Tod Rasmussen/The Reporter Sikh leaders Kuldip S. Grewal (left), Bill Hoth, (top right) and Iqbal Randhawa (middle right) carefully change the wrapping on their temple's standard.

Faith Finds a Home

By Barbara Smith/Reporter Staff

It was 1998 when a small band of Sikh-Americans raised their flag above a house of worship in rural Fairfield for the first time.

It signaled a victory that followed a two-year battle with local government and area farmers for the right to build their temple.

Today, only a dilapidated barn stands as a reminder that the property was once fallow farmland. The site has been transformed and now boasts a community center for Sikhs, whose population has at least doubled in Solano County during the past year, with an estimated 700 families living in the area.

The facility includes a house of worship, community kitchen, recreation facilities and landscaping with lush lawns and flowering shrubs. A building expansion is under way.

Fairfield resident Bhupinder Sandhu, an engineer and member of the Punjabi American Cultural Association, was involved in the process. He describes the temple as sort of a retreat that allows Sikhs from all over to interact with each other.

"It unifies us as a community, and brings everybody together in worship," Sandhu, 51, said.

Sikhs spend a great deal of time with their children at the temple developing their sense of community, Sandhu said. In fact, his 16-year old son was involved in building the temple.

"As a result of that, our kids are doing a lot of good things, and hopefully, staying away from the bad element" he said. "The way I see it, if you spend time with the kids, this is the best investment you can make. You can produce a good citizen, not just Sikhs."

Most of Solano County Sikhs hail from Punjab, a state in northwest India.

Sikhism was founded there more than 500 years ago, and the religion has grown to be ranked as the world's fifth largest after Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism.

Today, The Reporter embarks on a three-day package of stories examining the culture, faith, history and family structure of the local Sikh community.

Here you will find an in-depth look at the Sikh religion, its historical roots and its faithful followers in Solano County.

On Sunday, you'll meet two families - one brand new to America, the other well-established and both hanging on to their traditional values. In the Business section, you'll also meet a local businessman and his wife who have realized their American dream and now own three successful businesses. And in Horizons we compare and contrast the changing role of Sikh women and teens.

On Monday, you'll read about the formation of the Punjabi American Cultural Association and its plan to host a community gathering aimed at educating the public about who they are and preserving their culture for future generations.

On Wednesday, you'll learn about the religious practice of "langar," in which a huge meal is offered to the congregation and the public.

As Dr. Gurpreet Dhugga said, local Sikhs see it as their responsibility to educate fellow Solano County residents about their unique culture, faith, traditions and commitment to the community. During the past three months, they have opened their doors, ceremonies and lives to The Reporter, so we may share a fascinating peek into what it means to be "Sikh in Solano."

Barbara Smith can be reached at dixon@thereporter.com.