by SS Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa, Phoenix, Arizona
2024 (Third Quarter)

Strings of overhead lights illuminated the intricate patterns of the marble courtyard. Around the edge, members from the Arizona Interfaith Movement engaged in conversation with guests as part of a Faith Fair. They addressed unusual questions and shared information about their different spiritual paths – Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Scientology, Jewish, Bahai, Jain etc.

In the middle of the courtyard, our team members tied colorful turbans. The mood was quite jovial. Following the ‘Faith Fair,’ participants gathered in small groups in the Langar Hall for Conversation Circles, where each person in turn answered a pre-set question about their faith, as others listened intently. Questions might include ‘In what ways is your faith often misunderstood?’ or ‘How does your faith nurture your spirit?’ The highlights of each circle were then shared aloud with all the groups.

Finally, the chairs were cleared, Langar mats were rolled out, and a delicious Langar was served to all, both in the Langar Hall and out in the courtyard. A host of sevadars walked down the aisles serving dal, sabji, raita, rice, and chapatis to everyone. The food came from various Sikh restaurants in the valley, and the sevadars were mostly members of the various Sikh Gurdwaras in Phoenix, wearing ‘I Am a Sikh’ aprons. It was a magical evening, with the twinkling lights shining above the courtyard casting a soft glow of light on the faces of those below. The event is called “Experience Interfaith,” and this past September 2023, was the first time that it was held at Guru Nanak Dwara Gurdwara in Phoenix, Arizona.   

In 2004, I attended my first Parliament of the World’s Religions in Barcelona, Spain, as a board member of the Arizona Interfaith Movement, along with Executive Director Dr. Paul Eppinger and Managing Director Anne Taylor. For this largest Interfaith gathering in the world, the Guru Nanak Nishkam Seva Jatha drove two tractor-trailer trucks down from Birmingham, UK to Spain. There, they set up a complete Guru ka Langar kitchen and serving area, along with a gallery of Sikh history, under a huge tent by the sea. Every day at lunch, they served a free meal to the 10,000 delegates in attendance.

I was able to help prepare the meals in the kitchen next to the truck, tie headcovers on guests, and keep the shoes organized. By the end of the week, people remarked that the Langar was one of their favorite parts of the Parliament. Upon returning home to Phoenix, Dr. Eppinger said that he wanted to bring a similar experience to the Interfaith community in Phoenix, and “Experience Interfaith” was born.

The event has been held in Phoenix every year since, except for during the pandemic. Previously, it was held at ‘secular’ locations in downtown Phoenix or Tempe. It always seemed that something was missing, as none of the locations had a kitchen from which to serve the Langar, and long yoga mats had to be rolled out to serve.

Everything fell into place last year, and the Arizona Interfaith members said that this was the best “Experience Interfaith ever.” The team at Guru Nanak Dwara was intimately involved in delivering this experience. We all worked together in honor of Guru Nanak Dev ji to uplift the spirit of all who came through the Guru’s Gate, and to encourage everyone to see that divine spirit in each other.  

Featured Photo: SS Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa and her husband SS Jodha Singh Khalsa at the “Experience Interfaith” event in Phoenix, AZ.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SS Gurukirn Kaur Khalsa has been a Sikh and Minister for over 50 years. Yogi Bhajan introduced her to Sikhism in 1971 at Pomona College. In 1974, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from UCSB. A painter and poet, she pursues her passion for watercolor throughout the Southwest. Her books on Sikhism include Pure Longing Fulfilled and Living with the Guru. In April 2002 the Centennial Foundation of Toronto, Canada honored her for her artistic contributions to Sikhism. She has attended the Parliament of the World’s Religions Conventions in Barcelona, Melbourne, Salt Lake City, Toronto, and Chicago. She is a founding board member of the Arizona Interfaith Movement. She serves as Secretary of Sikh Dharma of Phoenix, which manages Guru Nanak Dwara, in Phoenix. Her family are all actively engaged in the Sikh lifestyle as well.