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From time to time in Hong Kong, we see Indian men
wearing a turban called a dastar. The
dastar is an important part of Sikh culture, representing the values of
spirituality, honor, piety, and courage.
To give the Indian Culture Workshop
participants a chance to learn more about Sikh culture, the
Indian Cultural Workshop and the 6th Postgraduate Anthropology forum
committee co-organized a visit to the Hong Kong’s only Sikh Temple in January
2014.
This temple (or gurdwara) in Hong Kong acts as a
religious institute, as
well as a community center. Followers can
come to the temple for documents and translation services. They may also join the weekend classes organized
by the temple, which range from computer classes for adults to tutorial classes
for school children.
Unlike Sikhs in Hong Kong, Sikhs in India only go
to historic temples rather than religious temples. Historic temples can only be built at the
places visited by at least one of the Ten Gurus of Sikh; while religious
temples, like the one in Hong Kong, are built solely for religious purposes.
For the Sikhs, the gurdwara is where life rituals
and important ceremonies are held. These include baptism, marriage, and
religious festivals. Before entering the
prayer room, followers should cover their head with a scarf to show respect. Once inside, everyone should sit on the floor,
whether they are men or women, priest or follower. The practice acknowledges the belief in Sikh
teachings that everyone is equal.
Sharing with the community is one of the core
teachings in Sikhism. The free kitchen
or langar is a signature public service.
Visitors to the temple become the special guests of the temple. The
temple serves meals to them every day, Sikhs or non-Sikhs alike. To ensure people with different dietary
restriction can eat as equals, only vegetarian meals are served.
Click the label "Indian Cultural Workshop" below if you want to read more.
