Travel : Exploring the city of Amritsar
The sense of community and unity is deeply rooted in the city's fabric, with people from different faiths and backgrounds living harmoniously together.
Amritsar, a city in northern India, is renowned for its generosity, particularly through the Golden Temple, which is the most significant shrine of the Sikh religion. Established in the 16th century by a Sikh guru, Amritsar embodies the spirit of seva, which is selfless service performed for others without expecting anything in return. Seva is deeply ingrained in Sikhism, and it is practiced daily by Sikhs worldwide, both in gurudwaras (Sikh temples) and in their personal lives.
Amritsar's Golden Temple: A Beacon of Seva
Amritsar's Golden Temple operates the largest langar, a free communal kitchen, in the world. It serves 100,000 people every day, offering meals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The langar is open to everyone without discrimination, providing shelter and food to anyone in need. The langar is run by dedicated volunteers who serve simple yet delicious meals on stainless steel plates, consisting of lentils, chapattis (flatbread), chickpea stew, and yogurt. The langar halls can accommodate up to 200 people at a time, where individuals from all walks of life gather to share a meal.
Amritsar's Golden Temple Langar: Feeding the Masses
The spirit of generosity in Sikhism extends beyond Amritsar and can be observed worldwide. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Sikh volunteers in England and the United States provided thousands of free meals daily to those in need. In times of crisis, Sikhs mobilize their efforts to assist people in various parts of the world, such as storm-hit Canada or cyclone-stricken New Zealand.
The Global Impact of Sikh Generosity
Amritsar itself reflects this ethos of generosity and kindness. The city's residents are known for their friendliness, helpfulness, and welcoming nature. Visitors experience warmth and hospitality wherever they go, whether it's being offered assistance when lost or confused, receiving advice to ensure their safety, or being invited to share tea and conversation with strangers. The sense of community and unity is deeply rooted in the city's fabric, with people from different faiths and backgrounds living harmoniously together.
Amritsar: A City of Kindness and Unity
Amritsar's generous spirit is even more remarkable considering the dark history it has endured. The city was a center for protests during British colonial rule and witnessed the tragic Jallianwala Bagh Massacre in 1919, where many innocent lives were lost. Amritsar also suffered during the Indian Partition in 1947 and became the site of tragic events in 1984 when the Golden Temple was stormed by military forces. Despite these collective traumas, Sikhs choose to emphasize their legacy as protectors and maintain a spirit of giving and acceptance.
Amritsar's Enduring Spirit of Generosity
The tradition of seva, along with the inclusive and welcoming nature of Sikhs, showcases their generosity. In Amritsar, even in the face of adversity, kindness, love, and generosity prevail.
