We were in Delhi several times over the course of the whole trip to meet up with one another and fly to Bagdogra for the Darjeeling segment of the trip. Following are some highlights from our time(s) in Delhi.
The Sikh Temple, Guru Bangla Sahib, stands out as a trip highlight. The temple itself is beautiful and uplifting with a very large reflecting pool, which is a common feature of Sikh temples. There was an air of serenity within the temple and we were welcome to sit down among worshippers and take in the sounds and sights. Truly there was a spiritual dimension that was palpable to all of us. After spending some time outside around the pool, we were welcomed inside their gigantic kitchen where preparations were underway for the daily feeding of up to 10,000 people. One of our group had a great time helping to roll out chapatis by hand, while a giant chapati making machine rolled out thousands more. As we were readying ourselves to leave, I asked the gentleman in the visitor's center if he could share with us some of his understandings of Sikhism. He took us into an adjoining room so that we could listen without distraction as we sat in a circle with him. His voice was very quiet,and his accent very difficult to understand. What was not difficult to understand was the aura of peacefulness about him as he shared Sikh belief in One God over all creation. Overall, this was truly a "WOW" experience, to quote one of our fellow travelers.
Gandhi Smriti, also known as Birla House is the place where Gandhi spent his last days as a guest of the Birla family. It is now a museum dedicated to Gandhiji's memory. It is most compelling to see the room where he stayed with its minimal and simple furnishings and see his few possessions mounted on the wall there. I particularly love the quote posted in the room "My life is my message." Also within the house is an exhibit that details his life while upstairs is an interactive exhibit, recently updated. We were fortunate to be at the museum at the same time as several school groups. Here at home being in a museum or zoo when school groups are present is something to be avoided. In Delhi the children, all in the uniforms of their various schools, waited patiently and silently on line, paid attention to the explanations of the exhibits, took notes and took turns working the exhibits as directed by their teachers.
Outside the house you will find Gandhi's footsteps tracing the route from his bedroom to the spot where he was assassinated on January 30, 1948, just months after India achieved freedom from the British. There are other exhibits tracing the path to India's Independence.
We visited Humayun's Tomb, an archetectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. It is a beautiful example of Mughal art and design. The last time Margaret and I were there, our only company was three other tourists and a woman sweeping. This time there was quite a crowd owing to the Dusshera holidays, no doubt.
Dusshera was a theme that ran throughout much of our trip and I will be happy to write about that tomorrow.
The Sikh Temple, Guru Bangla Sahib, stands out as a trip highlight. The temple itself is beautiful and uplifting with a very large reflecting pool, which is a common feature of Sikh temples. There was an air of serenity within the temple and we were welcome to sit down among worshippers and take in the sounds and sights. Truly there was a spiritual dimension that was palpable to all of us. After spending some time outside around the pool, we were welcomed inside their gigantic kitchen where preparations were underway for the daily feeding of up to 10,000 people. One of our group had a great time helping to roll out chapatis by hand, while a giant chapati making machine rolled out thousands more. As we were readying ourselves to leave, I asked the gentleman in the visitor's center if he could share with us some of his understandings of Sikhism. He took us into an adjoining room so that we could listen without distraction as we sat in a circle with him. His voice was very quiet,and his accent very difficult to understand. What was not difficult to understand was the aura of peacefulness about him as he shared Sikh belief in One God over all creation. Overall, this was truly a "WOW" experience, to quote one of our fellow travelers.
Gandhi Smriti, also known as Birla House is the place where Gandhi spent his last days as a guest of the Birla family. It is now a museum dedicated to Gandhiji's memory. It is most compelling to see the room where he stayed with its minimal and simple furnishings and see his few possessions mounted on the wall there. I particularly love the quote posted in the room "My life is my message." Also within the house is an exhibit that details his life while upstairs is an interactive exhibit, recently updated. We were fortunate to be at the museum at the same time as several school groups. Here at home being in a museum or zoo when school groups are present is something to be avoided. In Delhi the children, all in the uniforms of their various schools, waited patiently and silently on line, paid attention to the explanations of the exhibits, took notes and took turns working the exhibits as directed by their teachers.
Outside the house you will find Gandhi's footsteps tracing the route from his bedroom to the spot where he was assassinated on January 30, 1948, just months after India achieved freedom from the British. There are other exhibits tracing the path to India's Independence.We visited Humayun's Tomb, an archetectural precursor to the Taj Mahal. It is a beautiful example of Mughal art and design. The last time Margaret and I were there, our only company was three other tourists and a woman sweeping. This time there was quite a crowd owing to the Dusshera holidays, no doubt.
Dusshera was a theme that ran throughout much of our trip and I will be happy to write about that tomorrow.
