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The UK’s 300+ Gurdwaras are centres for Sikh community life, learning and worship. The word ‘Gurdwara’ means the ‘home of the Guru’, or the ‘door to the Guru’. Where the scriptures, the Guru Granth Sahib, live, there is a Gurdwara.
There are many symbols of respect which include taking off your shoes, washing your hands, covering your head, sitting down on the floor to eat, expressing equality through sharing food without taking notice of differences of gender, wealth, age or any other differences. Every Gurdwara has a kitchen, the famous ‘Langar’ where anyone can eat, just as long as they are willing to eat with everyone else. This helps to feed the poor and needy – and to challenge the wealthy and proud, if they need challenging! Some Sikhs take langar onto the streets as well to feed the homeless.
The theme of equality is illustrated: when Prince Charles visited a Gurdwara, he behaved just like all the ordinary people, and covered his head in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.
The concept of Seva (also transcribed as ‘sewa’) is really important in Sikh spiritual life. Making food in the langar is a job for everyone, and is seen as an honour. It is a spiritual thing to do, as well as a practical thing. Simran has a go, but her skills are not perfect yet. Still, it is the intention that matters!