Heaven In The Desert – Guru Nanak Darbar, Dubai

The First official Gurudwara in the whole of GULF region shines with Grandeur while exhibiting homely peace to the Dubai Sangat*. A rare piece of architecture spread over 100,000 sq. ft. of building area and opulently built spending more than AED 65 Million, makes it a historic mark for the Sikh community of the region.   

Singh & Kaur dwells into the making and existence behind the ultra modern Gurudwara, which is a blend of modern and traditional building styles.

Dubai, a city of superlatives with the biggest, tallest, grandest and the best constitutes 85% of its population as non-locals, of which Indians form the biggest majority. However, all these years the Sikh community of the region faced a spiritual void with no available place to pray as a community. It was with the vision of Mr. Surendar Singh Kandhari and Mrs. Bubbles Kandhari in 2008 that the thought process to make a stand alone Gurudwara started, after which it was supported whole heartedly by the governmental authorities and with utmost love and Sewa* from Sangat across the world.

The journey from thought to reality has indeed been a grueling one, but also the most satisfying and it gave us immense pleasure to see Bubbles Kandhari, who devotes all her time to make sure that the Gurudwara runs smoothly quoting that she is in the happiest and most satisfying phase of her life now.

The Making

It is indeed a surprising fact for a Gurudwara to harmoniously exist in an Islamic country and is the best example of religious tolerance; but many might not know that an entire translation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib* had to be submitted to the governmental authorities to allow the same. Only when it was seen that the Guru Granth Sahib exists in full congeniality with Islam and other faiths, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, allocated free land for the Gurudwara. It was he who quoted that the Gurudwara would be made on one condition, that is, it should be the best in the world. He was then explained that for Sikhs Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), in Amritsar holds the highest regard and also all Gurudwaras where the Guru resides are the same, but the Sangat will try their best to make a Gurudwara that would make its mark.

The architects making the Gurudwara were sent on a tour to study the Gurudwaras of the world. The designers visited Golden Temple to study the frescos and wall paintings at Sri Harmandir Sahib. It took two years for the architectural firm to give form to the three-storey structure. The contractor was told the community wanted a 100-year guarantee for the building, so that the future generations will be able to utilize it. AED 65 Million was spent on making the building, which was generously contributed by Sangat from all over the world.

The construction took place from May 2008-Dec 2011 and the grand opening, which was a spectacular affair took place on Jan 17^th 2012 with over 50,000 Sangat in attendance. The Gurudwara envelops all under its warm embrace, irrespective of caste and creed bringing peace, solace and hope for one and all.

The Design

This mega structure is over 100,000 sq. feet. building area and constitutes of underground parking’s and 3 floors. On the exterior, a 54 meter Parikrama* is covered with traditional grillwork.  A tranquil water body flows around the structure which is inspired by the Sarovar* of the Golden Temple.

Moving into the interior of the Gurudwara, peace engulfs one and all. The serene white marble, profusion of design, balance of colour and variety of textures come together in a perfect synthesis.

The main hall is the biggest pillar-less structure and is carpeted in a soothing soft purple colour. The chandeliers hanging all around the centre of the hall are by Murano from Italy and along with the dome enhance the shape of the hall. While the eye is caught by the incredible detail of the Palki Sahib* and woodwork of the walls, which the gaze cannot help but linger on; it is the sum of the whole that really evokes the splendour of the Gurudwara.

The focal point of the Gurudwara is the raised platform, or the Palki Sahib where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is kept. The Palki is made from ornate 24 ct. Gold, with 4 pillars, canopies and a dome in the shape of a lotus with petals around. Beautiful floral decorations and heavily embroidered silk cloths make the Palki look and feel royal.

All day along the sanctum reverbs with the sounds of the Gurbani* and a sense of calm descends as trails of the holy songs fill the air.

The Amenities

Apart from the main hall, there are other halls where non-stop prayers (Akhand Path*) are held. A function hall that looks heavenly and is completely designed in white has a smaller version of the same 24 ct. Gold Palki of the main hall. This hall serves for smaller-functions, marriages, and private prayers, condolence meetings or any get together prayers the community might need. Fresh floral bouquets, Iranian hand woven carpets, crystal lamps and white long roof to floor curtains give the hall a simple yet rich look.

A well-stocked library, that is home not only to umpteen number of religious, Punjabi, and Sikhism books, but also many books on other faiths. A meditation room also carpeted in white makes for a tranquil place to connect with the Almighty.

A state of the art kitchen prepares meals for the Sangat in mammoth proportions. It is one of the most modern Gurudwara kitchens in the world and consists of a walk in fridge, storage rooms and machines for every kind of work in the kitchen. From huge food processors of all kinds, dough makers and roti (bread) makers that make up to 1800 Rotis per hour, it is a sight to see. Every person working in the kitchen (Sewadaar) covers his nose and mouth with a mask, wears hand gloves, aprons and head-covers with due regard to purity, cleanliness and hygiene; which is mandatory from the ISO. The kitchen provides for atleast 10,000 meals on each Friday and above 40,000 meals on occasions such as Baisakhi and Gurupurab. Special tents are made to serve food on all occasions as the area pulsates with a distinctive fervor. A fairyland atmosphere gets created by buzzing Sangat, spiritual songs and above one million bulbs that illuminate the building.

The Vision

To develop religious values among the next generation of Sikhs in the Diasporas, special 3-hour sessions are held on Saturdays in the Gurudwara, where children are taught Punjabi, Kirtan and the Gurudwara protocol.  It is a great service to the community as the desire to connect to your roots is even stronger when you are away from home. It also eases parents to know that their children are learning all about their religion and culture even in a foreign land.

Gurbani Santhiya classes are also held for adults at the Gurudwara. Santhiya is the correct pronunciation for Gurbani, taught in the manner of how the 10^th Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji wanted all to read and pronounce the Holy shabads.

One of the best thoughts quoted by Bubbles Kandhari while talking about the Gurudwara was that, “Never think you are the best and have reached where you wanted. There is scope for improvement every single day provided we want to improve.” This thought can very well be seen in the details of way too many things at Guru Nanak Darbar that would be difficult to mention in a few pages. There have been challenges at every step but the Sewadars have learned on the go and handled the Gurudwara better by the day. Guru Nanak Darbar stands tall as an example of a vision that many may have thought isn’t possible, but with the blessings of the Almighty it is an oasis of peace and aboard of hope, truth and faith.

*Sangat: A Sikh term, which means company, fellowship and association. In Sikh vocabulary, the word has a special connotation. It stands for the body of men and women who meet religiously, especially in the presence of the Guru Granth Sahib.

*Sewa: A selfless service, which is performed without any expectation of result or award for performing it.

*Parikrama: Parikrama means “the path surrounding something” in Sanskrit, and is also known as Pradakshina (“to the right”), representing circumambulation.

*Sarovar: A pool or lake, especially at a sacred place or by a holy shrine used for sacramental ablutions and other religious ceremonies.

*Palki Sahib: A Punjabi word which describes the structure housing Guru Granth Sahib and which forms part of the Guru’s platform or seating.

*Gurbani: Hymns in the central text of the Sikhs, the Guru Granth Sahib.

*Akhand Path: Practice of continuous recitation (without any break) of sacred religious texts in Sikhism.

*Iftar: The meal eaten by Muslims after sunset during Ramadan to break their day long fast.