Manoj Kumar Ojha/Doomdooma (Assam)

In the oil town of Digboi, the centenary of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara is emerging as an occasion not only to honour the Sikh community’s religious legacy but also to reaffirm Eastern Assam town’s tradition of coexistence of faiths.

The celebrations reflect the spirit of a town where religious diversity can be a source of collective strength rather than division.

“The two Gurudwaras in Digboi -- Telkhad Gurudwara and Refinery Chariali Gurudwara -- have completed 100 years. We organised a Nagar Kirtan, and a four-day religious programme beginning October 29 at the Telkhad Gurudwara.

“The celebrations include Langar, recitation of Gurbani and other religious activities. People from all sections of society have been invited to participate so that we all could celebrate it together,” a member of the organising committee said.

The Nagar Kirtan, a devotional procession accompanied by Sikh hymns, brought the community’s spiritual traditions into the public sphere. The forthcoming programmes at Telkhad Gurudwara will include Langar, the community meal that embodies equality and selfless service, along with recitation of Gurbani and other religious observances. The organisers have extended an invitation to people across communities, underscoring the inclusive spirit of the celebrations.

Digboi MLA Suren Phukan also joined the open meeting at the historic Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara. In a social media post, he acknowledged the Sikh community’s historical presence in Digboi, its invaluable contribution to society and its role in serving the nation.

Poster of the centenary celebrations of the historic Digboi gurudwara

“I assure you of all possible help and cooperation for the preservation and development of this historic Gurudwara,” Phukan said, appealing to people to move forward together in the spirit of brotherhood and work collectively to make Digboi a better town.

The Gurudwara’s centenary also recalls the contribution of generations of Sikh residents to the social and cultural life of the oil town. Established in 1926, Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara represents a century of worship, community service and spiritual continuity. The milestone also highlights the importance of preserving historic places of worship as living centres of faith and fellowship.“People from all sections of society are supporting us. For the past hundred years, we have lived with love and harmony with every section of society, and we hope this spirit will continue in the coming days as well. We must continue to love and respect one another,” the organising committee member added.

That message resonates across Digboi’s diverse religious landscape. Durga Puja brings Hindu devotees together in celebration, while Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti honours the revered sage associated with the Ramayana. Muslim religious observances, including Eid and other community gatherings, form part of the wider religious life of the region.

Sikh traditions at the Gurudwaras, Christian prayers and masses, and the spiritual teachings of Buddhism and Jainism add to the town’s wider tapestry of faith and belief.

The significance of Digboi’s social fabric lies not in the absence of religious differences but in the possibility of people living together while respecting one another’s beliefs.

Sikhs taking our Nagar kirtan procession in Digboi

Digboi, often referred to as the ‘Gangotri of the Indian Hydrocarbon Sector’, is the town where the oldest refinery in Asia is situated. Its religious institutions and community celebrations offer cultural and social colours to life.

The centenary, therefore, is more than a milestone for the Sikh community. It is an invitation to all residents to recognise that preserving one community’s religious heritage enriches the cultural heritage of the entire town. People's participation and goodwill of all communities can turn the occasion into raising a sense of collective belonging.

As the celebrations continue, the message from Digboi is simple yet powerful: religious faith should build bridges, not barriers. A century of coexistence is not merely a story to remember; it is a responsibility to carry forward.

READ MORE:Can India continue to be the thought leader of the Islamic World?

By respecting every faith, sharing one another’s joys and standing together in the spirit of humanity, Digboi continues to offer a meaningful example of religious harmony and brotherhood.