Sikh Temple Tour in Honour of Diwali
30th October 2024
This month we were lucky enough to receive a tour of the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Gravesend. It was both fascinating and educational for us to learn the historical significance of Diwali. Our tour guide and Suki showed us around the building, leading us into various rooms and teaching us both the history and meaning of them.
A Sikh temple, known as a Gurdwara ("door to a new beginning"), serves as a place of learning and growth, not only for Sikhs (whose name originates from "Seekers of the Truth") but for all humanity. Everyone is welcome to enter with the understanding that the guiding principles and respectful conduct of the space are upheld.
For Sikhs, Diwali is particularly important because it celebrates the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619.
The Sikh tradition holds that Emperor Jahangir had imprisoned Guru Hargobind and 52 princes. The Emperor was asked to release Guru Hargobind which he agreed to do. However, Guru Hargobind asked that the princes be released also. The Emperor agreed, but said only those who could hold onto his cloak tail would be allowed to leave the prison. This was in order to limit the number of prisoners who could leave.
However, Guru Hargobind had a cloak made with 52 pieces of string and so each prince was able to hold onto one string and leave the prison.
Sikhs celebrated the return of Guru Hargobind by lighting the ‘GOLDEN TEMPLE’ and this tradition continues today.
Sarah explained that her favourite part of the day was when Suki showed her some of Sikh traditions such as the marriage ritual, she said that Suki married them both and she found it very funny! Sarah enjoyed her day at the temple alot and said she would like to attend again.
