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Summary of Question:	Bend It Like Beckham
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Monday, 6/02/2003 3:43 PM MDT

I recently watch the movie Bend it Like Beckham..I got confused when I saw the scene near the beginning when the mother was praying to a picture of Guru Nanak..Is this true?

Furthermore, I have seen my mother do that, she lights up an agarbati and does a pooja like thing. I asked her why she does that, but gets mad..probably because she doesn't know herself and I don't blame her. We do a lot of things, just because we do them.

In Sikhism, this would be considered idol worship in this case, a picture of Guru Nanak? If so, why are people doing this? I am confused...please help.

(REPLY) Sat Nam. I think that what is being "worshipped" is the divine light of God that was embodied in Guru Nanak (and the nine Gurus who followed him.) Remember, at one time, before Siri Guru Granth Sahib became our living Guru, people did bow to the various Gurus. I think it helps people relate to that Divinity and to the inspiration and teachings they brought to us. Pictures of our Gurus act as reminders and help to evoke feelings of devotion and reverence, appreciation and humility.