The Little House (Montessori)
Silat Road Sikh Temple
As a sign of respect, those who visit the "gurdwara" (place of worship for Sikhs) are asked to remove their footwear before entering the place.
Gurdwara etiquette also requires visitors to cover their head with a turban or a piece of cloth.
Ms. Hardeep talked to the children about the "Nishan Sahib". It is a Sikh triangular flag, with a tassel at its end. It is hoisted on a flagpole.
Nishan Sahib at the top of the flagpole
Great respect is shown to the flag by bowing before it.
A prayer session will be conducted in the temple on the 2nd of October at 11:30 a.m. and it will be conducted by children who will be playing different instruments and singing hymns. All are welcome.
The children proceeded into the auditorium. Ms. Hardeep provided an informative discussion about different aspects of the Sikh religion.
She taught them how Sikhs greet one another by putting their palms together and saying "Sat Sri Akaal" which means "God is the ultimate truth".
She also shared about the history of Sikhism and how it was founded by Guru Nanak.
The children also learnt about how female Sikhs take on the last name "Kaur" (which means princess) and male Sikhs take on the last name "Singh" (which means lion).
The children also learnt about the seven gurdwaras in Singapore.
Ms. Hardeep also shared about the five articles of faith for Sikhs: Kesh (uncut hair), Kanga (wooden comb), Kirpan (small sword), Kara (bracelet) and Kachaira (undergarments). Each one represents essential beliefs such as devotion to God, protection of the weak, cleanliness and discipline.
These were the articles shown to the children.
Mr. Apinder Singh and Mr. Amarjeet Singh showed the children the length of the turban.
They then asked for a volunteer and Yusuf happily obliged. They then proceeded to show everyone how a turban is wrapped around the head.
During the Q & A part, Ms. Hardeep asked the children some questions about what was previously discussed. The children showed excellent recall and those who remembered the answers were given sweets.
After the informative talk from Ms. Hardeep in the auditorium, the children proceeded to the prayer hall.
Inside the prayer hall where the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book for Sikhs) is kept on a raised platform.
The children walk around the prayer hall.
After visiting the prayer hall, the children were served biscuits and bandung drinks in the community kitchen.
