The ceremonial sign marks the beginning of an important cultural and civic milestone. It represents the City’s commitment to recognizing the rich heritage and lasting contributions of the Sikh and Punjabi communities in West Sacramento. Photo courtesy of Gurdwara Sikh Temple West Sacramento

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) — Mayor Martha Guerrero and President Sardar Narinder Singh Thandi of the Gurdwara Sikh Temple West Sacramento recently announced a ceremonial bilingual Punjabi-English directional sign on the corner of Harbor Blvd and Evergreen Avenue to guide hundreds to the Gurdwara’s 43rd Anniversary Celebration. The ceremony took place Sunday, July 26 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Gurdwara Sikh Temple on 2301 Evergreen Avenue in West Sacramento.

The ceremonial sign marks the beginning of an important cultural and civic milestone. It represents the City’s commitment to recognizing the rich heritage and lasting contributions of the Sikh and Punjabi communities in West Sacramento. A permanent bilingual directional sign will be installed by the city at a later date.

Displaying “Gurdwara Sahib” in both Gurmukhi (Punjabi) and English, the ceremonial sign is believed to be the first bilingual Punjabi directional sign in the Sacramento region recognizing a Sikh house of worship. It reflects West Sacramento’s commitment to celebrating its diverse communities while making important cultural and religious destinations more accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Sunday’s celebration also commemorated another historic achievement for the Gurdwara Sikh Temple West Sacramento. The temple became the only Gurdwara in the Sacramento region to house a baptismal font (Amrit Sanchar) containing sacred Amrit brought directly from Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar, Punjab, India. The sacred Amrit was personally delivered by Giani Raghbir Singh Ji, Former Head Priest of Sri Darbar Sahib, Sri Amritsar Sahib (Golden Temple), Punjab, India. 

The establishment of this sacred Amrit officially marks West Sacramento as a significant spiritual destination for the Sikh community throughout Northern California and beyond. Beginning with Sunday’s celebration, individuals and families will have the opportunity to begin their spiritual journey through the sacred ceremony of Amrit Sanchar here in West Sacramento, further establishing the Gurdwara Sikh Temple as an important center of faith, service and community.

“West Sacramento has always been strengthened by the cultures, faiths and traditions that make up our community. This ceremonial sign is more than a roadway marker — it is a symbol of respect belonging, and our shared commitment to ensuring every community sees itself reflected in our city. As we celebrate the Gurdwara’s 43 years of service, we also celebrate the beginning of a new chapter that will welcome people from across the region to begin their spiritual journey here in West Sacramento. We are honored to stand alongside our Sikh community as this sacred tradition becomes part of our city’s history,” said Mayor Martha Guerrero.

President Sardar Narinder Singh Thandi said Sunday’s celebration represents both a spiritual and community milestone.

“For 43 years, the Gurdwara Sikh Temple West Sacramento has served as a place of prayer, service and unity for families throughout our region. The arrival of the sacred Amrit from Sri Darbar Sahib in Amritsar is a profound blessing that will allow generations of Sikhs to receive Amrit Sanchar here in West Sacramento. We are deeply grateful for Mayor Martha Guerrero’s unwavering support and for the City’s recognition of our community through this ceremonial Punjabi sign. Together, we welcome everyone to join us as we begin this historic new chapter of faith, unity and seva in West Sacramento,” said President Sardar Narinder Singh Thandi.