This is our entry in The Daily Post Daily Prompt: Collaboration.
In October 2014, we visited Amritsar in the Indian state of Punjab. Amritsar is a city inhabited 70% by Sikhs, a friendly and accepting people. Sikhism is a newer religion, founded in the 15th century by Guru Nanak, rejecting caste and idolatry, and promoting the sameness of all human beings. Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple, the holiest Sikh gurdwara (place of worship); built in the 16th century, the Golden Temple houses the holy book, the Granth Sahib, which was designated as the 11th guru by the 10th (and last human) guru.
During our visit to the Golden Temple, we also ate in the community kitchen (langar), which feeds over a thousand people continuously. Each person fed can receive a vegetarian meal of water, chapattis, dal (lentil soup), and a thin rice pudding. This huge operation is staffed by hundreds of volunteers and permanent staff, men and women alike, who prepare each part of the meal and wash the metal trays used. The smooth and efficient operation of the langar depends on the collaboration of the workers (sewadars) in each area of preparation. This photo shows women and men engaged in cleaning garlic cloves.
iball round the world 