Manhattan Sikh Association hosted 60 interfaith participants for a prayer service and communal dinner on Thursday November, 17.
The Diwan, which is Punjabi for “gathering”, was organized as a night for sharing Sikh culture and learning about Sikhism. The diverse audience shared in songs and prayers before sitting down to eat. For many, it was their first time in a Gurdwara, and their first time participating in a Sikh service. Members of the temple projected words to hymns and call-and-response recitations on the wall in three parts: Punjabi, transliterated Punjabi, and English translation. Guests to the Gurdwara were almost unnoticeable as all participants sang in a singular voice. A question and answer period followed, where members answered visitors’ questions about Sikh faith, culture, and customs.
After the prayer service, steaming pots of daal and palak paneer appeared as people moved into rows to prepare Langar, or “common meal”. Members of the temple served crispy naan from large silver bowls down long rows of those seated on the prayer hall floor. Due to the increased numbers of participants, the organizers broke with tradition and held dinner for many of the guests in the prayer hall, as well as the upstairs dining room.
Having prayed, sung, talked, eaten, and learned guests departed, many with wide smiles, into the cool night air.
The Interfaith Center and the Prepare NY Coalition would like to thank: United Sikhs, the Manhattan Sikh Association, and the Tony Blair Faith Foundation Faiths Act Fellows.
