My Faith Reflection – visit to Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara
The Faith Trail as part of Balsall Heath Community Festival has been a great way to celebrate our diverse community. It has been for me an invitation to visit the many different faiths I knew little about, like Sikhism. There was early migration during that time from India. As a Muslim interfaith is important to me and I wanted to share my faith reflection visiting this Gurdwara as part of Balsall Heath Community Festival, there was a group including Anawim who were there for the first time.
Langar, the act of selflessness
We were kindly asked to cover our heads as a sign of respect. The Langar plays a vital role in day to day activity. The principle is simple: Sikhs share their honest earnings to provide free food for everyone, regardless of religion, caste, colour, creed, age, gender or social status.
The Gurdwara opens every Sunday for all and on the Wednesday a women’s group meet there. The women serving were friendly and hospitable, the food was delicious. We had a vegetarian curry with rice pudding as dessert, it was refreshing that the air conditioning was on, especially with the heatwave.
Sikh History
We were told about the history of Sikhism from its early roots with Gura Nunak, the first Guru. There is
selflessness to Sikhism and equality is important. Sitting together is a demonstration, it makes you feel
included which I believe is important.
Foundation (c. 1481): Guru Nanak established the first community kitchen to challenge social
discrimination. According to Sikh tradition, when his father gave him money to start a profitable
business, a young Guru Nanak instead spent it feeding a group of hungry travelers, calling this
“the true business”
We were told that Sikhs come from around Birmingham, many having that connection from 1950s, building their first Gurdwara in 1957. A former petrol station, the Gurdwara became a place of worship for the Sikh community. It is the Second oldest Gurdwara in UK and the first one in Birmingham. I really enjoyed my visit and I would encourage residents of Balsall Heath who have never visited but have always been interested to book a tour.
Festivals and the Future
As someone who has volunteered with Retrofit Balsall Heath, I learnt how Detroit helps insulate homes and reduces bills. I hope to make a connection and perhaps the Gurdwara may benefit with support such as solar panels and air source heat pumps, in this heat it would have generated renewable energy.
For me festivals like this bring people together, it’s a time to celebrate the best of Balsall Heath, for me hearts and minds start with caring, supporting neighbours and respecting one another. Balsall Heath is a
diverse community with a rich history, today we make history and long may it continue.
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