Class 3/4 visit a Gurdwara in their own classroom

To make it as authentic as possible the children had to follow a set of rituals during the visit.

Firstly they had to wash their hands then take off their shoes and socks. Boys had to cover their heads with hats (of the wooly variety, rather than turbans!) as a sign of respect.


All of the children then approached the Takht, a type of Sikh altar which houses the Guru Granth Sahib, their special book. They made an offering of money, bowed and stepped away from the Tahkt, taking care not to turn their backs on it.


Boys and girls had to sit on separate sides of the Diwan (the worship room). Whilst listening to the Kirtan (Sikh hymns) they all received a piece of parshad (sugary sweet) from the sewa (volunteer) and sampled it.


When the hymns were over, the children took part in a langar (communal vegetarian meal). All of the children sat on the floor to show their equality and then tucked into samosas, baajis and popadoms. Popular food in Class 3/4.


The children really enjoyed the experience and certainly showed that they are capable of the manners and respect that Sikh’s hold in such high esteem.