Wow, India is AMAZING!
I was really hoping I would be able to express all that we are doing out here for our followers back home and elsewhere but now I realize that will be impossible. We are seeing and learning so much everyday. India has surprised me in so many ways, I cannot begin to explain! I have been meaning to do a post on our trip through Punjab, after we left the village of Khanna, that was almost a week ago and I have yet to do it. So, this is my compromise- a short picture story of the sights we saw, as they cannot be missed and are completely worthy of a visit.
On our first trip we ventured by bus to the city of Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple! As the name suggests, it is a temple built ‘ entirely of GOLD’-almost :) It is where the Sikh religion was founded and was a very spiritual place indeed (also home to the oldest surviving copies of the Sikh bible if memory serves me correctly) We bunked up for a few days at a tourist hotel right close to the Temple grounds, and the cost was astounding, only 150 rupees each per night!! The cost is kept to a minimum so all can have the opportunity to worship at this holy temple. Something to mention- the Sikh religion believes in giving to everyone who is in need and that all are equal. So in true Sikh fashion, the temple serves food to thousands, ‘round the clock and at no cost. The meals are prepared, cooked and served by volunteers. We ate there the entire time while staying in the city, each meal getting our plate, bowl and utensil on the way into the main hall where everyone from all castes and religions sits on the floor in rows together… This scene of labourers and beggars sitting alongside holy men and business men eating together in solidarity is a very humbling experience.
While in Amritsar we also visited the Jallianwala Bagh , a memorial garden which was the scene of a brutal massacre by the British 1919 (follow the link for more info – grab a tissue). India has a very long and sometimes sad history- especially most recently while under British occupation. The monument and sight marks the spot where the British fired more than one thousand rounds, in an unprovoked attack, which killed more than 400 people, including women and children. It is an awful memory but the government has kept the sight very beautiful to honour the memory of the people who died there.
On a happier note, we did also take a trip out to the Pakistan/India border for the border closing celebrations. I can say that this was one of the strangest ceremonies I have ever seen - ever. Every day, hundreds of people make the trip to witness the 1 1/2 hour ceremony, which includes cheering, chanting (lead by a male “cheerleader” of sorts) dancing and music. Bizarre. We had a really good time and even though it was completely over the top(as most things are here) and unnecessary, it was fun and I guess that is the point at the end of the day. Have Fun :)
I was really hoping I would be able to express all that we are doing out here for our followers back home and elsewhere but now I realize that will be impossible. We are seeing and learning so much everyday. India has surprised me in so many ways, I cannot begin to explain! I have been meaning to do a post on our trip through Punjab, after we left the village of Khanna, that was almost a week ago and I have yet to do it. So, this is my compromise- a short picture story of the sights we saw, as they cannot be missed and are completely worthy of a visit.
On our first trip we ventured by bus to the city of Amritsar to visit the Golden Temple! As the name suggests, it is a temple built ‘ entirely of GOLD’-almost :) It is where the Sikh religion was founded and was a very spiritual place indeed (also home to the oldest surviving copies of the Sikh bible if memory serves me correctly) We bunked up for a few days at a tourist hotel right close to the Temple grounds, and the cost was astounding, only 150 rupees each per night!! The cost is kept to a minimum so all can have the opportunity to worship at this holy temple. Something to mention- the Sikh religion believes in giving to everyone who is in need and that all are equal. So in true Sikh fashion, the temple serves food to thousands, ‘round the clock and at no cost. The meals are prepared, cooked and served by volunteers. We ate there the entire time while staying in the city, each meal getting our plate, bowl and utensil on the way into the main hall where everyone from all castes and religions sits on the floor in rows together… This scene of labourers and beggars sitting alongside holy men and business men eating together in solidarity is a very humbling experience.
beautiful post! amazing pictures!
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