I always like visiting a Gurdwara, because I’ve always been made welcome. As I rushed out to catch my train I’d remembered to pick up a rumal – a triangular handkerchief to tie around my head to cover my hair as a sign of respect, and I put this on as I walked down the Harley Grove towards the Gurdwara, having realised that I was the only person around with uncovered hair.
Tying a reef knot at the back of my head isn’t something I do every day, so I usually leave it tied, and then it’s just a matter of pushing the peak of the triangle under the knot and pulling it down. The knot was a little too loose, and I don’t think I did it very neatly, but it’s making the effort that is important. Once covered I made my way through the crowd to the front of the Gurdwara, and arrived just in time as the Guru Granth Sahib was being brought out to the float for its procession around the neighbourhood. It is the Sikh Holy Scripture, revered as the final Sikh Guru, and is always treated with great reverence.
Bringing out the Guru Granth Sahib
The occasion had a particular importance as it marked the reopening of the Gurdwara which had been destroyed by an arsonist in 2009. A women’s meeting was taking place in the building at the time, but fortunately they all left safely. A man had been seen in the building shortly before the fire was noticed, but the police inquiries and the offer of a large reward failed to find the culprit. Some thought that the police hadn’t tried that hard, but that may well not be fair. They were there today keeping the procession safe.
I’d hoped to arrive in time to look around the building, originally built as Harley Street Congregational Chapel in the 1850s and a splendid Grade II listed structure. The restoration of the exterior is impressive. I’d arrived a few minutes before the time for the procession and somehow had not really expected it to start dead on time. Perhaps next time I’m in the area I’ll go in to have a look.
Usually I’ve photographed processions like this at Vaisakhi, in April. There are small variations in them at the different Gurdwaras around the London area, but they follow the same basic pattern, with the Sikh standard bearers and the five Sikhs with raised swords ahead of the float containing the sacred book and the congregation following behind.
Ahead of the procession the road is swept and sprayed with water, and at some events everyone is barefoot or at least without shoes – and on some occasions I’ve needed to take my shoes off – as always in the Gurdwara – to take pictures. Fortunately this wasn’t necessary today, as at every check-up my nurse always tells me I should never go barefoot because diabetes can lead to a lack of feeling in the feet and unnoticed injuries with possible serious complications – even amputation, although as yet my feet are still healthily sensitive – and rather ticklish.
The procession was going around the local area, up to Roman Road and then back, with further celebrations at the Gurdwara with an official opening ceremony. But I left earlier having other things to do later in the day. More about the story and more pictures on Gurdwara Rebuilt After Arson.
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My London Diary : Buildings of London : River Lea/Lee Valley : London’s Industrial Heritage
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