Serai is the in(n) thing for foreign tourists at Golden Temple
AMRITSAR: One of the most visited religious places in the world, the Golden Temple is surrounded by plenty of swanky hotels and luxury guest houses. Yet, many foreign tourists prefer to stay at Sri Guru Ram Das Niwas, the oldest serai (inn) on the premises of the supreme Sikh shrine.
The portion on the left side of the serai’s deodi (entrance) is reserved exclusively for foreign tourists. This portion has a hall and five small rooms, which can accommodate around 80 people. Although the inn has air conditioners, other facilities are ordinary. Many pilgrims from abroad, however, find their stay in the serai building, which is old but properly maintained, comfortable.
When HT caught up with some of the pilgrims from foreign countries, all of them were found enjoying the “spiritual atmosphere” in the shrine complex. Anita Chebario, 35, from Rome in Italy, said she was enjoying her stay at the serai. Reading a book on Sikhism on a bed, she said, “An unknown traveller told me about this place. Watching the temple early in the morning was just divine. Such a sight cannot be witnessed by staying outside the premises. Actually, by staying here, we can enjoy this kind of religious and spiritual atmosphere any time.”
When asked about preferring the serai over luxurious accommodation in hotels, she said all depended on one’s needs. “We are being provided every facility, like good washroom, food, clean room, comfortable bed to sleep and nice people to help us. This is what I feel is important for a traveller like me,” she said.
Eric Gerson, a young US national from California, heard about the serai from his friend who had earlier visited Amritsar. “I preferred to stay here to gain cultural experience which would not have been possible in hotels,” he said.
Lian Berryman from Birmingham, United Kingdom, said the location of the serai was very good. “It is a very unique experience for me that Sikhs are staying in the same accommodation with us,” he said. He had visited the Golden Temple around seven years ago and stayed at the same place.
“To be honest, I just joined my friend and did not know about this place. However, I am enjoying this atmosphere,” said Lianka from Slovakia.
Micaela Sao Paolo from Brazil said, “Staying at the serai is an amazing experience for me. This has given me an opportunity to interact culturally with Sikhs, who consider Golden Temple their holiest religious place. I gained enormous knowledge on Sikhism by staying here as religious books are provided here. We can witness what is going on here roundthe-clock and that also adds to our knowledge.”
Zhonkeping from China was unable to tell about her experience. However, her expression was self-explanatory.