CHESAPEAKE

Just hours after sunrise Sunday, the task that was begun Friday morning - the reading of the entire Sikh holy book - was complete.

A succession of men and women had taken turns reading from the 1,430-page Guru Granth Sahib day and night. The reading commemorated the birth of Sikhism more than 500 years ago.

"Today is the birth of our community," said Pal Gill, a congregant.

Neelam Grewal took three one-hour shifts - one on Friday and two on Saturday - inside the Sikh temple in Chesapeake, where the holy book lay elevated above all else.

There were passages about selflessness, about "how to be good to yourself and other people," Grewal said. "Our book is all about teaching. It revolves around human kindness."

The writings are lyrical and rhythmic, the reading praising and holy. It was among the first readings at the temple, which opened a year ago as the first in Hampton Roads after more than a decade of planning.

Sikhism, which is said to have more than 26 million followers worldwide, was founded in India on such principles as meditation, work, charity, service and God. About 700,000 Sikhs live in the United States; about 45 families make Hampton Roads their home.

About 20 people participated in the weekend's reading, which was done in Punjabi. Others observed, kept the temple open and prepared meals for all those who came, no matter the hour.

After the reading concluded Sunday, dozens of people walked barefoot down a long carpet. Most of the women wore flowing tunic and pant sets called punjabi suits, and head scarves that were sequined or embroidered. Some jingled. The men were more casual, many in khakis and jeans, with turbans or bandannas.

At the end was the platform and the Guru Granth Sahib, vases of flowers as vibrant as the women's dress. Here, the Sikhs tossed offerings of blossoms, cash and checks for the temple. They bowed their heads, pressed their hands together and knelt, foreheads against the floor. Then they took a seat, men on one side and women on the other, as the priest chanted.

At the end would come a prayer - not just for the Sikhs but "for the whole wide world," Grewal explained - and a message from the holy book.

Kristin Davis, (757) 222-5208, kristin.davis@pilotonline.com