Columnists
Follow The Nose:
Janam Da Firangee,
Sikhi Main Mangee
FATEHPAL SINGH TARNEY
I have been actively involved in interfaith programs in Florida and Michigan (USA) for many years.
I am convinced that the most enjoyable and effective programs, those with long-term positive results, are those that involve food. There is an old saying that the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. I think that goes for most people!
My fondest memories of interfaith programs are those involving interesting and delicious food provided by Muslims, Hispanic evangelical Christians, and Baha’is.
Many Muslim congregations in North America have mixed Arab and subcontinental congregations. Therefore, many Muslims know something about Sikh beliefs and practices.
I am always impressed with the hospitality given to me at mosques in Florida and Michigan in two key ways:
i How Muslims, after their pro forma “Assalaam 'alaykum,” have greeted me with “Sat Sri Akal”; and
ii How, at a lunch or dinner, Muslims have guided me to the vegetarian food and away from the Halal fare.
Hispanic evangelical Christians, usually from places like Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, or some parts of the Caribbean and South America, provide fantastic foods. There is often a subcontinental aspect to their cuisines given the migration of peoples from there to their regions during the British Raj.
The Baha’is are not numerous in south Florida and they meet for their “firesides,” which are informal classes about their faith, at the homes of believers. Many, not all, Baha’is are of Persian extraction. On occasion, they will host an interfaith gathering at a public auditorium or a lecture hall at a college.
Some years ago, they had such a gathering at a local university campus. I was invited as a guest speaker. I located the correct building, but could not find the right floor and room. However, whilst in an elevator, I detected the aroma of magnificent food, so I simply followed my nose and found the right venue!
As I recall, the Baha’is had at least 12 different chaawal (rice]) dishes ranging from appetizers to desserts, as well as from masaaledaar (spicy) to mitthaa (sweet)!
I was on time for this program only because of the captivating aroma of the Persian fare!
Now, we Sikhs have an inherent advantage, don’t we, in the food department, given our Langar.
January 30, 2015