Stockton Gurdwara Sahib welcomes community to new kitchen facility, congregation hall

Stockton Gurdwara Sahib, a historical landmark in south Stockton, opened its doors to the community Sunday to offer vegetarian meals at its new kitchen facility and hall for the congregation at the temple.  

The new facilities added to the temple, located at 1930 S. Sikh Temple St., were a community effort that has been in the works for the past 2½ years.  

“I would like to invite the general public whether Sikhs or non-Sikhs or anyone, please come … and see it and try our vegetarian food freshly made. You will enjoy it,” community member Daljit Singh said. 

The old kitchen and dining hall remain on the bottom floor of the two-story building. The new kitchen and hall are located just next to it.  

The new facility's amenities include an ice maker, stoves, a hand washing and drying area inside the facility as well as new bathrooms outside the dining hall.  

“Our main hall is more than 110 years old; we expect this kitchen, the big kitchen, and new hall we built, it is on a steel frame and all that, it can stay 500 years … so we are very happy everyone likes it," Singh said.  

Guests visiting the temple are asked to remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering as a sign of respect. Once inside the temple, there are no seats or chairs, and front and center is Sikhism’s 1,430-page holy book — the Guru Granth Sahib.  

Our Diversity:  Sikh temple ‘keeps life in balance’

Did you know? History of the Sikh temple in Stockton

The Sikh temple has a rich history in Stockton. Stockton Gurdwara Sahib is considered the birthplace of Sikhism in the United States. It was founded in 1912, and in 2012 the Gurdwara celebrated its 100-year anniversary in the city of Stockton. 

In 1957, Democrat and U.S. Rep. Dalip Singh Saund served three terms as the first Asian, Indian and Sikh elected to Congress. He was also the secretary of the Stockton Gurdwara before he was elected to Congress. 

Birthplace of Sikhism in America:  Sikhs honor rich history in Stockton

“While bigger Gurdwaras have been built in America, Stockton Gurdwara Sahib retains its importance in both the religious history of North American Sikhs and California history,” San Joaquin Magazine said. “The Gurdwara remains a historic temple visited by high members of the religion and has been designated a California Historical Landmark. It serves as a symbol of the diverse population that has developed San Joaquin County into the community it is today.” 

Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers breaking news. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.