DUBAI: The largest gurdwara in the Gulf held an Iftar, in a heart-warming gesture, where people of over 30 nationalities broke the Muslim fast together. In a demonstration of the spirit of tolerance, the Gurunanak Darbar Gurudwara hosted more than 120 residents and celebrated the holy month of Ramadan.
At the call to the evening prayers, Maghreb, Muslims broke their fast over water, dates, and Indian dishes. They later offered their prayers inside the gurdwara premises in Jebel Ali. Chairman of Gurunanak Darbar, Surender Singh Kandhari said the Iftar was held to bring people together in the face of adversity. “In a world that struggles with extremism, the best way to cut it is through creating friendships among different faiths and nationalities and making the difference ourselves. It is only though communication that we can overcome adversities.” He mentioned that guests varied from Arabs, Ethiopians, Mexicans, to Americans and Serbians.
Indian Consul General in Dubai, Vipul said the gurdwara is doing a great service by getting all communities and religions together. He cited the example of the gurudwara achieving a Guinness World Record by hosting breakfast for 101 nationalities in April.
“I see today’s Iftar also as a step in that direction,” he was quoted as saying. A regular visitor at the gurdwara, Mitchell Peeters from Belgium, said as a Christian, having Iftar in a Sikh temple makes the experience in UAE more special. “It is a nice experience to enjoy happiness and friendliness of people around you from different faiths and nationalities. It is part of the charm of living in Dubai and adjusting to the customs of the local people,” said Peeters, a UAE resident for four years. Gurunanak Darbar is the largest gurudwara of Gulf region. On a regular basis, the gurudwara serves free meals everyday to visitors, and distributes food packs to labour camps every weekend.
