Departments

Sikh Temple of the Fox Valley, Menasha

Founded in the Punjab region of India, Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world, but has a small representation in the Fox Cities. Local Sikhs gathered at private homes to worship until 2004 when the gurdwara (a Sikh place of worship) was established on Midway Road in Menasha. It is the only gurdwara north of Milwaukee, so Sikhs travel from as far away as Northern Wisconsin and Upper Michigan to attend.

Both men and women cover their heads inside the gurdwara as a sign of respect. Women may choose to wear a turban, but will more often cover their hair with a long scarf. Traditionally Sikh men wear turbans outside the gurdwara as well, as an outward symbol of their faith.

Sikhs follow the teachings of 10 gurus who function as spiritual guides. Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that teaches there is one God who is the God of all religions. “We respect all religions. We should be as comfortable in church as we are sitting here. We should be as comfortable in the Hindu temple as we are [in the gurdwara],” says Kanwar Kathuria, a senior member of the congregation, during a service on October 8. “This is an important aspect of the Sikh religion. Any creed or religion can come here and worship and learn.”

Community service is a main tenant of Sikhism and food plays a large role in that. The temple features a “langar” hall, which is a community kitchen where anyone can come to eat free vegetarian food. The meals are prepared weekly by rotating teams of volunteers and served on Sundays and Wednesdays.

Faith as identity:

“It was a big moment for us where we could finally have a place where we could worship and meet every day. We wanted this place to be an anchor for our children, where they could relate to their identity. Our gurus were constantly helping people in need. I want my children to give and forgive, and yet be brave. Be humble, yet proud of who they are.” — Tejdeep Kaur Sodhi, board member/secretary