What to Expect

Participants can expect a warm and engaging session that begins with an introduction to Sikhism — a faith founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region, rooted in the values of equality, service, and devotion to one God. The session will offer insights into key beliefs and practices that guide Sikh life from birth through to adulthood.

A special focus will be given to Sikh birth ceremonies, especially the Naam Karan or naming ceremony. This is a joyous and spiritual occasion held in the gurdwara (Sikh place of worship), typically within the first few weeks of a child’s life. The ceremony involves the reading of the Guru Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy scripture), where the first letter of a randomly chosen hymn guides the selection of the child’s name. This name is then followed by “Kaur” for girls and “Singh” for boys, symbolising the spiritual equality of all individuals.

The session will also explore other traditions surrounding the birth of a child in Sikh families, including community celebrations and the values passed on to children from a young age. The programme will conclude with a Q&A session, offering participants a chance to learn more about Sikh customs and ask questions in an open and respectful space.

About My Prayers and Practices

Every F1 season, we will see 10 religious leaders standing along the racing track to bless the road. We can typically identify the leaders of our own faith but there are religions in Singapore which are less heard of, though they are celebrated by some of our local communities. As a multicultural melting pot, many religious communities have taken root and established their practices on our little red dot.

From the Jains and Zoroastrians to the Jews and Orthodox Christians, we hope that participants can join us on a soul-nourishing journey to the places of worship of the major religions in Singapore and learn about their birth, coming-of-age, marriage and death prayers and practices. We hope that such tours will enable us to explore and negotiate our own sense of self and appreciate our religious diversity in Singapore.

Through these tours, we hope participants have a deeper understanding of race, religion and social cohesion. We hope you will gain multiple perspectives and connect your own stories of multicultural and multireligious heritage with those of others. Through facilitated dialogues with the religious leaders, we hope to provide opportunities for participants to engage site hosts in candid and heartfelt conversations.

About the Organisation

Rooted in the Sikh tenets of "Serving the Community" and "Sharing with Others," SIWEC embodies the spirit of "Sarbat da Bhalla" (Well-Being of all Humanity), a creed recited daily in Sikh prayers (Ardas). This core principle emphasises the Sikh community's commitment to helping those in need, regardless of background.

Founded in 1995 upon this very principle, SIWEC has grown to assist an average of 1,200 individuals and families annually. Their services encompass a wide range of needs, from providing financial and emotional support to families, to helping children with their education, to engaging active seniors and befriending those who are house-bound or residing in long term care homes.

Bereavement support was one of the first services that SIWEC provided since its inception. SIWEC staff, alongside dedicated volunteers readily available on short notice, typically support 80-90 grieving families in Singapore each year.

Meet Your HostHardip Kaur Gill, 75, was born and raised in Singapore and currently serves as a volunteer at the Sikh Centre, where she helps visitors understand the principles and practices of Sikhism. As a docent, she shares the stories, values, and traditions of her faith with warmth and clarity.

To Hardip, the first journeys in life are deeply meaningful — moments of growth, learning, and service that shape who we are. In Sikhism, these journeys are supported by values such as selfless service, respect for all faiths, and the belief in the wellbeing of all humanity.

Who should come?

Everyone is welcome to participate! Participants 12 years and under must be accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian at all times.

Programme Details

Approximate Duration: 2 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
Language: English
Meeting Point: Meet at the Entrance of Central Sikh Temple (2 Towner Rd, Singapore 327804)

Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.

The events will proceed rain or shine.

What to bring?

Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed. Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.

Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.

Other important information

Parking is available at the basement of the Central Sikh Temple.
The venue is not wheelchair friendly.
Photography is allowed during the event.

Disclaimer

All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
Each ticket admits only one participant.
By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.

For updates:

Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates.

Sikh Naam Karan (Birth and Naming) with Central Sikh Temple