Learning in London: Southall: Sikh and Hindu Temples

September 11, 2009 was a very interesting day for me most of the girls in my study abroad group. We had the opportunity to visit Southall and attend a meeting at a Sikh temple and two Hindu Temples, and what an experience that was. After we visited the Temples we had an hour or so to walk around Southall and experience a new place. A lot of people got Henna Tattoos, I would have really liked to get a henna tattoo, however, I liked McDonalds a little more. The sad thing was about 5 minutes after I had McDonald’s our whole group had dinner at an Indian Restaurant. The food was really different but we got a little taste of everything and it wasn’t too bad. Overall it was a good experience. As I went to the temples I took some notes so I thought I would share what they do at there and how I felt about them. One more thing, if you ever come across a Sikh Temple they give out free food for anyone who visits so you should try it. :)

Sikh Temple: My thoughts towards the Sikh temple before we went were much different then the thoughts and feelings I left with. I was expecting everyone there to be rude, maybe even a little scary. I thought the temple was going to be dim, a lot more sacred then it actually was. Here are some of the things I noticed and took notes on while in the Sikh Temple and during the questionnaire.

· Sikh- Student of life, always learning something new, go through mistakes in your life but learn a little more each time. Try to become one with God.

· Sikh’s all believe in one god, however they know him by several different names.

· The white feather they flow over the book is a sign as a respect to keep the air clean. It is 300 or 400 years old, was a sign as respect for a king.

· The Sikh scripture reading takes 3 days and 2 nights to finish.

· They only keep the book at the temple not in the homes. However, if it is in the homes they have to live the rules that they would at the temple.

· The different numbered windows on the side of the Temple room were different families.

· Turban is their identity, they always wear, not just for spiritual reasons but because it is more of a tradition. There is no significance in the turbans however you can sometimes tell if people are from different areas by they way they wear their turbans.

· Most people try to attend 2 times a day. However, some people go 6 or 7 times.

· The Brown stuff they gave you to eat after you left the temple room is made of Flour, Water, Butter, and Sugar. It is meant to sweaten your mouth. They give it to say basically thanks for coming now we are giving something back.

Overall, I have a lot of respect for the Sikh religion. It would be hard to go 2 times a day everyday, wearing those turbans would get annoying and hot. They are very nice people who love their religion as much as we love ours.

The Hindu Temples: I actually thought I was really going to like going to the Hindu temples but I disliked them a lot more then the Sikh Temple.

· I couldn’t understand how someone can worship their religion in a room that is so bright with color and flashing lights or when someone in the room lets their phone ring and they answer it.

· The room is always noisy there was never a quiet moment, it seemed more like a scene then an actual room for worship.

· They put water on their head, and put their hand over the fire and wiped it over their heads.

I know the things I am saying about the Hindu temple seem mean, and it sounds like I am close-minded. I just felt uncomfortable in this room with all of the decorations, dolls they worshiped, people answering their phone and talking all the time. I know they love their religion and I respect that, it is just something I know I could never do.