Sikhs in the Reno, Nevada, region opened a $3 million gurdwara with three days of celebrations, including an akhand path (continuous recitation from the holy Guru Granth Sahib).
The new gurdwara, a two-story facility at 1380 Selmi Drive in Reno located on 2.4 acres of land, features a traditional gold dome.
Sikhs in the area had been conducting their religious services at the old gurdwara at 790 East Second Street since 1996. The ground-breaking ceremony for the new facility was performed last August.
As part of the April 24-26 inaugural ceremonies, devotees in procession brought the Guru Granth Sahib from the old venue to the new gurdwara on a decorated vehicle. Later, famous Sikh devotional singers presented kirtans.
The new gurdwara consists of a large main sanctuary, a community/dining hall for weddings, gatherings and lunches, and a kitchen to prepare langar (community lunch). Jagat Singh Thandi is the chairman of the gurdwara; Amlok Singh Powar is its president, and Gurmail Singh Uppal, the treasurer.
The new gurdwara will be further expanded to have more rooms for teaching Punjabi language and religious lessons, Powar was quoted as saying. Religious services are scheduled on Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm. This is the second gurdwara in Nevada; the other is in Las Vegas.
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