The London Gurdwara

Yesterday my British Culture and Society class had a field trip to the Gurdwara in London.  It is the largest Sikh temple, outside of India, in the world and was built with the help of Prince Charles of Wales in 2003.  The temple is just outside central London and serves as a community center in "Little India" where it is used by thousands of people each week.

 

Before entering the temple, we had to put on head scarves, wash our hands, and take off our shoes.  Then they brought us into a prayer room where they gave us a brief outline of the religion.  Unlike Hinduism, they believe in one God, the same God they believe Christians, Jews, and Muslims to pray to.  They are a very peaceful, accepting, and open religion.  It's interesting that we often stereotype people who wear turbans in the West, because roughly 90% of them are Sikhs, whose religion forbids violence and promotes tolerance.  

After the informative lecture, we went into the

 main prayer room, where their holy book was being read from.  They read from the book nonstop from sun u

p to sun down, and they're language is lyrical; it sounds like singing almost.  

After watching their prayer rituals for a litt

le bit we headed down to a large room with food.  In all Sikh temples free food is served all day and it can be eaten by anyone of any religion or nationality, etc.  The food was tradition Indian and was really great except for a strange stringy sugar coated rice dessert.  

The weather is wonderful today, it's cool and breezy but not rainy at all.  Tomorrow my weekend starts at noon, so I'm going into London to go to Harrod's and do some other shopping.  

If anyone wants to set up a skype account, we can talk online for free.  I know the calling cards are getting expensive.  Here are some pictures from the Gurdwara.