A Journey Through Faith – LKG Class Visit to Srinagar’s Sacred Sites
On October 3rd a beautiful sunny day, our LKG class embarked on a memorable educational trip to four significant religious places in Srinagar. The purpose of the trip was to help the children understand the religious diversity of our country, appreciate the values of different faiths, and foster a sense of unity and respect for all. We visited the Holy Family Catholic Church, Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara, Dargah Hazratbal, and Zeashta Devi Temple. Each location carried with it lessons of devotion, peace, and the value of living in harmony with others.
Stop 1: Holy Family Catholic Church
Our first stop was the Holy Family Catholic Church in Srinagar, a serene and peaceful site. The children were warmly welcomed by the church staff, who explained that the church is a place of worship for Christians. They learned that people come here to pray, sing hymns, and reflect on their faith. The kids were shown the beautiful stained-glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible and the altar, where Christians gather for prayers.
The visit taught the children about the values of love, forgiveness, and peace central to Christianity. The children felt a sense of calmness and learned how people of different faiths come together in prayer.
Stop 2: Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara, Rainawari
Next, we headed to the Chatti Padshahi Gurudwara in Rainawari, an important Sikh religious site. The children were intrigued by the sight of the Sikh devotees and the architecture of the gurudwara. The staff explained that this gurudwara is one of the most significant Sikh shrines in Kashmir, dedicated to the sixth Sikh Guru, Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who visited the place during his travels.
The children learned that Sikhs come here to offer prayers and receive ‘Langar,’ a community meal, which is a symbol of equality and service. The message of sharing, humility, and unity was emphasized. The children were also introduced to the Sikh values of selfless service and love for humanity. They admired the peaceful environment and were reminded that in every religious place, people are united by their faith in goodness.
Stop 3: Dargah Hazratbal
Our third visit was to the Dargah Hazratbal, one of the most revered Muslim shrines in Kashmir. The children learned that the Hazratbal Dargah holds great religious importance as it houses a relic believed to be the hair of Prophet Muhammad. The mosque, with its white marble façade, stood majestically beside the serene Dal Lake.
The children were introduced to the practices of Islam, including the importance of prayer (Salah) and the significance of Hazratbal during special occasions like Eid. They observed how people offered their prayers in reverence. The children were taught about the values of peace, respect, and compassion in Islam and how all faiths seek to bring people closer to God. The visit left a strong impression of reverence and devotion on the young minds.
Stop 4: Zeashta Devi Temple
Our final stop for the day was the Zeashta Devi Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Zeashta (Shakti). Nestled in the beautiful surroundings of Srinagar, the temple is a place of great significance for Kashmiri Pandits. The children were enchanted by the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the temple, where devotees offer prayers to the goddess for protection and blessings.
Conclusion: Lessons of Unity
This visit to four different religious places—each unique in its practices and beliefs—taught the children an important lesson about unity in diversity. Although each religion has its own distinct rituals and values, they all promote love, kindness, and peace. The children learned that despite our differences, we are all connected by our shared values of humanity and respect for one another.
This educational trip not only broadened their understanding of religious diversity but also instilled in them the importance of living together in harmony, appreciating each other’s beliefs, and promoting peaceful coexistence in society. The children left with a heart full of appreciation for the beauty of different faiths, united by the idea that we are all one, despite our varied paths to spirituality.
