Food and Fun Class 4 Notes EVS Chapter 21

Introduction 

• Manpreet opened the door and found her friends, Divya and Swastik. She called her sister Gurnoor, who hugged them happily. The friends had just come from their hostel. 

Boarding School

• They wanted to meet Manpreet's parents, but they were at the Gurudwara. So, they all decided to go there together. Manpreet asked if they liked staying at the hostel. 
• Divya said they missed their parents but enjoyed hostel life, especially eating together with friends. They joked about rushing for homemade food whenever someone got it.

Understanding

• It teaches us that staying at a boarding school can be fun, even though children might miss their parents sometimes. It shows that kids at boarding schools eat together and enjoy sharing meals, even if they don't always like the food. 
• It also suggests that children who attend boarding schools often appreciate homemade food more when they get it. 
• It encourages us to think about the differences between boarding schools and regular schools, and whether we would like to attend one, considering both the positives and negatives.

At the Gurudwara 

• The children went to the Gurudwara and covered their heads. Inside, they saw a big kitchen where lots of cooking was happening. 
• In one pot, the chickpeas and black lentils were boiling. In another pot, cauliflower and potato curry were being cooked.
• Manjit Singh, Gurnoor's father, was there, making a special dish called kadhah prasad. 

Kadhah Prasad

• It requires a significant amount of work to cook the flour in clarified butter in this large cooking pot.
• Divya helped Gurnoor's mother roll out chapatis to cook in a big oven called a tandoor. Everyone helped out in the kitchen, contributing materials, money, or labor.

Tandoor

• The kids enjoyed helping and were amazed at how quickly all the food was prepared. 
• After ardaas, kadhah prasad was distributed.
• Some boys laid out mats on the veranda and everyone sat down in rows to eat together. Some served food and water while others ate. After eating, everyone put their plates in a big container. 

Langar

• Those who served also ate afterwards. They cleaned up and washed the dishes.

Understanding

• This teaches us about the tradition of langar in Sikhism, where everyone, regardless of their background, sits together and shares a meal. It shows the importance of community and helping each other in preparing and serving food. 
• It also highlights the value of contributing to a shared effort, whether it's through materials, money, or labor. 
• It encourages us to appreciate the spirit of cooperation and togetherness in serving others and participating in communal activities. 

Word Meanings

• Boarding school: A school where students live and study during the school term. They usually stay there instead of going home every day.
• Hostel: A place where people, especially students, live temporarily.
• Excitedly: Feeling or showing a lot of happiness or enthusiasm.
• Hugged: To hold someone tightly with your arms, usually to show affection.
• Vacations: Periods of time when people have a break from school or work.
• Missing: Feeling sad because someone or something is not with you.
• Joked: To say something funny or amusing.
• Chatted: Talked in a friendly and informal way.
• Gurudwara: A Sikh place of worship.
• Kitchen: A room where food is prepared and cooked.

New Learnings

• Langar: It's a tradition in Sikhism where everyone, regardless of their background, sits together and shares a meal. It promotes equality and community.
• Community service: Helping others without expecting anything in return. In the context of the Gurudwara, it involves cooking, serving, and cleaning up to ensure everyone can enjoy a meal together.
• Collaboration: Working together with others towards a common goal, like preparing food for a langar.
• Cultural diversity: Experiencing different customs and traditions, like eating in a langar, which may be different from one's own culture.
• Appreciation: Recognizing and valuing the efforts of others, such as those who contribute to preparing and serving food in a Gurudwara.