The Sikh Community

The Sikhs - distinguished by their stylised turbans and unshorn hair -
came to Hong Kong from the Punjab, in North India, as part of the British
Armed Forces in the 19th century. Because of their generally strong
physique, they also comprised a large segment of the Royal Hong Kong
Police Force before World War II.

Today, members of the community are engaged in a variety of
occupations. The centre of their religious and cultural activities is the Sikh
Temple at 371 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island. A
special feature of the temple, which was established in 1901, is the
provision of free meals and short-term accommodation for overseas
visitors of any faith.

Religious services, which include hymn-singing, readings from the Guru
Granth (the Sikh Holy Book) and sermons by the priest, are held every
Sunday morning. The temple houses a library containing a good selection
of books on the Sikh religion and culture, and runs a 'starters' school for
Indian children aged between four and six to prepare them for English
primary schools in Hong Kong.

The main holy days and festivals observed by the Sikh community are the
birthdays of Guru Nanak (founder of the faith), Guru Gobind Singh (the
10th Guru) and Baisakhi (the birthday of all Sikhs).

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