Hospitality of the Sikhs

Finally skipped town for a much needed change of scenery. Visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab, near the Pakistan border. This is the most holy place for Sikhs, where tens of thousands of pilgrims travel daily.

Sikhs are known for their colorful turbans, impressive beards, and the occasional saber - long swords are sheathed at the side, shorter daggers are tucked into the turban. Based on my limited knowledge, there are similarities to both Hinduism and Islam in architecture and style of worship, along with some key differences. The Sikhs' disregard for the caste system, their belief in equality between kings and beggars, sets them apart from Hinduism. They have a grisly history of conflict with their Hindu and Muslim neighbors, portrayed in rows of grim paintings lining the walls of the local museum.

'Been enjoying free meals and residency at the Temple. Hospitality here is incredible. 60,000 visitors are fed delicious vegetarian meals each day, free of charge. I entered the massive dining hall, recieved my plate and watched with amazement at the clockwork system that feeds so many mouths. Everyone sits in long lines, servers move down each line with buckets of rice, dal, and chipatis, filling each plate as they pass. As each row finishes their meals, a massive squeegee is pushed down the line, mopping up spills, leaving the marble floor sparkling. Amy was hear a few months back for a friend's wedding; for more details be sure to read her entry.

Last night another westerner brought some birthday cake to the temple dormitory. He offered some to the Sikh guard, who strode up to him, gave him a stout hug and wished him "Happy Birthday." He turned down a spoon, favoring instead a foot long curved dagger that he unveiled from his robe. He proceeded to eat the cake with it, crumbs falling into his long white beard.

Will post photos once I get back to McLeod Ganj.