Renowned Kiwi-Indian business couple Indra and Manasa Sirigiri donated a pair of ‘chaur sahib’ with gold handles to Sri Kalgidhar Sahib Gurdwara in the South Auckland suburb of Takanini on April 14, 2023.
In Sikhism, ‘chaur sahib’ refers to a ceremonial whisk waved high over Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book, to reverently fan the scripture during recitations and processions by whoever is serving as an attendant. It signifies humility, service and reverence towards the eleventh guru and the collective works of all Sikh gurus and many holy saints. It is usually made of yak tail or horsehair and is attached to a wooden handle.
The Sirigiri family chose the auspicious occasion of Vaisakhi, the Sikh New Year, to make the donation. Indra Sirigiri, Executive Chairman of Link2 Group and his wife Manasa, the group’s Director, have regularly been involved in the service of various communities ever since they came to New Zealand about 26 years ago from Hyderabad in India.
Talking about his association with the Sikh community, Indra said, "Despite belonging to the Hindu religion, we have been very closely associated with the Sikh community in New Zealand, and especially Auckland. Over the decade, we would frequently make visits to gurdwaras. We would find motivation in the priests and administrators overseeing the Sikh temples, and particularly the volunteers who generously devote their time to serving the community and individuals from diverse backgrounds. We have also done and taken part in many ‘akhand paths’. We always wanted to do our bit for the Sikh community, and that's how we decided to make the donation. We feel humbled and privileged to have the chance to serve the Sikh community by donating a pair of ‘chaur sahibs’ made of gold. We feel much connected to Sikhism.”
Sirigiri said the ‘chaur sahibs’ he donated was made in Hyderabad. The ceremonial whisks with gold handles are valued at about $70,000-$90,000.
Daljit Singh, President of New Zealand Central Sikh Association (NZCSA), an umbrella body of gurdwaras and Sikh community groups across the country, appreciated the thoughtful gesture by the Sirigiris.
Talking to The Indian Weekender, he said, “This is a great example of how communities respect each other's religions and belief in god. When Mr Sirigiri came to see me a few months back, we could see his great respect for the gurdwaras and Sikh religion in his eyes. He even travelled to ‘Darbar Sahib’ (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, Punjab, to take a sample of ‘chaur sahib’ and then travelled to Hyderabad to buy gold and make the design.”
Talking about the participation of Hindu communities at Takanini gurdwara, he said, "Our Hindu families assist us daily in preparing meals (langar) by donating milk or various other items for daily use in the community kitchen. At Takanini gurdwara, 25 per cent of our event bookings are from Hindu whanau (families), including for marriages, blessings with ‘Sukhmani Sahib Path’ at their place when they buy a new house and birthdays or birth of a baby. Also, hundreds of Hindus visit daily to pray and have langar. Gurdwara is open to everyone and does respect all."