Paldi Jordmela celebrates Doman Singh's family
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Updated: July 03, 2009 2:03 PM
The lives of Paldi town pillars Doman Singh and wife Prabh Kaur will be celebrated during the weekend’s annual holy feast, called a jordmela, at the Paldi Temple.
Hosts Didar (Ted) and Minder Doman, children of the late couple, said folks are welcome to enjoy lunch Friday to Sunday, and dinner Friday and Saturday.
Those meals will happen between readings of the Sikh holy book, the Garanth Sahib.
The Domans, siblings of the late Harbanse (Herb) and Gurdail (Gordie) Doman, wish to honour their parents and the occasion also falls on the 90th anniversary of the Paldi Jordmela.
“There used to be lots of activities at Paldi but there’s only the temple there now,” Minder said of the former booming milltown that employed many Sikhs and Japanese folks.
“We’re providing the meal on behalf of our mother and father.
“I hope people who knew our parents might come and say ‘Hi.’
“The highest honor we can give our family is to serve food for whoever comes.”
Paldi historian Joan Mayo, author of Paldi Remembered, said Doman Singh was one of 35 partners that established Paldi and he helped run crews in the woods.
Doman Singh died in the late ‘40s while Prabh Kaur died around 1979, Minder said.
Ted and Minder are the surviving siblings among Gurdial, Bonso and Herb.
“Paldi is our roots,” said Minder who is searching for any archival photos or facts about her family.
The Paldi Jordmela toasts joyous occasions.
“People got together because kids were out of school. It was a time to feast and pray,” said Minder.
“Each temple has one day a year that’s their biggest jordmela,” said Mayo, adding jordmelas occur at other times too.
“They can mark graduations and other happy occasions to give thanks for good luck.
“The langar (food) is provided by a family that offers and this year it’s for Ted and Minder’s parents.”
Reading of the Garanth Sahib in two-hour shifts starts at 10 a.m. Friday and should end around noon Sunday.
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