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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. |
