Significant: Siva Singh hosts the first reading of the Sikh holy book on Australian soil just 7km from Benalla in December 1920.
Photo by
The Howship Collection
This month heralds a special day for Sikhs across the country as it marks 101 years since the first reading of a Sri Guru Granth Sahib on Australian soil.
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That reading took place on local hawker Siva Singh’s farm just 7km from the Rose City.
Regular Ensign readers will be aware of Mr Singh and many will have visited his memorial, which is on the Lake Benalla foreshore.
The Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is the Sikh Holy Book and the reading took place on December 31, 1920.
Unveiled: A blessing was performed shortly after the memorial to Siva Singh was unveiled in 2019.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
An Australian Indian Historical Society spokesperson said because of COVID-19 restrictions the centenary celebration had to be postponed last year, and organisers were excited it could finally take place.
“This is a most significant religious occasion for the Sikh community in Australia and is of interest to all members of the Sikh religion worldwide,” the spokesperson said.
“It is the intention of the Sikh community to make this an annual event in the hope that it will be remembered into the distant future and that it might grow and become a place of pilgrimage for all Sikhs living in Australia, and others that may visit our shores.
Respect: The memorial to Siva Singh on the Lake Benalla foreshore.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
“Siva Singh was a well-known identity in Benalla and nearby districts and was easily identified by the pink turban he loved to wear.
“He acted as a Granthi, (Reader of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji), and carried out duties similar to a priest, attending cremations and prayer meetings for his fellow countrymen living in north-east Victoria.
“These congregations had a unifying effect on those hawkers, farm labourers and shopkeepers living in the district at that time.”
There will be a special event to mark the occasion at the Siva Singh Memorial on the Lake Benalla foreshore on Sunday, December 12, from 11am to 2pm.
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