The grand building at the heart of Phahurat is the spiritual and religious center of the Sikh Thais. The word “Guru Tawan” means the way to ‘guru’ which signifies the ten founders of the Sikh religion including Guru-Khrunt Sahib, the Sikh scriptures.
The six storied building is topped with a golden dome. The congregation hall for religious function is located on the 4th floor. The international school is on the 5th . The highest floor houses the scripture archives and reading hall.
A familiar sight at this sacred place is the congregation of the Sikh men with long beard in turbans, and the women in traditional Indian costume with had shawls, praying and listening to the teaching fromthe scriptures. For a non-Sikh,such a serene atmosphere seems surreal but impressive.
Although the Guru Tawan is open to all. Visitors should conduct themselves in arespecful manner as appropriate to a religious place.
Touring Little India to Experience the Indian Ways In this narrow lane of 300 meters long by Chakaphet Rd. Next to The ATM Phahurat Store (under demolition after a fire) nestles the area known as Little India. The sense and the smell permeating from this side street foretells its existence. Passers-by also provide a good backdrop of the area. The atmosphere invokes curiosity. The merchandise on display along the lane is quite interesting. There are strange-looking desserts, snacks, instant noodles, sari materials, embroidered fabrics, wrist-rings encrusted with colr mirrors, Indian slippers, incense sticks, myrrh, and other dedication objects believed to appease god and goddesses. All are imported from India. A stop by this area will convince visitors thatit is actually as interesting as the nearby Chinatown. |
