India's First Wooden Gurdwara Built in Fazilka, Punjab
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Inauguration of India's first wooden Gurdwara, Sri Nanak Niwas |
| Location | Fazilka, Punjab, inside the police lines |
| Year of Construction | 2023 |
| Visionary | SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu |
| Material Used | Imported Finnish Deodhar wood (known for its resistance to weather and pests) |
| Architectural Designer | Iqbal Singh, a Ludhiana-based master carpenter |
| Dimensions | 40 ft x 40 ft with four entrances |
| Inauguration Date | February 16, 2023 |
| Construction Time | Three months |
| Architectural Features | - Aligned beams for seamless aesthetics<br>- Ventilated domes and Mehrabs<br>- North-South entrance orientation for protection against drafts<br>- Combines traditional Sikh architecture with modern engineering |
| Daily Routine | Prakash of Sri Guru Granth Sahib at 5:30 a.m. and Sukhasan at 8 p.m. |
| Religious Activities | Hosts Raagi jathas, Sukhmani Sahib path, Anand Karaj ceremonies, and Sri Akhand Path Sahib |
| Community Engagement | Weekly Sunday congregations, active management committee |
| Visitors | Hundreds of devotees, including many from abroad |
| Significance | - First wooden Sikh shrine in India<br>- Symbol of devotion and architectural innovation<br>- Boosts religious tourism<br>- Reflects Sikh values of inclusivity, humility, and service |
| Transportation of Materials | Wood transported by sea to Indian ports, then by truck to Fazilka |
| Objectives | - Provide a place of worship within police quarters<br>- Reflect Sikh values through design<br>- Showcase architectural innovation while retaining religious tradition |
| Impact | Growing popularity as a spiritual and architectural landmark, inspiring other regions to integrate design with devotion |