The Fourth Form has been learning about Sikhism since the beginning of term and had a wonderful opportunity to see so much of what they had been studying on a recent visit to the Cambridge Gurdwara, the first such visit made by St John's as there has been a Gurdwara in Cambridge for only two years. All that the children have been learning in the classroom was brought alive as they explored aspects of Sikh worship in the Diwan Hall, the place of worship, and ate together in the Langar Hall.
As required by Sikh tradition, the children all brought scarves to cover their heads. They sat with rapt attention in the Prayer Hall while Dr Jag Srai spoke to them about his faith. A Granthi, a ceremonial reader, uncovered the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book in Sikhism, and, as is traditional, opened it at random and read the passage that started on the left hand page. This was regarded as a message from God. A Punjabi hymn was then sung in the traditional Kirtan style, accompanied on tabla drums and harmonium, and was translated as "The Lord is my protector. When I awake, I feel well because the Lord calms all my fears." The children said afterwards that, despite not understanding the words, they had enjoyed the music, so different in style from what they are used to, and one described it as making him feel calm.
The children were taken into the Langar Hall, a communal space devoted to cooking, serving and eating together, where everyone is seated on the floor to show that all are equal. Sikhs love to be hospitable and to share food with their guests. In order to show the children how the langar meal is served, they were lined up by the counter and invited to take a snack. They sat on the floor while Dr Srai gave a presentation and the children were shown the 5 Ks, or articles of faith, worn by all baptised Sikhs: Kesh or uncut hair; Kangha, a small wooden comb; Kara, a steel or iron bracelet; Kacchera, an undergarment; Kirpan, a short dagger. The children left the Gurdwara with a greater understanding and had a truly memorable experience.