The Sikhs - "Seeking equality of Man"
For hundreds of years ( maybe thousands?) the caste system in Hindu faith has existed in India. That is that all Indian people fall into four classes, ranging from the top as educators or teachers to the bottom as untouchable low-life. People held these classes through life and even after death where they were reincarnated into the same caste. Although the caste system has been eliminated politically, in many ways it still exists particularly in rural India.
The Sikh ("seek") faith is the second newest religion in the world. Its founder or Guru, a Hindu detested the caste system and felt all men should be equal. This religion which believed in one God consisted of practical living, rendering service to humanity and engendering brotherly love to all. The religion combined the best elements of both the Hindu and Islamic faiths. The major Sikh temples offer free food to all men and women regardless of their place in society. 24/7, many meals are served there. The men Sikhs are identified by their distinctive colorful wrapped turbans.
The tour group visited the Gurdwara SisGanj, the principle Sikh temple in Delhi.
This was an amazing spiritual experience. Led by our incredible native tour guide Jai we removed our shoes, donned the required head cover, and entered the temple. We were allowed to sit near the praying Sikhs who visit the temple to pray often twice a day. The prayer area is provided with a live Sikh singer and drummer providing interesting Indian prayer music. after observing the prayers we went to the outside patio where tea is served for all to sit and mingle.
This was an amazing Indian experience that would only have been possible by being
on small tour with a native Indian guide. I would have never entered the temple being alone besides knowing the proper protocol while in the temple. The small G-Adventures tour group with our guide Jai and 6 other wonderful new friends, has been a wonderful way to see India.
on small tour with a native Indian guide. I would have never entered the temple being alone besides knowing the proper protocol while in the temple. The small G-Adventures tour group with our guide Jai and 6 other wonderful new friends, has been a wonderful way to see India.
