the end of 2022. We hope it will open mid-2024.
How can people of other faiths support the Sikh community here and construction of its new Gurudwara?
The Association of Faith Communities is putting together a fundraiser for the Sikh Gurudwara on Dec. 9. The main focus of the event will be fundraising. During this event, we will also be celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. This event will take place at the Harman Center from 4 to 6 p.m. During this event there will be door prizes, handicrafts and authentic Indian food served by Geet Indian Cuisine (Yakima).
Everything is included in the ticket price and tickets and donations are available on https://diwali-celebration-fundraiser-for-sikh-temple.cheddarup.com.
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