Photos of Bradford's Sikh Unity Camp...

On Saturday 21st July and Sunday 22nd July, Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bradford held a weekend family camp under the banner of 'Sikh Unity Camp'. The inspiration behind organising the camp was Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana and his call for unity of Sikhs under the Kesri Nishaan Sahib and Sri Guru Granth Sahib jee. Both myself and Bhai Vijay Singh felt that this camp was one of the most enjoyable Gurdwara based weekend camps we have been to. The camp atmosphere was packed of energy, the organisation was done brilliantly and the children behaved exemplary. 

There were five zones in the camp in which campers rotated in. The zones were: History Zone, Spiritual Zone, Open Zone, Inspiration Zone and Warrior Zone. Bhai Sahib Bhai Surjit Singh did classes for parents and adults in the main Darbaar Sahib. In the History Zone Bhai Jatinder Singh (Bradford) and another Veer Jee went through Sikh history from 1947 to the present day, summarising key events which impacted on the Sikh nation. In the Spiritual Zone, Bibi Angad Kaur Khalsa (London) and Bibi Sangeet Kaur (Leeds) did relaxation exercises (yoga), Simran and chanting of Gurbani. In the Open Zone, Bhai Vijay Singh (Luton) did an open questions and answers session. In the Inspiration Zone, Daas, Bhenji Kiran Kaur and Bhenji Bulbinder Kaur looked at the power of Mool Mantar and how Gurbani can change people's lives and a reflection on Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana's Sikhi message.

Below are some photos and videos of the camp:

Singh Sabha Gurdwara Bradford

Keertan

Ardaas

 

Hukamnama

 

Langar sewadaars

 

Langar

 

Nursery creche 

 

Children doing Simran

 

Inspiration Zone

 

Warrior Zone

 

Spiritual Zone 

 

Warrior Zone

 

 

Open Zone

 

Open Zone

 

 Inspiration Zone

Parents Class

Children were given recognition for their contribution in the camp and were given opportunity to say why they enjoyed the camp

 

Group photo of children who wore a Dastaar at the camp.

Spiritual Zone

Parents Class

Saturday Night Keertan

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Episode 8: Destruction of Sikh Heritage

 

Gurdwara Baba Attal Sahib is situated to the south of Sri Harimandir Sahib and close to the accommodation buildings for pilgrims. The Gurdwara Sahib has nine floors and is the tallest building in Amritsar. The Gurdwara Sahib was made in memory of Guru Hargobind Sahib jee's son, Baba Attal Rai jee.

At the age of nine, Baba jee brought his close friend Mohan, son of a widow, back to life after his sudden death. In accordance you cannot alter with Waheguru's Hukam, so Guru Hargobind Sahib jee was not pleased with his son performing such a miracle. It is said that Baba Attal Rai jee told his father that he would lay down his own life for breaking the law of nature by reviving his friend from the dead. So he went into a meditative trance and soon breathed his last. Although he died at the age of nine, he was honoured with the title of Baba, a grand old man, for the extraordinary powers he had displayed. The present nine-storey building represents the nine years of Baba Atal's life.

There are many murals on the walls of the Gurdwara Sahib, however many of these have been damaged beyond recognition and at present only 42 panels survive. A large series of paintings unfold, stage by stage, the life of Guru Nanak Dev jee. Another series represents Sikh martyrs, including the four Sahibzaade (princes) of Guru Gobind Singh jee, who laid down their lives for the cause of their faith. Large panels illustrate scenes from the life of Baba Atal and Guru Nanak; and the various stages of the battle of Muketsar. Some historians date the murals to the early nineteenth century, and some suggest even later.

Below are photographs showing how poorly Sikh heritage buildings are being maintained:

It was very disheartening to see the condition of certain buildings in the Sri Harmandir Sahib complex.

Episode 7: Amritsar Vaisakhi Smaagam...

During the week of Vaisakhi, the annual Akhand Keertani Jatha Smaagam was held in Amritsar. It was the first time I had attended a Keertan Smaagam in India. It was great to see Gursikhs from different countries there.

The atmosphere of the Keertan programmes were really energetic and uplifting. Most of the Keertan took place at Gurdwara Bibeksar which is a short walk from Sri Harimandir Sahib. The main Rainsbaaee was held at Gurdwara Manji Sahib in the Sri Harimandir Sahib complex. The Guru Ka Langar was served at the Rangle Sajjan Trust which is just off the road that leads to Baba Attal Rai Jee Gurdwara.

Sangat eating Guru Ka Langar

Gursikhs preparing Guru Ka Langar

Sewadaars cleaning the Sarbloh utensils of the Sangat

UK Sangat eating Langar

Rainsbaaee at Gurdwara Manji Sahib. At the back and sides you had visitors of Sri Harimandir Sahib sleeping.

Back to Sikhi: Inspiring Transformations... (Series 5)

ਮਨੂਰੈ ਤੇ ਕੰਚਨ ਭਏ ਭਾਈ ਗੁਰੁ ਪਾਰਸੁ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਇ ||
"O companions! Being united in Union with the Guru, the Philosopher's Stone, I have been transformed from rusty iron into gold."
(Ang 638)

Inspiring pictures of famous Sikhs who discovered Sikhi and transformed themselves:

Shaheed Bhagat Singh Jee
Kept his Kesh and desired to take Amrit after meeting Bhai Sahib Bhai Randheer Singh jee in October 1930.

Shaheed Bhai Satwant Singh Jee.
Inspired to take Amrit after visiting the destroyed Sri Akal Takht Sahib in early October 1984. Received Amrit on 24th October in a Gurdwara Delhi.

 

Shaheed Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha Jee
Bhai Sukhdev Singh Sukha and Bhai Harjinder Singh Jinda wished to take Amrit in prison however the Indian government refused them permission. 

Bhai Balwant Singh Rajoana Jee
Kept his Kesh in prison in 1995. Took Amrit in Patiala Jail on 12th June 2011 after Sri Akal Takht Sahib accepted Bhai Sahib's request.

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

'Who is the most beautiful person in the world?'...

British historian Arnold J Toynbee

Arnold Toynbee (1889 - 1975) was a historian who studied and compared different cultures. He writes about one of his personal experiences. He recalls one accident when he had met an American lady. She wanted to ask him something because she knew that he had studied different cultures, traditions, religious and views. So she felt that Toynbee could probably only give her the answer. 

She asked Toynbee if he could tell her who is the most beautiful person in this world? Toynbee immediately replied, “A man with open beard and a complete Sikh”. She was surprised to hear his answer. She thought a little and then again asked, “who is the most ugliest person to you?" Toynbee replied, “A Sikh who has cut his hair”. This time she became more surprised. These answers grew curiosity in her about Sikh religion and she decided to gain more knowledge about it. 

ਗੁਰਮਤੀ ਮੁਖ ਸੋਹਣੇ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਖਿਆ ਉਰਿ ਧਾਰਿ ॥

gurmatee mukh sohanne har raakhiaa ur dhaar.

"Those who follow the Guru's Teachings and keep the Lord enshrined in their hearts, their faces are radiant and beautiful."

(Ang 1346)

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Back to Sikhi: Inspiring Transformations... (Series 4)

ਭੂਲੇ ਮਾਰਗੁ ਜਿਨਹਿ ਬਤਾਇਆ || ਐਸਾ ਗੁਰੁ ਵਡਭਾਗੀ ਪਾਇਆ ||੧||

"Such a Guru is found by great good fortune who places the one who strays back on the Path."

(Ang 803)

Continuing the series of interesting and inspiring pictures of people who have gone back to Sikhi...

 

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee! 

NOTE:  If anyone would like to share any inspiring photos showing the transformation of before and after finding Sikhi then please email: manvir.khalsa@gmail.com

Shaheedi Divas Bhai Taru Singh Jee

Today marks the martyrdom of Bhai Taru Singh jee. Shaheedaa Nu Lakh Lakh Parnaam. Remembering Bhai Sahib's shaheedi may Guru jee give us the strength, spirit and pyaar to keep our Kesh and Sikhi intact till our last breath with Guru's kirpaa.

Rabindera Nath Tagore (1861-1941)

The the legendary poet, artist, musicologist, novelist and mystic, Rabindera Nath Tagore, was influenced so much by the story of Bhai Taru Singh jee's martyrdom and sacrifice that he stopped cutting his Kesh. The story goes that once while traveling by sea, the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore threw his shaving kit into the sea. Upon enquiry, he said:
“I have realized God and the first step I have taken is to throw out this kit. I realized that cutting hair was a clear violation of the Will of God.” 

Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh - short poem by Rabinder Nath Tagore:

When the Pathans brought them chained
All in calm they remained
The captive Sikhs – though at Saheedganj town
With their comrades' blood the soil was brown.

Says the Nawaab, "Look Taru Singh –
I want to forgive you without misgiving."
Says Taru, "Why for me so much slight?"
Nawaab says, "A great warrior you are
That you proved in your fight;
So, to you I bear no anger;
Only I beg of you the gift of your Kesh
And you will be spared harm any."
Taru replied, "I owe you as your mercy's nominee;
So offer a bit more, my head with my Kesh (*)
(*) Note by Tagore: "To shave off Kesh is as good as forsaking religion for a Sikh".

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Episode 6: Arriving at Amritsar...

On 13th April my mother and I went to Amritsar. We planned to stay in Amritsar for 2 nights and then fly back to England from there. We knew somebody who works in SGPC who said they would book us a room at Guru Gobind Singh NRI nivaas. When we got there we were told that no booking had been made and that they were fully booked. When I rang the SGPC member again and said no booking had been made apparently he asked to speak to the Singh manning the reception. In short, after a few phone calls, the same person who said they were fully booked said we now have a room. I was shocked at the poor service. Afterwards I met a Singh there from England who said there were loads of rooms empty on his floor. Also a lot of the people I saw were not NRIs but were from India, yet the accommodation building was made with support of Sikhs abroad for providing facilities for NRI Sikhs.

 

Our relatives dropped us off at the Harimandir Sahib multi-storey car park and from there they arranged a riksha driver to bring us and our suitcases to the nivaas (accommodation building). First the riksha drivers said they will arrange 2 rikshas. One old Baba and another young guy. The young guy was supposed to bring our bags and suitcases and the old Baba was going to take us. When the young guy packed our stuff he asked for us to get on as well. There was hardly any space. We sat with bags underneath us, infront of us and behind us. I was thinking with just a small knock to the riksha all the bags are going to tumble down on us!

We got outside the carpark and the old Baba was waiting, but the young guy said "Don't worry, I'll just take them." Thinking it would be a short uncomfortable ride we went along with the man. When we got near Harimandir Sahib we were told the roads were blocked because Prakash Badal (the Chief Minister) had come to pay respects at Sri Harimandir Sahib. So the Police made us go all the way around Sri Harimandir Sahib complex (which was some distance!). 

The poor guy was sweating and looked like he was struggling. He suddenly braked because a 3 wheeler scooter was coming and nearly hitting us. As he braked the Vaajaa bag nearly hit me on the head and one of our bags fell off! People were staring at us thinking what on earth were we doing sitting amongst so many suitcases and bags!

Eventually the guy got us to Guru Gobind Singh Nivaas. He initially asked for 20 rupees and then by the time we got to paying him he asked for 80 rupees!! lol. It was so funny. We felt so sorry for him we gave him 80 rupees and thought it would be nice to give him so clothes as he must be poor. But he didn't want the trouser we gave him! Perhaps he thought it was one of my trousers or something. Just to clarify it was new and unworn and brought to give away to someone. Sat Naam, Vaheguru.

Episode 5: Meeting Gursikhs in Jalandhar...

During my trip I visited Bhai Harkirat Singh jee who lives in Jalandhar. I first met him in Denmark. Bhai Sahib served as a Granthi Singh in Denmark. In the short time he was there he inspired the local youth who were disconnected and broken from Sikhi to keep their Kesh and take Amrit. Bhai Sahib does Keertan as well as Gurmat Veechar.

When I visited Denmark Gurdwara I was pleasantly surprised that the Gurdwara had a routine that every Sunday Bhai Sahib would lead the Sangat to do Naam Simran for 15 minutes (without instruments). Bhai Sahib would play football with the young and teach the youth Gatka and Keertan. He was an ideal Granthi Singh who could relate to young and old, men and women, Sikhs and non-Sikhs. If all Gurdwaras had a Granthi Singh with such qualities, the Panth would be in Chardi Kalaa.

Bhai Sahib knew of a good tailor in Jalandhar who makes clothes for Singhs. The clothes I got made were tailored well and actually fitted me properly (usually the tailor would make each Kurta a different size!). Unfortunately I cannot remember the address of the tailors.

Bhai Sahib and his brother, Bhai Tarlochan Singh jee, are involved in arranging Keertan programmes in Jalandhar and take Sangat to Rainsbaaee Keertans in Panjab. It was humbling meeting such friendly and down to earth Singhs.

Dhan Hai Guru, Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

How the word 'Waheguru' changed my life...

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਗੁਰ ਜਾਪਈ, ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਕਰਿ ਧਿਆਨ || 

ਮੁਕਤਿ ਲਾਭ ਸੋ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ, ਗੁਰਸਿਖ ਰਿਦਿ ਮਹਿ ਮਾਨ || 

waheguru gur jaapa-ee, waheguru kar dhi-aan. 

mukat laabh so ho-ee hai, gursikh ridh meh maan. 

"Contemplate upon the gur(mantar) Waheguru and focus upon (the sound) Waheguru. The (resulting) principal benefit the Gursikh will savour in their heart."

(Bhai Nand Lal Singh)

Interview with Bibi Amritpal Kaur jee from USA at the Española, New Mexico Gurdwara after 3HO Summer Solstice 2012. 

ਉਦਮੁ ਕੀਆ ਕਰਾਇਆ ਆਰੰਭੁ ਰਚਾਇਆ ॥

 udam keeaa karaaiaa aarambh rachaaiaa. 

Just as the Guru gave me encouragement to make an effort, I made the effort and made (the effort of chanting Naam) the beginning. 

ਨਾਮੁ ਜਪੇ ਜਪਿ ਜੀਵਣਾ ਗੁਰਿ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੁ ਦ੍ਰਿੜਾਇਆ ॥੧॥ 

naam jape jap jeevnaa gur mantar driraaiaa. ||1|| 

The Guru has firmly implanted the Naam-Mantra within me; now I have obtained spiritual life through chanting and meditating on the Naam. 

(And 399)

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!

Fateh Posters Announcement...

MESSAGE FORWARD:

Fateh Posters has gone LIVE - check www.fatehposters.co.uk, pick up your copy of fantastic posters remembering the shaheeds. All money is reinvested to publish more panthik material to educate future generations. Please forward link to friends and family. www.fatehposters.co.uk 

MESSAGE END.
---------

Banbury Gurdwara - July 2012 programmes

MESSAGE FORWARD:

Dear Sangat Jee,

Below are the Gurdwara programmes for the month of July 2012. Every month there will be different speakers and kirtanis. Please attend these specially organised programmes and ask your family and friends to also attend.

ਸ੍ਰੀ ਅਖੰਡ ਪਾਠ ਸਾਹਿਬ: 
ਸ਼ੁਕਰਵਾਰ ੬ ਜੁਲਾਈ ਤੋਂ ਐਤਵਾਰ ੮ ਜੁਲਾਈ
ਛੇਵੇਂ ਪਾਤਿਸ਼ਾਹ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ਼ ਦਿਵਸ ਦੀ ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਦੇ ਵਿਚ

 Sri Akhand Paath Sahib: 
Friday 6^th July to Sunday 8^th July

Celebrating the prakaash divas of the Sixth Guru

Sunday 1st July, 11am to 12pm
Martyrdom of Baba Banda Singh Ji

Talk by Bhai Joginder Singh (Leicester)
Well known Parchaarik who does talks and lectures in camps in UK inspiring countless people. Bhai Sahib is a retired Account who worked for the Ministry of Defence.



Sunday 8th July, 11am to 12pm
Prakaash divas of Sixth Guru

Talk by Bhai Balbir Singh (Southall)

Founder of SOPW (Sikh Organisation of Prisoner Welfare) who is fighting for the human rights and release of Sikh political prisoners in India.

 Sunday 15th July, 11am to 12pm
Shaheedi Divas Bhai Mani Singh Ji

Talk by Bhai Rajinder Singh Purewal (Derby)
Owner and Editor of Panjab Times newspaper, who has worked tirelessly for various Sikh causes since the 1970s. Bhai Sahib is part of the Sangat TV’s weekly Gurmat Q&A programme.



Sunday 22nd July, 11am to 12pm 
Shaheedi Divas Bhai Taru Singh Ji

Talk by Bibi Mandeep Kaur (Birmingham)
University graduate who is the first ever Sikh Chaplain to be employed by the British Armed Forces. Bhenji does talks at various camps and Gurdwaras across the UK and is also a Kirtani.

Sunday 29th July, 11am to 12pm
Prakaash divas of Eighth Guru

Kirtan & Talk by Bhai Vijay Singh (Luton)

Young UK born Parchaarik who is Head of Business Studies at Uxbridge College. Bhai Sahib travels across UK and abroad to spread the Guru’s message. Bhai Sahib is a presenter on Sangat TV’s ‘Discovery’ show.

Address:
Guru Nanak Gurdwara Banbury
43 West Street
Banbury
Oxfordshire, OX16 3HA
Tel: 01295 265400




END OF MESSAGE
--------

Khalsa Camp 2012 - Places Are Going Fast!

Khalsa Camp 2012 is already 3/4 full.
To be sure of a place

register online now at http://www.khalsacamp.com

When?

6th August 2012 to 10th August 2012

Searching for the finer things in life?

Be part of the world's premier Sikh event this summer in the UK!
Khalsa Camp is a high-quality week-long break, exploring the essence of the Sikh
faith in a open and relaxed environment

If you have been to Khalsa Camp previously, you know that it is a genuinely amazing
and uplifting experience. If you do nothing else this summer, be sure to be part of Khalsa Camp 2012!

Tempted?

Khalsa Camp 2012 will be even better this year! Everyone 16 years old and over is welcome to attend, no pre-requisite knowledge required, for Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike...

* Inspiring international guest speakers
* Top class facilities with a brand new venue
* Wide range of fun activities
* Open & relaxed atmosphere
* Over 300 people from all backgrounds
* Transportation from around the UK
* Food, accommodation & more included
* All this for just £110 = just £22 per day!

Highlights on Khalsa Camp 2011

View camper experiences

http://www.youtube.com/user/khalsacamp

Shaheedi Divas Baba Banda Singh Jee Bahadur...

Today marks the Shaheedi purb (martyrdom day) of Baba Banda Singh Jee Bahadur, one of the greatest Sikhs in Sikh history. Baba Jee was not only a saint-soldier but an intelligent and skillful general and leader. Baba Jee along with 700 other Sikhs were martyred in Delhi in 1716. Baba Jee was given horrific tortures but he did not waver from Sikhi. His 4 year old son had his chest ripped open and his heart placed in Baba jee's mouth. His body was then pierced with hot iron rods and eventually was hacked slowly into pieces. May we all be inspired by such a great Sikh and such a great sacrifice pray that Guru jee blesses us with the gift of dying with our Sikhi and Kesh intact till our last breath.

Lecture about Baba Banda Singh Jee Bahadur by Dr. Sukhpreet Singh Udhoke:

 

Related links:

• Blog post: Fateh Divas - Celebrating the Khalsa Raaj
• Ek Noor TV show: Baba Banda Singh Ji Bahadur

Dhan Hai Guru! Dhan Hai Teree Sikhee!