Sikh Temple in Delhi

On a cloudy Sunday, I have watched several episodes of Andrew Zimmerman Bizarre Foods. Andrew is a chef and writer who travels the world sampling foods indigenous to different cultures. He exposes us to varied ingredients, preparations, dining customs and foods we'd (sometimes) never think of consuming. Today, I have watched him explore cities I know such as Hani and Delhi and countries I have yet to explore such as Malaysia (Durian fruit) and Iceland (putrified shark).

He visited the famous Sikh Temple in Delhi to show us the large communal kitchen staffed by volunteers, that feeds 4000 people, twice a day. Importantly, everyone is welcome to dine inside this Sikh temple.

Here is my journal entry from a visit to that temple in Delhi in September 2007.

Our first stop was to a Sikh temple. Before entering the temple, we were required to remove both shoes and socks and to cover our heads. They gave us all orange bandannas to cover our heads.

As usual, we encountered a beautiful mosaic of colorful people at this phenomenal temple. We were there on Sunday, one of the most popular days for a visit, and it is also a popular family gathering. People from all faiths are welcome to enter the Sikh temple and worship the Sikh Holy Scripture. Every person, irrespective of caste, creed, gender, culture or nationality is welcome here. Sikhism is also known for its community kitchen. It is designed to provide food to all devotees, pilgrims, and visitors and is a symbol of equality, fraternity, and brotherhood. People of all walks of life share the same food sitting together in one row. The community kitchen is staffed entirely by volunteers, who prepare and serve the food. It was so beautiful to witness this bustling activity.

So what is Sikhism?

It is a branch of Hinduism, and one of the world's newer religions. that was founded in 1469 in northern India. It is strictly monotheistic believing in one supreme God. The religion consists of practical living, in rendering service to humanity and engendering tolerance and brotherly love toward all. They believe in are earning an honest living in leading a normal life Sikhism does not accept the idea of pessimism. It advocates optimism and hope.

The five symbols of Sikhism are as follows:

1. uncut hair and an untrimmed beard hair covered by a turban

2.a sword

3. a comb,

4. a steel bracelet

5. and undergarment.
All Sikhs (men) can be identified by these five symbols with them at all times.

The temple was spectacular, with gold domes and a large iridescent blue wading pool surrounded by worshipers.

Again, we formed a prayer circle and Father Leo led us in prayer, amidst a river of onlookers. It was a beautiful experience.