Soup Kitchen Extravaganza

Rajasthan, episode 3

The towns and cities we traveled through included Delhi, Agra and Jaipur are within the area is known as the Golden Triangle. Whilst we did not set out to spend long periods of time at these locations, we spent a day, accompanied by a guide, in Delhi, Agra – the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur – the Pink city.

Now, buildings and monuments are not my first choice of subjects, but you could not fail to be impressed with the sites and buildings at these three locations.

Delhi – has a number of interesting sites, but we expressed a desire to see the working side of Delhi rather than the tourist bits. I have shown a number of pictures of ‘Street Life’ previously (blog post of 5th March), but I cannot resist showing a number of pictures of a Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Sikh Temple and the soup kitchen.

Gurudwara Bangla Sahib is the most prominent Sikh gurdwara, or Sikh house of worship, in Delhi, known for its association with the eighth Sikh Guru, Guru Har Krishan.

We had the most amazing afternoon visiting the temple and in particular, the soup kitchen. Again, I must comment on the friendly nature of everyone we met. Many wanted their photograph taken, particularly with my wife – but not me?

What a fascinating place! Men and women of all ages volunteer to prepare the food for all who turn up on the day. The temple is open to all Sikhs and a free meal is guaranteed to all. The cost to volunteers; some of their time helping others who, perhaps, cannot help themselves. That’s food for thought.

An Indian family with Memsahib on the left of the picture outside the temple

The central point in the temple for worship and meditation

One of the large cauldrons with what’s left of soup of the day

One of the meals set out on a tray ready for serving

A close up of a cauldron showing the gas burners

A group of volunteers preparing onions for the day’s meal

A line of cauldrons showing the size of the kitchen

Rajasthan, episode 2: From Delhi to Roop Niwas by road and by train
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