Gurudwara Nanakshahi: Inclusion, the path to harmony
By 12:00pm yesterday, a crowd had slowly gathered at Gurudwara Nanakshahi's doors. Far from being confined to adherents of Sikhism, the premises welcomed people from all religions, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians, in line with the Guru Nanakshahi's message -- the door is open for all.
Located in Dhaka University area, the Gurudwara has a simple rule: anyone can wear a handkerchief and scarf with a 'Khand' symbol to take part in the community lunch at its "langarkhana".
The langarkhana hosts a special lunch for all on Fridays. "Friday's food list includes rice, pulses, vegetables and sweets. Attendees also get to have a serving of our delicious prasad, which is immensely satisfying," Sushil Balmiky, president of the Gurudwara Management Committee, told the Daily Star .
He said the expenses for the lunch are funded by one Baba Sukka Singh of Sarhali in Punjab. On Fridays, the regular crowd at the Gurudwara swells up to five or even six hundred people, who join the day's special prayers and the lunch.
"This place is significant for the Sikhs of this country because our chief Guru, Nanakshahi, came here," he said.
He also informed this correspondent that devotees come here not only from Bangladesh, but also from other parts of the world.
Although there is another Gurudwara in the city's Banglabazar, this one is more popular as it's always thronged by devotees and visitors. Outside of Dhaka, there are two more Gurudwaras in Chattogram and Mymensingh.
It is known from history that the main purpose of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was to help humanity recognise that all human beings should be one. Rather than drawing lines among religions, his message was one of harmony.
He came to Bengal from Punjab to spread this message of equality. In the early 16th century, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Nanakshahi resided in this part of the city for some time. A couple of centuries later, the construction of this Sikh Gurudwara was completed in 1830.
During the Liberation War, the fundamentalist Pakistani forces had their eyes on the temple and killed two of its staffers: Sharan Singh and Muhammad-ul-Malik.
At present, the Gurudwara has nine rooms. The main shrine is situated along its green lawn.
On Fridays, everyone at the premises adorn the "Khand" emblazoned, gerua-coloured handkerchiefs. Guru Nanak's followers are called 'Udasi' and they do not wear turbans. On the other hand, the followers of Gobind Singh, the tenth guru of the Sikhs, are 'Akali', who do wear turbans.
Worship is performed here five times a day. The messages of the religion's ten gurus are recited from the 'Granth Sahib', written in the original Punjabi language. The holy textbook written by hand is kept on the wooden altar at the middle of the worship room.
Apart from conducting regular "langar" and worship, the Gurudwara also stands beside victims during various natural calamities in the country. For an example, it stepped up during the outbreak of Covid-19 by providing food aid among those who needed it.
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