Indian flavors is a solo exhibition that took place as part of the 9th edition of the CinéMasala film festival in Lausanne. A festival to discover the Indian subcontinent differently. The first ten photos were taken at the Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib).
The Golden Temple is the informal name of the Harmandir Sahib, meaning “the Illustrious Temple of God”. It is the most sacred building of the Sikhs, located in the heart of the city of Amritsar, Punjab, in northwest India. The name of “Golden Temple” is due to its golden cover.
Its construction was ordered in 1601 by Guru Arjan, the 5th spiritual master of the Sikhs, at the very place where the first of them, Guru Nanak, came to meditate. Located in the center of a pool, the temple is a majestic three-story marble pavilion, the upper parts of which were covered with plaques and gold leaf in the 19th century, by order of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. The Golden Temple houses the sacred book of the Sikhs, Guru Granth Sahib, enclosed in a richly decorated chest. Sacred hymns are constantly sung here, while musicians play devotional music.
The temple is surrounded by a large complex, which you can only enter after removing your shoes, washing your feet and covering your head. It includes gurdvara (Sikh places of worship), a museum, as well as langar (refectories) where free meals are offered to pilgrims.
Every day 100,000 free meals are served to pilgrims, regardless of gender, caste or religion. On the menu: a thali made from dal, rice, pancakes and sweet cakes, prepared and served by volunteers for whom seva (service to the community) is at the heart of their devotional practice. This requires daily more than 5,000 kg of wheat flour, 1,800 kg of lentils, 1,400 kg of rice, 600 kg of sugar and 700 liters of milk, donated by the Sikh community. When they arrive, everyone receives a large stainless steel plate and then goes to sit on the floor in a large refectory to eat. In return, at the exit, a helping hand to wash the dishes will be welcome. The food is fresh, the setting authentic. A unique experience !
