Australian Migration and Visa Lawyers will be presenting a free Seminar at the Gurdwara on 23^rd August 2009 at 2.00pm.
More information can be obtained by clicking here

A Blood Donor van is coming into Gurudwara Sahib on 15th August 2009. We have set up a National Blood Donor Code for Sikh Community of Australia, which will help us to count the number of donations by our community nationally and thus improve our community's involvement in Australian Society and thus a recognition through service. To donate for this cause, an enrolment form will need to be filled out, you can download the form by clicking here

For more information please contact Gurdwara management committee.

The Australian Electoral Commission will be conducting the election process.
Membership applications will be conducted as follows:
Applicants will be required to produce several items of identification and address verification. Acceptable ID includes: Birth Certificate &/or Current Passport &/or Citizenship Certificate, supported by an Australian Drivers Licence or other government issued card containing your photograph or signature, and some other identification evidence, as required in a 100 point ID check.

The Association’s Treasurer will be in attendance to accept and receipt your $25 membership fee.

Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara). Incorporated.
Click HERE to download PDF Version of document

Brisbane Sikh Community Organised Nagar Kirtan to celebrate the 300 years of the Gurta Gaddi to the Holy Granth

Historical Aspects: The word "Nagar" means "town or neighbourhood," and "Kirtan" is a term describing the singing of Shabads (divine hymns). Hence ‘Nagar Kirtan’ is a Sikh term which literally means " singing Shabads around the town ". The term refers to the procession of Sikh Sangat (Congregation) through the town singing holy hymns.

A Nagar Kirtan is a style of kirtan in which the entire sangat sings and chants together while walking in a parade like procession. The procession also has the Nagara (Battle Drum) and another traditional Punjabi drum, the Dhol. It’s a great way to bond a sangat together. The concept of a Nagar Kirtan is to bring the message of God to the doorstep of the community. It is very common for Nagar Kirtans to take place wherever the Sikh community is living.

The Panj Piare (five beloved of the Guru) leads the procession of the Nagar Kirtan. Following them are the teams of Gatka (defensive Martial Art) displays and banners. This is followed by a float, which carries the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. In the float you have several Sewadars performing Kirtan and attending to the Guru. The Sangat walked behind Guru Ji and the Panj Piaare singing shabads and enjoying the glorious day. Food and drinks are sometimes served from stationary points or from other subsequent floats.

Everyone pays respect to the Sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji by bowing their heads and are presented with Prashad (sacred food) by the sevadars. The Nagar Kirtan starts when the Panj Pyara (5 beloved ones) walk in front of the Sacred Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The Panj Pyaras are donned in their Bana (colourful religious robes) befitting the occasion. The five beloved ones are always Amritdharis (baptised Khalsa Singhs). Many members of the Sangat also take their shoes off while walking. Sangat will have covered their heads, this is a sign of respect to the presence of sacred Guru Granth Sahib Ji. With folded hands everyone greeted each other with smiles and loud cries of "Bole so Nihal!" and "Deg Teg Fateh!" At times along the way we all became one voice chanting rhythmically "Sat Nam" and "Wahe Guru".

There are young and old, Sikh, non-Sikh that follow the Nagar Kirtan route, stand on the sides and freely distribute refreshments to all alike. The Nagar Kirtan is concluded as the sacred Guru Granth Sahib re-enters either the Starting point or the Gurdwara Sahib and the whole Sadh Sangat stands still for the Ardas (concluding Prayer). Again this is purely a sign of respect of the holy Bani (Guru Granth Sahib). The Panj Pyaras are robed in Orange. The majority of sangat in the Procession are also dressed in Orange. The colour Orange is honour of the Khalsa Panth.

Brisbane Sikh Community Celebrates the Tri-century (300^th)
Anniversary of the installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib

On Saturday 8^th November 2008 at 10.30am,
Brisbane Square, George St, Brisbane City.

Brisbane Square. George Street, Adelaide Street, Edward Street, Charlotte Street, George Street and Finish at Brisbane Square. (TOTAL DISTANCE 1.6km)

This procession will include two floats one carrying the Gatka weaponry and on the second float carrying the Holy Scriptures Sri Guru Granth Sahib. There will Sikh youth demonstrating the Sikh Martial Arts (Gatka), and the recitation of Sikh devotional hymns singing (kirtan).

It will be much appreciated if you can reach the city with your own transport

There will be a arrangement of Maxi Taxis behind the Sangat for those who are unable to walk due to health reasons, followed by an Ambulance Crew.

Possibly please bring an Umbrella as there might be a chance of some showers and a water Bottle if it gets bit hot.

We have asked for 20 Volunteers to keep the length of the procession under control, there will be need for many more, be ready to offer your services.

Once we finish in the City, Langar (free food) will be served at Brisbane Sikh Temple in the afternoon

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Brisbane Sikh Community Celebrates the Tri-century (300^th) Anniversary of the installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib
On Saturday 8^th November 2008 at 10.30am, Brisbane Square, George St, Brisbane City.

There will be a Procession in Brisbane City, departing from Brisbane Square, George St, Brisbane City. This procession will include a float carrying the Holy Scriptures Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Sikh youth demonstrating the Sikh Martial Arts (Gatka), and the recitation of Sikh devotional hymns singing (kirtan). Commencing from Brisbane Square, George St, the procession will go through George St, Adelaide St, Edward, Up Charlotte St and finish at Brisbane Square.

The Sikh community has increased considerably in Queensland and is a strong and vibrant community. The Sikhs in QLD come from many countries: India, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Fiji, Kenya, New Zealand and other countries. The population of Sikhs residing in Queensland is approximately between 5,000 to 7,000 adults and children. Predominantly Sikhs have settled in the Greater Brisbane area but also reside in regional areas of Gold Coast and Cairns. The Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) is situated on Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, and there are two Sikh Temples in North QLD (Cairns and Tully). Famous Sikhs include Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh and Sikh cricketer, ‘Monty’ Mudhsuden Singh Panesar (U.K).

The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is unique Holy Scriptures among the world’s great scriptures as it is the only religious Holy Scriptures written by the prophets themselves in comparison to other religions. For the Sikhs, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is considered the supreme spiritual authority. The Tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji in Nanded, India on 20^th October 1708 declared the scared scriptures as the successor of the Guru ship and the living embodiment of the Ten Gurus. Sikhs all around the world have celebrated the 300^th Tri-century installation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is collection of 3384 devotional hymns in 1430 pages. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib is the only scriptures of its kind which contains the hymns of a wide variety of saints, sages, bards.

Media Spokesperson:
Mrs Jatinder Kaur, M.Soc Admin, B.A. (Psy)
mob: 0422887579
email: jatinder.kaur@bigpond.com

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On behalf of the Multi-Faith Centre of Griffith University, may I extend our warmest greetings and congratulations to the Sikh community of Brisbane for a very peaceful and joyful celebration of the 300^th anniversary of the Guruship to Guru Granth Sahib. It is indeed the most auspicious commemoration of the founding of Sikhism, affirming the significant contributions of Sikhism to the vision and practice of values and principles of peace, justice and harmony over the last four centuries in many countries and continents of the world.

Since the establishment of Multi-Faith Centre in 2002, it has on numerous occasions engaged in dialogue and co-operation with the Sikh community and the Brisbane Sikh Temple. We greatly appreciate such fruitful collaboration in many activities including interfaith dialogues, multi-faith prayer services, lectures on the basic beliefs and practices of the Sikh faith, the visits and exposures to the holy place of worship the Gurdwara. The cooperation we have received from the Brisbane Sikh community reflects well in spirit and in action the key teachings of Guru Nanak and all the Gurus of the Sikh faith as well as the Guru Granth Sahib that promote understanding, dialogue and harmony between and among diverse faiths and spirituality traditions worldwide.

As the Multi-Faith Centre and members of our affiliated diverse faith communities join with the Brisbane Sikh community in celebrating this significant milestone in the history of the Sikh Faith, we likewise look forward to further fruitful opportunities for collaboration in promoting interfaith dialogue for a culture of peace.

Professor Toh Swee-Hin (S.H.Toh)
Director, Multi-Faith Centre, Griffith University
Laureate, UNECO Prize for Peace Education (2000)

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Bhai Ranjit Singh Ji (President Brisbane Sikh Temple) Presenting Rai Aziz Uullah (The Keeper of Ganga Sagar) with Saropa.

RAI Aziz Uullah Khan has arrived in Brisbane with Ganga Sagar.
Please come to listen to Kirtan and have Glimpse of Ganga Sagar at our Gurdwara Sahib from 6:00 -8:00pm (15th Oct 2008)
Spread the message around it might be once a life time oppurtunity for some
Langar will be served after the Divan

Gurjeet Singh
Secreatry Brisbane Sikh Temple
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The elections for the Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara ) Inc. were held after 12 years and Group B was declared as clear winners. The following members are office bearers. Ranjit Singh (President), Satpal Singh (Vice President), Gurjeet Singh Bains (Secretary), Harpal Singh (Treasurer), Kulwaran Singh Bains (Stage Secretary), Baljit Singh Mann, Sukhdev Singh Virk, Buta Singh and Harnarinder Singh.

The next move is to implement the proposed policies as stated in the election Manifesto.

FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES                                CONTACTS

Giani Kuldeep Singh Ji                                     Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara).Inc
2679 Logan Road                                           PO BOX 727
EIGHT MILE PLAINS                                         Springwood Post Shop
Qld 4113                                                         SPRINGWOOD Qld 4127
Ph (07) 3841 3380                                         Ph (07) 3841 1987
Mob 0422 705 936                                        Mob 0421 117 105
singhsahibji@hotmail.com                              admin@brisbanesikhtemple.org.au

Bhai Mohan Singh and his Jatha of Bhai Lakan Singh and Tabla Master Bhai Gurmeet Singh performed the service of Kirtan in their melodious voices at Brisbane Sikh Temple on the evening of the 30^th August from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.

They also performed the service of the Kirtan of Asa Ke Vaar in the morning on 31^st August 2008 and followed by one hour of Kirtan from 12:30 -1:30 pm.

Bhai Mohan Singh belongs to the town of Dehradun in the Nothern state of Utaranchal in India. He got a degree in Shastree Sangeet from Haldwani in UP (India).

Further he learned to play all the 31 Raags of the Guru Granth Sahib from Guru Raam Daas Sangeet Academy, Poanta Sahib (India). He has the proficiency to play ans sing in all the raags of Guru Granth Sahib

At present he is serving as a Principal at Guru Teg Bahadur Gurmat Sangeet Vidyalaya in the Gurdwara Guru Kaa Taal in the town of Agra (India).

Bhai Lakan Singh, Bhai Mohan Singh (Centre) and Bhai Gurmeet Singh on Tabla performing kirtan at Brisbane Sikh Temple

1) Put rubbish in the bins.
2) To organise the parking in the Carpark
3) To transport elderly persons to Gurdwara Sahib early in the morning for Sundays
4) Arrive early on Sunday to help with Guru Ka Langar preparation.
5) Stay back after Sundays program and clean the darbar sahib , kitchen ,utensils .
6) Seva to clean Mens and Ladies Toilets.

Please opt for one of these sewas

The Griffith University Multi-Faith Centre was opened on the Nathan Campus in May 2002. The Centre is a venue where people from diverse faith, religious and spirituality traditions can deepen their understanding of their own faith and actively participate in inter-faith dialogue, education and action.

On 23^rd August 2008 the Multi-Faith Centre organised a full day tour of religious places to deepen the understanding of various faiths & religions. The tour started with its 50 participants belonging to various religious organisations and faiths at 9:30 am from Griffith University, Nathan Campus. The first stop was Chung Tian Temple followed by Brisbane Sikh Temple then Kuraby Mosque and finally finished at Shree Laxminarayan Mandir (Temple) Burbank at 7:30pm.

The Organiser Ms Grace Yap asked in advance for any special conditions or norms to be observed for the participants at the Sikh Temple. All participants arrived with their own head coverings. On there arrival they were welcomed by Bhai Gurjeet Singh and other members of the Sikh community. During the 60 minutes tour the participants were briefed on Sikh principals and practices followed by question and answer session. Bhai Kuldeep Singh. Sang a hymn and explained its meanings. In the end the Gurdwara Sahib provided the vegetarian tea. The organiser Ms Grace Yap thanked the Sikh community for their hospitality.

Professor Toh Swee-Hin the Drector of Multi-Faith Centre wrote the following message.

On behalf of the MFC and the multi-faith tour participants, may I express our sincere thanks to you, your priest and other officials and members of Brisbane Sikh Temple (Gurdwara) for a kind welcome and for a most successful co-operation last Saturday. Indeed, the Tour was a success according to comments from participants, with some saying that the experience exceeded their expectations. Many talked about your Temple's warm welcome, and wonderful hospitality, and having learnt so much through the visit.

Jim Ferguson, President of Buddhist Council of Queensland, wrote:
The Tour surpasses (my objectives and expectations) in many ways – camaraderie of the tour members, kindness of hosts, organisation of the day. It strengthens the foundation I already had in interfaith.

Andrea Hannah, member of Brisbane Christian community, wrote:
Thank you for a wonderful day. The more (faith) lectures I attend - and the speakers on the bus Tour consolidated that – the more I find that those who are FAITHFUL have MORE in common than difference. Deeper understanding dispels ignorance, and builds community.

Faiza El-Higzi, member of Brisbane Muslim community, wrote:
Tour deepened my understanding of my own faith and improved my view of other people’s faiths. Enriched my interfaith understanding of others, especially in ritual areas (eg prayers).

Lorraine Victorsen, member of Sisters of the Good Samaritan, wrote:
I feel there was a great atmosphere of welcome, hospitality, spirituality…I would recommend this experience be repeated for others in the future. An enriching experience shared with other people of goodwill, faith and a longing to respect and be respected for their particular beliefs.

Multi-faith Tour participants during the Question Answer session at the Gurdwara Sahib

Florida Jail Refuses to Budge on Discriminatory Prison Policy

Sikh Inmate’s Religious Rights Severely Violated
Join Us in Our Worldwide Signature Campaign.

Jacksonville, Florida, USA: The fight for Sikh prisoner Jagmohan Singh Ahuja's right to keep his kesh (unshorn hair) in prison continues after Duval County Jail officials refused to change discriminatory prison policies to accommodate a Sikh’s religious beliefs within the Jail. It is against Sikh religious practice to cut one’s hair, as kesh (unshorn hair) covered by a dastaar (Sikh turban) is one of five articles of faith which a Sikh must keep at all times. UNITED SIKHS, co-sponsoring organizations, and concerned lawyers have been actively advocating for Jagmohan's religious rights, contacting and writing Governor of Florida Charlie Crist, Mayor John Peyton of Jacksonville/Duval County, Florida State Representatives, the Duval County Sheriff's Department (in charge of the jail), and various federal, state, and local governmental officials.

Commenting on the jail's position UNITED SIKHS Staff Attorney Jaspreet Singh stated, "we are very concerned that Jagmohan's hair will be cut again in the near future. It is deeply disturbing that the jail would refuse to make any accommodation where examples exist in other ostensibly more secure prisons. The poignant irony of Jagmohan's escape from religious persecution in Afghanistan to now facing it in America should strike a deep chord in any citizen concerned with protecting religious freedom in America." Arvind Singh, a Florida attorney and member of UNITED SIKHS' legal team added, "We [Sikh Americans] are very concerned with the state of our union when a person's inalienable rights are not protected as our founding fathers directed."

UNITED SIKHS is working aggressively on a possible in court solution as well, but the current law on the issue is not favorable to Jagmohan's position and it will be a difficult legal battle. Our legal team is working with various partner organizations and attorneys to research and overcome these legal hurdles, and have been in regular discussion with the Glenn Katon of the American Civil Liberties Union in Florida who has been actively researching and assessing the problematic legal issues in the case. Katon describes the case as one that presents serious difficulties, but states that he is "not convinced that this is un-winnable." Katon further expressed that, "the ACLU is very concerned about this important issue and would like to be on the forefront of changing Florida's discriminatory policy."

Despite the excellent initial response to the petition with 2200+ signatories online and 300+ on the ground in Florida, we need more concerned individuals to stand up for Jagmohan's rights and the rights of all prisoners suffering religious discrimination in prison.

UNITED SIKHS is committed to using all avenues to change Florida's discriminatory prison policy for members of all faiths who keep religiously mandated lengthy hair or beards, whether Sikh, Jewish, Muslim, Rastafarian, or Native American. We urge all who value civil liberties to unite in the bid to overturn this discriminatory policy and stop the violation of Jagmohan's religious beliefs. Jagmohan needs your help to continue to increase pressure on the Governor of Florida and Mayor of Jacksonville to change these discriminatory policies.

Print out copies of the petition and take them to your place of worship, workplace, or community center and collect signatures for Jagmohan. Once you've collected the signatures, you can submit a statement verifying your collection of signatures by clicking here or by visiting http://www.unitedsikhs.org.

You may also sign the petition online and send it to your friends by clicking here.

Issued By :
Jaspreet Singh
Staff Attorney
International Civil & Human Rights Advocacy (ICHRA) Project
UNITED SIKHS
Email: law@unitedsikhs.org
1-888-243-1690
www.unitedsikhs.org

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All Data Published on this website is provided be the Gurdwara Purbandhak Committee.
Official Website of Brisbane Sikh Temple.

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Brisbane Sikh Community Organised Nagar Kirtan to celebrate the 300 years of the Gurta Gaddi to the Holy Granth

Florida Jail Refuses to Budge on Discriminatory Prison Policy