In 1606

At the Gurdwara (Sikh temple) cool lassi is served every day during these intense summer months.

On a near weekly basis a member of the community usually hosts a free Langar marking an important occasion for themselves or their family and provide breakfast for all who care to share a meal. Many people, not the daily Gurdwara-goers, usually workers out on the street, pop in and have a plate.

Periodically when there is a day in Sikh history that is significant - be it cause for celebration or commemoration, the Gurdwara uses funds gathered from donations and hires professional cooks, halvai who prepare the hot food onsite in huge vats placed on wood fires in dug out pits.

Today, the 29th of May is the date to commemorate the 5th Guru of Sikhism, Guru Arjan Dev. His legacy includes completing the construction of the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, adding to the Dasvand system (contributing a tenth of one's earnings back to society) into a larger system of Masand adding education and the settlement of civil disputes. Guru Arjan also compiled the hymns of the previous Gurus, the writings of poets and saints into the first edition of the Sikh holy scripture, Adi Granth.

In 1606 the Mughal Emperor of India of the time Jagangir ordered Guru Arjan to convert to Islam. For his refusal the Guru was tortured and executed on the 29th of May.

We had Langar at the Gurdwara after listening to the Kirtan. We shared one plate between us and kept the other to give to the lady who was sweeping the street as we made our way home.