Page 88 - The Guide To Sarawak

86
OTHER COMMUNITIES
The Sikhs
By Piara Singh Gill
ORIGIN AND HISTORY
In 1857, after the Chinese gold miners’ uprising, Rajah Sir James Brooke recruited Sikh personnel for the Sarawak Police Force. The first batch of 13, led by Dewa Singh Akhara, came in 1858. By the 1930’s, more than 400 Sikhs were bringing
law and order to Sarawak. Many later arrivals became prison wardens, guards and security staff.
In 1940, the 2/15 Punjab Regiment of 1050 mostly Sikh men was sent by the British to defend Sarawak. When the Japanese attacked Kuching in December
1941, they fought a heroic rearguard action against much superior forces, only surrendering in April 1942. They were interned in the infamous Batu Lintang Prison Camp, where many succumbed to disease and starvation. A Bukit Punjabi (Mount Punjabi) and a Jalan Punjabi (Punjabi Road) were named in their honour.
CULTURE AND CUSTOMS
The first Gurdwara Sahib (Sikh place of worship) in Kuching was built in 1912. In 1982 it was replaced by a magnificent three- storey building with
six golden domes. The
Sarawak’s first Sikh Gurdwara, built in 1912. This humble wooden building makes a striking contrast to the modern Kuching Gurdwara shown below.
Gudwara Sahib in Miri was built in 1919, in the shade of a giant angsana tree which is still standing.
The most important fairs and festivals are: Baisalchi (Birth of Khalsa - the Sikh New Year), Hola Mohala (a procession and exhibition of martial skills) and the various Gurpurabs (holy days of the ten Sikh Gurus). On such occasions, families gather at
the Gurdwara for prayers and festivities. Sikhs customarily pray 3 times a day.
THE SIKHS OF TODAY
Although Sikhs in Sarawak number only about
650, many of them are professionals; doctors, lawyers, lecturers and businessmen. Most continue to uphold Sikh customs and traditions.
A group of uniformed Sikhs march proudly past the Gurdwara Sahib Building in Kuching during the annual Vasaki procession.