I live in a neighbourhood which has a mix of Sikhs and Hindus…there are two gurudwara’s within stone throwing distance from my apartment, and I use that phrase only in the metaphorical sense. We all live in harmony, except for the odd scrap now and then. Of course, this makes for a noisy environment, since the idea of celebration as far as both communities are concerned is to make a lot of noise.
Today, for instance is Guru Nanak Jayanti, and the procession has just through the narrow alleyway below on its way to the gurudwara. Listening to the chanting, it’s very difficult to make out if they are celebrating or mourning:-)
That said, one really has to appreciate the concept of public service that is part and parcel of such celebration. One will find langurs all over the city today, dishing out free meals to all and sundry. When I was in London on a scholarship, most of my room mates were doctors from India studying for their PLAB exams. The gurudwaras were literal lifesavers for them since they dished out free food daily, and food was/is really expensive in England.
This is my first ever blog post in this sandbox. Here goes nothin:-)