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The gurdwara of the "Sikh Community Switzerland" in Daeniken (NW Switzerland). Typically, the triangular orange flag called nishan sahib flutters in front of the gurdwara ("door of the guru"). |
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A former workshop for car body work repair, which is located in an industrial area outside the village of Daeniken, had been turned into a gurdwara in 2002. |
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The plate at the side of the building with the inscription "Gurudwara Sahib Sikh Gemeinde Schweiz" (Honoured gurdwara Sikh Community Switzerland) points to the religious function of the building. In late 2004, about 500 Sikhs lived in Switzerland though the number had been comparatively high with some 3,000 Sikh asylum seekers during the mid-1980s. Despite the relatively small number, two separate Sikh associations exist since 2002. The Sikh Centre Switzerland laid the foundation stones for a purpose-built gurdwara in Langenthal, a village not far away from Daeniken, in October 2002. |
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The assembly room for worship, including the reading from the holy book Guru Granth Sahib and the singing of kirtans, devotional songs and hymns. To the right is a class of youngsters, taught in writing Punjabi. |
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The gurdwara's central place is the palki. Here the holy book Guru Granth Sahib is kept during the day. The book lies on silk cushions underneath the canopy. In front of the palki are two swords stuck in a shield which so to speak protect the book and honoured place. |
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After the final service the holy book is brought to rest in a small bedroom, which also is located in the spacious assembly room. |
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A service consists importantly of the reading from the Guru Granth Sahib. The granthi, the learned reader of the book, recites the verses. According to Sikh tradition every man or woman can serve as granthi though in practice usually men will do the job. |
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Reading from the holy book during worship. In the back the golden banner with the typical Sikh emblem of two swords can be seen. The two swords represent the temproary, worldly power and the spiritual authority of a guru. |
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After the reading from the Guru Granth Sahib the book is closed and covered with a precious cloth. |
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According to Sikh traditions all people are equal and thus sit on the floor. The devotional songs and hymns (kirtans) are accompanied by a group of musicians (ragis) who play the tabla and Indian harmonium. |
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Listening to the music of the ragis. Men sit on one side and women on the other. The gurdwara serves as a miniature home away from home for the Sikh immigrants. The music, clothing, code of conduct, language, food and much more create an atmosphere reminiscent to far away Punjab, transplanted into a hall in chilly Switzerland. |
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Sikh women and some children during the service. All worshippers - women, man and children - cover their hair on entering the gurdwara. Covered hair is a sign of respect and humility and should prevent any attraction between the sexes. |
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One of the main aims of the Sikh Community Switzerland is to support and encourage the youth. Apart from general educational activities children are taught to sing and play the traditional instruments. Here, children join the ragis on stage and perform a few kirtans. |
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Sikh men listening to the music. |
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At the end of the worship some sweet food, dedicated to God, is given to each participant as karah parashad. |
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After the worship a meal is served. So far, the gurdwara has not yet a proper langar, a place where food is given free to everyone. Normally delicious Punjabi dishes are served though for Swiss guests less spicy food is also prepared. |
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The kitchen of the gurdwara where the food is prepared. Though the picture shows only women also men serve in the kitchen helping with the various duties. |
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To the end of the Open Doors' Day a Sikh demonstrates the way to wind the turban. The length of cloth is several meters long and requires skills to manage properly. |
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Done, to the amazement of the visitors the whole roll of cloth fits the head of the young boy. |
