Bangkok's Gurdwara Photo

Photographer’s Note

This Gurdwara - the temple of the Sikhs - in the middle of Bangkok's Little India Pahurat is very famous among Sikhs in South East Asia. Already its location in a wet market is not very usual. You can see its golden dome only when you are almost in front of it.

The first Sikhs emigrated to Thailand in 1890 and 23 years later, this gurdwara was build by the community. First they lived around their temple, but today they prefer to live at Ekamai off Sukhumvit Road, where the housing is much better and bigger then in crowded Pahurat. The main business of the Sikhs is textile and trade between India and Thailand. Till today, you go to Pahurat when you are looking for textiles some produced locally but most are imported from all over the world.

As the Sikh community was growing they decided to build a big gurdwara replacing the wooden building. 1979 the construction started and was completed 2 years later with the current temple with its landmark tower.

phwall, serp2000, jusninasirun, Angshu has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

phwall (5817) 2009-10-19 17:38

Hello Urs,
I've been to Bangkok many times and until now have never seen this temple.
I like the way you have shown the temple in situ, the way it is nestled in amongst the many stalls and markets works well. Of course the vertical frame is also good for your POV.
Lovely blue sky, all too rare in Bangkok.
A fine shot, tfs.
Best wishes
Peter

pablominto (41690) 2009-10-19 22:11

Hello Urs,

I notice with interest this street leading up to the temple, seems like a walk in darkness as the street is all covered with umbrellas and other arrangements!
The busy everyday life is well captured, the guy with the cellphone attracts attention...
And in the background the fine architecture of the temple, where the golden dome is the spice..!

Greetings,
Pablo -

rodgerg (25535) 2009-10-20 0:29

Hello Urs,

A very efficience framing give this nice shot with a mixt betewwen secne of life in the FG and architectur in the BG. The FG is rich in various details very well collected. the white colors of the eficice in the BG is well exposed. a good and interesting photowork.
Have a nice day,
Roger

pajaran (4320) 2009-10-20 0:46

Zdravo.
Svakodnevnica ulicnih prodavaca i lepa gradjevina u pozadini, sa lepim bojama i trenutkom.
Paja.

serp2000 (9833) 2009-10-20 5:34

Hello, Urs,
Wonderful architecture and cheap market are like a "richi e poveri". This contrast I remember everywhere in Bangkok. But I love this land.
Thanks for sharing, Urs.
VG Serghei

jusninasirun (10401) 2009-10-20 6:25

Kodiang 2009

Hi Urs: I'm sure there aren't that many Gudwaras around Bangkok and you have isolated it well in the busyness of this city. The street scene is amazing and thanks so much for sharing. Beat regards. Jusni

Angshu (34243) 2009-10-22 21:02

Dear Urs
Its been a long time...how are you doing?
This looks very much like a corner somewhere in India, maybe even Delhi which has quite a population of Sikhs. The outdoor, market, the vegetables, the gas cylinder all seem so familiar :-) Quite a regal Gurdwara and we do see a Sikh young man in the FG. Interesting post and a good informative note as always! I continue to explore the unknown BKK thru your eyes
Best Regards
Angshuman