A New Sikh Temple In Bobigny (France)

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A new Sikh temple in Bobigny (France)

( The prayer hall (below) can accommodate 300 people. V. WARTNER / 20 MINUTES )

The first real religion Sikh Temple Ile-de-France is completed after three years of

In the heart of Bobigny (Seine-Saint-Denis), three white domes sparkling in the autumn sun. "They symbolize the prayer, work and giving three core values ​​in our religion," said Chaing Singh, head of the association Gurdwara Sahib Singh. He is proud to present its new Sikh temple, also called gurdwara, "the first built it right in France." The building of 900 m2 on the ground just opened to the public and will soon be inaugurated as soon as the finishing touches are completed. The event will crown three years of work, which cost 1.1 million euros to the association. In addition to a loan, she had to rely on the generosity of the faithful.Until then, Sikhs Ile-de-France - which are between 10 000 and 15 000 - had only places of worship located in ordinary buildings, even prefabricated. There are five in the region, all in Seine-Saint-Denis.

Head covered, barefoot

in the hall, some Sikhs put their shoes in lockers. Men coiffent a kind of orange bandana, women scarf, before winning the prayer room. "We, we wear the beard and turban, but not young," Singh Chaing fun. The faithful kneel before the sacred book covered with cloth and decorated with garlands of flowers. They offer a paste made ​​of flour, sugar and butter. Next door is the room where the books "sleep" at night in a real bed. It has been specially designed to withstand fire.

It is noon, the smell of spices comes out of the kitchen. "Anyone can come, he will offer to eat," says Singh Chaing. The community members take turns to provide the food, which can cost up to € 1 000 a Sunday. But the door must remain open to all. On the ground floor, one room is devoted to cultural activities, including courses in French and Punjabi. You would have bareheaded. "One person does, says Chaing Singh. Moreover, it regularly welcomes Muslims, who believe they see a mosque! "

{Helen Colau }

Created on 15-11-2011

http://www.20minutes...-ouvert-bobigny

[hsisingh]

Great to see it finished - have had the pleasure of visiting the sangat in Bobigny a few times over the last 5 years.