Today we woke up uber-early and trekked back to Delhi, the capital of India, for 5 hours. Arriving 10am & settling in- we then went on the tour we were SUPPOSED to have on Sunday (aka Holi day).
First we went to “Jama Masjid”—the largest mosque in ALL of India!! (Of course, also built by Shah Jahan)
Old Delhi is still relatively intact with it’s 2 meter wide alleys/roads & shops all over.
Next we did one of the most interesting things: we went to a Sikh temple.
To them there is no image of God.. they instead worship and refer to their holy book:
Guru Granth Sahib Ji
Also, what I found was REAL charitable was: the custom of "Langar" or the community meal. In the afternoon, all temples are open to anyone of any faith for a free meal. People can enter and eat together and are served by faithful members of the community.
It was a thoroughly interesting and enlightening experience.
Delhi consists of 7 cities.. the 7 different cities are basically the different regions where the center of the city was at different times throughout history. Delhi wasn’t always the capital but it was still important due to it’s vital location for trade as the “gateway city”.
On day 5, we spent our time in Old Delhi (the 6th city). Shah Jahan (the guy that built the Taj Mahal) moved the city from the 5th city area to Old Delhi or “ShahJahanAbad”. It stayed here until the British came in 1857 and they moved Delhi to “New Delhi” which is where the city currently is.
First we went to “Jama Masjid”—the largest mosque in ALL of India!! (Of course, also built by Shah Jahan)
We had to wear dress things as foreign women.. despite if we were covered all over or not- which you know I wasn’t, but still- had to wear the uber-attractive dress and take off our shoes.
It’s still an active mosque so there was a charge for pics inside BUT we got to see praying, cleaning of the feet, and people just chillin out and worshipping.
There were pigeons that they fed… and it turns out- pigeons are pretty important. They train them to fight for “Pigeon fighting” (much like Cock fighting in the Philippines, except they don’t kill and eat the loser).. they also have pigeon races.
Old Delhi is still relatively intact with it’s 2 meter wide alleys/roads & shops all over.
It’s unique aka scary and dirty appeal—it’s like jumping back in time.
Next we did one of the most interesting things: we went to a Sikh temple.
Now this is interesting…
Sikhs believe in Gurus—or teachers/priests… The first one was Nanak, who founded Sikhism. The reason he did this was b.c. the Muslims had come into Hindu India and were trying to force conversions.. well, Nanak basically didn’t believe in either and made this combined/understanding religion- Sikhism. It focuses on a union with God, not heaven/hell; and it focuses on rejecting material wealth and the 5 evils (such as lust, greed, attachment, etc.)
Now 5 things to identify a Sikh are (called Ks):
1) The hair that is never cut (Kesh) wrapped in the turban (“Keski”).
2) A dagger (Kirpan)
3) A comb (Kanga) tucked into the Keski
4) Underwear (Kachhehra)
5) Steel bracelet (Karha)
In In order to enter the temple we had to cover our hair:
They worship in a “gurdwara” (a "service", what was going on when we were there) consists chiefly of singing of passages from the scripture. Sikhs will commonly enter the temple, touch the ground before the holy scripture with their foreheads, and make an offering. Gurdwaras are open to ALL people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, nationality. (VERY welcoming)
Guru Granth Sahib Ji
There’s also a pole that shoots REALLY high into the sky b.c. back in the day Skihs were welcome to all people in need of shelter. The pole stood high so that those looking for a temple or shelter, could find the Sikh temple in the distance.
Also, what I found was REAL charitable was: the custom of "Langar" or the community meal. In the afternoon, all temples are open to anyone of any faith for a free meal. People can enter and eat together and are served by faithful members of the community.
At night we took the subway with a “Woman’s only” train!! J to do a lil bit of shopping, eat some foreign food—had my first piece of BEEF!! (It really hardly exists in the entire country!), and see the Star of India aka India Gate.
It reminded me of 4th of July in a park where everyone’s chillin’ out with light up toys, vendors selling food, and all the kids are running around playing. This woman kept trying to get me to buy Henna and I kept ignoring her.
Next thing I know, I feel a bug on my arm…
Look over…
It’s not a bug, it’s the woman!
Give me a Henna tattoo!!
I was like:
NO!, I said I don’t want any!
She was done, and said:
“100 Rupees.”
I said “No way! I told you I didn’t want one and yet you do it anyway? I’m not paying you for anything”
“100 rupees”
“No, here’s 10, leave me alone”
She and her clan follow me.
We escape.
But seriously?! Wow.
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