The 120-year-old Wadda Gurdwara is one of 6 Sikh temples or gurdwaras in Penang. Malaysia has 119 Sikh gurdwaras spread across its 13 states and 2 federal territories, and Wadda Gurdwara is the largest of them all.
One thing about gurdwaras is that their langars or communal kitchens will always welcome everyone to their daily vegetarian meals, served at lunch and dinner. We were at the Wadda Gurdwara for one of their Gurpurab celebration last December.
It was very festive as Penang’s Punjabi-Sikh community turned out for the celebrations. Vegetarian food were dished out a-plenty.
“Sarson ka Saag” or mustard greens were cooked in large vats, to feed hundreds of devotees
“Kali dal” (split black lentils with cumin) and curried vegetables were served with chapati flatbreads and rice
Sweet rice pudding or “kheer”
Dessert stall serving out Malaysian “ice-kachang” or shaved iced with red beans and creamed corn, covered with syrup
The daily meals are given out free, and the gurdwaras are always opened daily to anyone who wants to visit. One can eat as much as one desires, with only one golden rule to observe: no wastage of food.
Serving and clean-up (washing of dishes) are by volunteers, and anyone can take part to do it.
Address
Wadda Gurdwara
87, Jalan Gurdwara, 10000 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Tel: +6012-430 0497
