tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40899630523985696602024-02-07T10:46:39.685+05:30Panjabiat - Traditions and Valourkuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089963052398569660.post-28373441176373493682013-09-15T10:39:00.001+05:302013-09-15T10:39:19.522+05:30Gatka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">GATKA<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gatka</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> is a traditional weapon based Sikh martial art. It is
based on the basic principle of unification of the mind, body and spirit in a
rhythm of life to train a saint-soldier to be able to defend himself/herself.
It originated in the north-western part of India i.e. in Punjab. The people of
the area, especially the Sikhs, have a tall stature with a heavy build and are
known to be fearless and feared warriors. The system of fighting there is
termed as “<i>Shastar Vidya</i>” (knowledge
of the weapons/sword).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In the 15<sup>th</sup>
and 16<sup>th</sup> centuries, Sikhs became renowned throughout South Asia for
their great martial prowess. The Sikh Gurus taught their followers to train the
body physically, mentally and spiritually. The need to practice fighting for
self defence against the Mughals encouraged the practice of martial arts. The
tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, galvanised the martial energies of the Sikh
community and founded the ‘<i>Khalsa</i>’ in
1699. The aim of the same being to fight oppression, worship one God, help the
poor and downtrodden, abandon superstition and defend the faith. He professed
the qualities, importance and aim of being a warrior-saint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The word ‘<i>Gatka</i>’ variously means a three hand span
stick with a leather cover, a truncheon, a mace, a club etc. It is very common
in Sikh circles to use the word ‘<i>Gatka</i>’
for all traditional martial arts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The various weapons
used in <i>Gatka</i> are:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>Talwar</i> - one sided sword, about three feet
long<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>Tegh </i> -
long sword, ten hands long<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>Khanda</i> - straight double edged sword<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>Dhaal </i> -
circular shield<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>Kataar</i> - push dagger with H
shaped handle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>Chakar</i> - circular edged weapon<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>Kirpan </i> -
dagger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>Lathi</i> - bamboo stick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>Bagh
nakh</i> - ‘leopard claw’ – spiked
weapon worn on the hand<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The art emphasises
having something in both hands e.g. sword and shield, two swords, sword and
stick, or any combination of the above weapons. Training with ‘both hands full’
is believed to be an excellent exercise for coordinating the two halves of the
body.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gatka</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> is meant to be offensive as well as defensive. The
foundation of the art is a methodology for use of feet, arms, body and weapon
in unison. It favours rhythmic movement without hesitation, doubt and anxiety.
The attack and defence methods are based on positions of the hands, feet and
weapon. Chanting of holy verses normally accompany the exercises. The three
beat per cycle drum played by a drummer helps in coordination during practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gatka </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">is today taught to the youth to stay healthy
and agile. The art of self control keeps the youth away from drug abuse and
other intoxicants to lead a disciplined and pious life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Many organisations in
India and abroad are doing a yeoman service in keeping the tradition alive as
also weaning away the Sikh youth from use of drugs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As Guru Gobind Singh
said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Chun kaar
az haman hiltey dar guzasht,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Halal ast
burden ba shamshir dast”<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #76923c; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 191;">(When
all other methods of setting right a wrong have failed, raising of sword is
pious and just).<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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kuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089963052398569660.post-15758507414332902442013-04-28T11:22:00.001+05:302013-04-28T11:22:26.225+05:30Shaheed Udham Singh<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shaheed
Udham Singh<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Udham Singh was an Indian
socialist revolutionary and is one of the better known revolutionaries in
India’s struggle for independence from the British rule.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was born, Sher Singh, in
a Sikh family on 26 December 1899 in village Shahpur Kalan in the present day
Sunam tehsil in Sangrur district of Punjab which was then part of the Patiala
kingdom. He lost his father in 1901 and mother in 1907. He and his brother were
taken to the Central Sikh orphanage in Amritsar where he was given the name
Udham Singh. He left the orphanage in 1919 after completing his Matriculation
(Class 10) in 1918. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On the fateful day of 13
April 1919, Udham Singh and his friends were serving water to the protestors in
the Jallianwala Bagh at Amritsar. These people were protesting peacefully
against the arrest and deportation of their senior leaders under the infamous
Rowlatt Act. At about 5.15 PM about 90 soldiers led by Brigadier General
Reginald Dyer blocked the only exit and opened indiscriminate fire on the
unarmed peaceful protestors. More than 2000 people were massacred and hundreds
of others, including Udham Singh, were wounded. It was later proved from
historical facts that the Governor of Punjab, Michael O’Dwyer, had approved the
barbaric action. The incident greatly affected Udham Singh and he vowed in
front of the Golden Temple in Amritsar to take revenge for the massacre.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Udham Singh then became a
dedicated revolutionary and aimed to reach London by any means. He went to
Africa in 1920 and then to Nairobi in 1921. He reached the United States in
1924. Udham returned to India in 1927 with a consignment of revolvers and
ammunition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was arrested on 30 August
1927 and was sentenced to five years imprisonment for possession of unlicensed
arms. He was released from jail on 23 October 1931 and took on various aliases
and names including Ram Mohammed Singh Azad (Ram – Hindu, Mohammed – Muslim,
Singh – Sikh, Azad – Free).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Although he was kept under
constant surveillance by the police, he managed to dupe them and escaped to
Kashmir from where he went to Germany. He ultimately reached London in 1934
where he bought his own car, revolver and ammunition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On 13 March 1940 a meeting
of the East India Association and Central Asian Society was scheduled at Caxton
Hall. Michael O’Dwyer was one of the speakers at the meeting. Udham concealed
his weapon in a specially cut book and managed to enter the hall. At the end of
the meeting O’Dwyer moved to speak to Zetland (Secretary of State for India).
Udham Singh moved swiftly and opened fire. Two bullets hit O’Dwyer and he died
instantly. Zetland, Lord Lamington and one other person were also injured. Udham
Singh made no attempt to escape and was arrested.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On 01 April 1940, Udham
Singh was formally charged with the murder of Michael O’Dwyer. He was convicted
and was sentenced to death. He was hanged on 31 July 1940 in Pentonville prison
and was buried in the prison grounds. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">During his trial Udham Singh
told the judge, <span style="color: red;">“I am not afraid to die. I am proud
to die, to have to free my native land and I hope that when I am gone, I hope
that in my place will come thousands of my countrymen to drive you dirty dogs
out, to free my country.”</span><span style="color: #002060;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His remains were exhumed in
July 1974 at the request of the Indian government and were brought to India
where they were given a martyr’s reception. He was later cremated in Sunam and
his ashes were immersed in the Sutlej River. His secular sentiments were
honoured when a Hindu Pandit, Muslim Maulvi and a Sikh Granthi together conducted
his final rites on 02 August 1974.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He is popularly known as
Shaheed (martyr) Udham Singh. A number of memorials/statues have been
established to honour his memory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reactions
to his actions are as follows:-<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Mahatma Gandhi – “The outrage has caused me deep pain. I regard this
as an act of insanity.....”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Jawaharlal Nehru –
“Assassination is regretted but it is earnestly hoped that it will not have far
reaching repercussions on the political future of India.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Times of London – “Fighter for Freedom” </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and<span style="color: #7030a0;"> “An
expression of the pent up fury of the downtrodden Indian people.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">Berliner Borsen
Zeitung – “The torch of Indian Freedom.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0070c0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">German radio – “The cry of tormented people spoke with shots” </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">and<span style="color: #0070c0;"> “Like
the elephants, the Indians never forget their enemies. They strike them down
even after 20 years.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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kuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089963052398569660.post-23101762599367280862013-03-27T20:28:00.002+05:302013-03-27T20:28:53.070+05:30Hola Mahalla<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hola
Mahalla<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hola Mahalla is a Sikh event
which falls on the first day of the month of <i>Chet</i> as per the Nanakshahi calendar (calendar for the Sikhs). It
normally occurs a day after the Hindu festival of colours, Holi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ther are different
connotations as to the literal meaning of the term Hola Mahalla. Bhai Kahan
Singh, an eminent Sikh scholar, opines that ‘Hola’ is derived from ‘Halla’
(military charge) and ‘Mahalla’ stands for an army column and thus would mean
‘charge of an army’. Dr MS Ahluwalia, another scholar, states that ‘Hola’ is
derived from ‘Holi’ and ‘Mahalia’ (a Punjabi term) refers to an organised
procession in the form of an army column accompanied by standard bearers and
the beating of war drums.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The event was started by the
tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh ji, on 22 February 1701 in the Holgarh fort
in Shri Anandpur Sahib. He made it an occasion for the Sikhs to display their
martial skills in simulated battles. It later became an annual event. The three
day event now mainly consists of various demonstrations of one’s fighting
prowess like Gatka, sword fighting, exercises on horses and archery. This is
followed by kirtan, religious discussions and poetry. For meals everyone eats
the vegetarian food of Guru da Langar (see post of 17 December 2012). A
large procession led by the panj pyaras and accompanied by the beating of drums
and chanting of war cries is organised on the last day of the celebrations. A
spirit of selfless community service is overwhelmingly evident in the organisation
of the celebrations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The festival is now
celebrated to reemphasise the qualities of valour, brotherhood and fraternity
amongst the Sikhs. It also underlines the need to be always prepared for self
defence against any oppressor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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kuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089963052398569660.post-11756952163504017652013-03-24T20:01:00.000+05:302013-03-24T20:01:19.172+05:30Hari Singh Nalwa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
Great Sikh General<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sardar
Hari Singh Nalwa<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hari Singh Nalwa was the
Commander-in-chief of the empire of the Sikh army. He was responsible for
expanding the frontiers of the Sikh empire to beyond the Indus River and right up
to the mouth of the Khyber Pass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was born to Gurdas Singh
and Dharam Kaur, in an Uppal Khatri family, in 1791 in Gujranwala, Punjab (in
present day Pakistan). His father died in 1798. At the age of ten, in 1801, he
took <i>Amrit</i> and became a baptised
Sikh. He began to manage his father’s estate, Jagir of Balloki (in modern day
Kasur district of Pakistan), at the age of twelve and also took up horse
riding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was sent to the court of
Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1804 (aged 14) to settle a property dispute. The case
was decided in his favour. After learning that his ancestors had served the
Maharaja as also after watching his skills at horse riding and as a musketeer,
Maharaja Ranjit Singh appointed him at the court as his personal attendant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In 1804, he was attacked by
a lion that also killed his horse. He refused offers of help from his fellow
hunters and killed the lion using only his shield and dagger. He thus earned
the nickname of ‘Baagh Maar’ (lion killer).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hari Singh Nalwa fought a
number of battles during his lifetime. The important ones among them were
battle of Kasur (1807), Battle of Sialkot (1808), Battle of Attock (1813),
Battle of Multan (1818), Peshawar (1819), Battle of Pakhli (1819), Battle of
Mangal (1821), Battle of Mankera (1822), Battle of Nowshera (1823), battle of
Sirikot (1824), Battle of Saidu (1827) and Battle of Jamrud (1836).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was grievously wounded in
the battle of Jamrud in 1837 and died as a result of these wounds. He was
cremated in the fort of Jamrud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hari Singh Nalwa served as
Governor of Kashmir (1820-21), Greater Hazara (1822-37) and Peshawar (1835 till
his death). His administrative skills and bravery coupled with his benevolent
nature made sure that he was sent to the most troublesome spots in order to
create a dynamic, people friendly and efficient administration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He built a number of forts,
towers, tanks, Gurudwaras, temples, mosques, havelis and gardens. He built the
fortified town of Haripur in 1822. He built all the Sikh forts in the Trans
Indus region, Jehangira and Nowshera on both banks of the river Kabul and
Sumergarh in Peshawar. He also built a fort at Jamrud and reinforced Akbar’s
fort in Attock.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He built Gurudwara Panja
Sahib in the town of Hassan Abdal. He also donated gold required to cover the
dome of the Akal Takht in Amritsar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In his lifetime he was a
terror for the then so called ferocious tribes near the Khyber pass. He
permanently blocked the routes of invaders through the Khyber Pass at Jamrud.
In his death, his formidable reputation ensured victory for the Sikhs against a
vastly superior Afghan force.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dr Vanit Nalwa, a seventh
generation of the hero, states that in the two and half centuries that
Afghanistan has existed, US, Russia and Britain have tried to subdue the
Afghans with little or no success. The Sikhs won the only decisive real and
unmatched victories against them. He stopped the plundering, looting and
invasions of the Afghans so much so that the raiders were absolutely scared of
him. So scared that they resorted to wearing feminine apparel, shalwar kameez (now
known as the Pathan Suit), to escape his wrath since they knew that the Sikhs
did not attack the defenceless and the weak including women and children. They
earlier used to wear only a single robe garment similar to that worn by the
Arabs. Afghan mothers used to silence their crying children by saying, “Khamosh
bash- Haria raghle” (quiet child, Haria has come).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">The editor of the Tit Bits newspaper of England wrote
in one of his columns around 1881:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"Some people might think that Napoleon was a great General. Some
might name Marshall Hendenburgh, Lord Kitchener, General Karobzey or Duke of
Wellington etc. And some going further might say Halaku Khan, Changez Khan,
Richard or Allaudin etc. But let me tell you that in the North of India a
General of the name of Hari Singh Nalwa of the Sikhs prevailed. Had he lived
longer and had the sources and artillery of the British, he would have
conquered most of Asia and Europe…."<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #17365d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 191;">Ballad</span></b><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><b><span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;">Bey - Bahut hoya Hari
Singh doolo, jida naam raushan door-door saare,<br />
Dilli Dakhan te CheenMacheen taayn, Baadshanha nu khaufzaroor saare,<br />
Raja Karan te Bikramajit vaangu, Hatam Tai vaangu mashoor saare,<br />
Kadaryar jahaan te nahi hone, sakhi oh budand hazur saare. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #4f6228; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-themecolor: accent3; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">(Qadir Bakhsh urf
Kadaryar in Kissa Sardar Hari Singh, c.1840)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Bey- Hari Singh was
exceptionally brave; his name and fame travelled afar. Kings in Delhi, Deccan,
China and Tibet trembled at the mere mention of his name. The legendary Raja
Karan, Raja Bikramajit and Hatim Tai were all famous, said Kadaryar, but none
could match him (Hari Singh) in philanthropy.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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kuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089963052398569660.post-50269016326382382272013-03-04T20:37:00.003+05:302013-03-04T20:37:52.574+05:30Sam Manekshaw<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">SAM
MANEKSHAW<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">Many of you who read this
blog would think as to what an article on Sam Bahadur is doing in a write-up
about Punjabi traditions and stories of valour. However as you read through I
hope your doubts will be put to rest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Field Marshal Sam Hormusji
Framji Jamshedji (SHFJ) Manekshaw also known as Sam Bahadur (Sam the Brave) was
the first <b>Field Marshal</b> of the
Indian Army. He was born on 3 April 1914 in Amritsar, Punjab. His parents
Hormusji Manekshaw, a doctor, and his mother Heerabai, had moved to Amritsar
from Valsad, Gujarat. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sam completed his primary
education in Amritsar and moved to Sherwood College in Nainital thereafter.
After completing his education in 1929 he wanted to go abroad (London) to study
medicine and become a doctor. However his father opined that he was too young
to go abroad. He then got him admitted to Hindu Sabha College in Amritsar. Sam
then volunteered to join the Indian Army and was amongst the first batch of
Indians to qualify in the examination for the same. He joined the Indian
Military Academy, Dehradun on 30 September 1932 and graduated from there on 4
February 1934. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and first served 2<sup>nd</sup>
Battalion THE ROYAL SCOTS and later with 4<sup>th</sup> Battalion 12<sup>th</sup>
FRONTIER FORCE REGIMENT. After partition, though this regiment opted to join
Pakistani Army, he remained in the Indian Army.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">His military career spanned
four decades from the British era and World War II, to the wars against China
and Pakistan after India’s independence in 1947. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH84wlxtQEaQEvA2KsZQlU8x9hQc4SM8d-G8shSmRIXlgqIphBVh_-Dx3i1I2rlAxSvRMGyRyCnhnAqR24D8Zo09HRl-rgYTpNCWLrBZvVL5LJTm4tcQT2pH2IiJiMy4DGvpLKVTXNwIM/s1600/sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH84wlxtQEaQEvA2KsZQlU8x9hQc4SM8d-G8shSmRIXlgqIphBVh_-Dx3i1I2rlAxSvRMGyRyCnhnAqR24D8Zo09HRl-rgYTpNCWLrBZvVL5LJTm4tcQT2pH2IiJiMy4DGvpLKVTXNwIM/s320/sam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the Second World War he
was deployed on the Burma front. He was severely wounded on 22 Feb 1942 while
gallantly leading his company to capture a vital enemy position, Pagoda Hill.
He was hit by a burst from a LMG and took many bullets in his stomach and body.
Major General DT Cowan spotted Manekshaw holding onto life. The General was
aware of the valour of Manekshaw in the face of stiff resistance from the
Japanese and immediately fearing the worst quickly pinned his own MILITARY
CROSS ribbon to Manekshaw saying that, “A dead person cannot be awarded a
Military Cross.” He thus has the distinction of being honoured for his bravery
on the battlefield. When he was brought nearly dead to the hospital and the
surgeon asked him as to what had happened, he replied that he was “kicked by a
bloody mule.” This shows the true spirit of the man in even a hopeless
situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He attended the Staff
College at Quetta from 23 August to 22 December 1943 and was posted as Brigade
Major of Razmak Brigade till 22 October 1944. Upon partition since his regiment
opted to join Pakistan Army he was first empanelled with 16 PUNJAB Regiment and
later to 3<sup>rd</sup> Battalion 5<sup>th</sup> GURKHA RIFLES. However he
could not command the battalion since the events of partition kept him as a staff
officer at the Army Headquarters. This has always been disappointing for him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He commanded 167 Infantry
Brigade in Ferozepur and was later posted as Commandant Infantry School. He
took over command of 26 Infantry Division in December 1957. Thereafter he was Commandant
of the Staff College at Wellington, Tamil Nadu and was later appointed to
command 4 Corps after General Kaul resigned. He was appointed GOC-in-C of
Western Command and later Eastern Command. He became the eighth Chief of the
Indian Army on 7<sup>th</sup> June 1969. As Chief he masterminded the complete
annihilation of the Pakistan Army in the 1971 war leading to the surrender of
more than 93000 troops and creation of a new nation Bangladesh. He retired on
15 Jan 1973. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJyoe7zQuinHudeNC0k1hlj0fiZJyt1kEOkYxduO-hrmdMe__PxV4Z6DGzWQwW1i6U5PBercAEPwbNyxc6H3DcChrUbZKbJINm6rpwzSSTHBQROccrFGAzkq9iqudExFAVtAoje4wXgw/s1600/sam+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJyoe7zQuinHudeNC0k1hlj0fiZJyt1kEOkYxduO-hrmdMe__PxV4Z6DGzWQwW1i6U5PBercAEPwbNyxc6H3DcChrUbZKbJINm6rpwzSSTHBQROccrFGAzkq9iqudExFAVtAoje4wXgw/s320/sam+1.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">He was honoured with a
Military Cross in 1942, Padma Bhushan in 1968 and Padma Vibhushan in 1972. He
was conferred the rank of Field Marshal on 1 Jan 1973. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Field Marshal Manekshaw died
of complications from pneumonia at the Military Hospital in Wellington, Tamil
Nadu on 27 June 2008. He was laid to rest in Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu with full
military honours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of his famous quotes showing
the character of the man are given below:-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text2;">After being given command of the retreating 4 Corps during the <span style="color: #1f497d;">war with China in 1962</span>: <b><i>“There
will be no withdrawal without written orders and these orders shall never be
issued.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text2;">After assisting a young Indian Army officer with his luggage when the grateful officer asked Sam,<b> "What
do you do here?". Sam replied "I everyday help officers like you with
their luggage, but I do in my past time command this Infantry Division".</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text2;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Note.</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> I have surfed/gone through a
lot of material on Field Marshal Manekshaw but have not been able to locate the
school in which he studied in Amritsar. There are also no details of any remembrance
to this great man in his birthplace of Amritsar. His birth centenary will occur
on 3 Apr 2014<b>. </b>Let us hope that
Amritsar will remember him and give a befitting tribute to this great <b>son of Amritsar, Punjab and India</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
kuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089963052398569660.post-34995943786748390672013-02-15T21:59:00.002+05:302013-02-15T21:59:27.086+05:30Basant Panchami<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Basant
Panchami<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Basant
Panchami</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> is one of the six seasons (<i>Ritus</i>) which corresponds to Spring. It is celebrated every year on
the fifth day (<i>panchami</i>) of the
Indian month of <i>Magh</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the Vedas the day is
dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. She is worshipped as the Goddess of speech and
learning who bestows the greatest wealth to humanity, the wealth of knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The festival is celebrated
with great fervour and enthusiasm. Men, women, girls and boys wear yellow
clothes. The yellow colour is a sign of auspiciousness and spirituality. It
also represents prosperity, happiness, intellect and energy. The colour
signifies the ripening of the spring crops. The yellow flowers of mustard crop
cover the entire fields in such a way that it seems as if gold is spread over
the land glittering with the rays of the sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg679FceYcGKk7QBxTmf4kjTq5ikY6nKmFE69Le6wM8b_7qcqcZd6OHYLxfX6K4J4-cHRnLwo9Ok7G8cswbmHs5WHeRpF3mLcj6NESuyOV3CPGBTxdGKfdhVlq45yM5EniOw1qRatEIeEY/s1600/mustard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg679FceYcGKk7QBxTmf4kjTq5ikY6nKmFE69Le6wM8b_7qcqcZd6OHYLxfX6K4J4-cHRnLwo9Ok7G8cswbmHs5WHeRpF3mLcj6NESuyOV3CPGBTxdGKfdhVlq45yM5EniOw1qRatEIeEY/s320/mustard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">People wear yellow clothes,
offer yellow flowers in prayers and put a yellow <i>tilak</i> on their forehead. <i>Kesar
halwa</i> (yellow in colour), boiled rice dyed in saffron and traditional
sweets of yellowish hues are prepared. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The festival heralds the
onset of spring and the end of winters in North India as beautifully stated as
“<i>aayi basant paala uddant</i>” (winters
will blow away on the arrival of <i>basant</i>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRC4BuCh5DZiPwxUe7HOXbqpeRlpiVwIOQDYfkX5tDkRE6I7HXJMSTxFILzli5GstxzFANR8IYcaGOB1be_TyP3d0IPt5-i_FiLEuCvrmoHaU8IdoF00D-s1HUYdGzSOo9UmJxvlzgLw/s1600/basant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTRC4BuCh5DZiPwxUe7HOXbqpeRlpiVwIOQDYfkX5tDkRE6I7HXJMSTxFILzli5GstxzFANR8IYcaGOB1be_TyP3d0IPt5-i_FiLEuCvrmoHaU8IdoF00D-s1HUYdGzSOo9UmJxvlzgLw/s320/basant.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is traditional to
undertake kite flying on the day of <i>basant
panchami</i>. The event is filled with a lot of enthusiasm, cheering and
thrill. The grounds and terraces of buildings are full of people in yellow
clothes and the sky is full of colourful kites. Songs are played at high volume
and people dance with rhythm while flying kites. They also indulge in what can
be termed as ‘kite-fights’. The joy and cheering on cutting an opponent’s kite has
to be seen to be experienced and no words can describe that feeling. At various
places even judges are appointed and prizes for the best kite flyer, most
beautiful kite, biggest kite etc are also awarded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The festival is however
losing its appeal due to the supposedly busy schedule and ‘couldn’t care less’
attitude of the people. A little effort from all in the neighbourhood is all
that is needed to keep this tradition alive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
kuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089963052398569660.post-6753370176504437252013-01-12T19:38:00.000+05:302013-01-12T19:38:11.649+05:30Lohri<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lohri<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lohri is a North Indian
festival which is celebrated on the last day of the Indian calendar month of <i>Paush</i>. It is celebrated a day before <i>Makar Sankranti</i>. By the Gregorian
calendar the festival is celebrated on 13<sup>th</sup> January (99 % of the
time) while it may sometimes also fall on the 12<sup>th</sup> or 14<sup>th</sup>
January. It is a festival dedicated to the end of the winter season and people
generally believe that the severity of winter starts decreasing on this day,
though the season itself lasts till about mid March.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Lohri commemorates the hero
of Punjab, Dulla Bhatti, who staked everything to save the honour of girls who
were harassed and molested by Mughal soldiers. A Muslim-Rajput warrior, he is
remembered for rescuing a girl from the soldiers, adopting her and later
marrying her off with a Hindu boy just as his own sister. He is also described
as a Robin Hood kind of hero who looted the merchant caravans and royal
treasures and distributed the bounty to the poor and needy. He rescued many
women from the invaders and restored them to their parents. His story is
immortalised in the traditional Lohri song, “Sundar Mundriye”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Sunder mundriye ho!</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
<i>Tera kaun vicharaa ho!</i><br />
<i>Dullah Bhatti walla ho!</i><br />
<i>Dullhe di dhee vyayae ho!</i><br />
<i>Ser shakkar payee ho!</i><br />
<i>Kudi da laal pathaka ho!</i><br />
<i>Kudi da saalu paata ho!</i><br />
<i>Salu kaun samete!</i><br />
<i>Chacha gali dese!</i><br />
<i>Chache choori kutti! zamidara lutti!</i><br />
<i>Zamindaar sudhaye!</i><br />
<i>Bum Bum bhole aaye!</i><br />
<i>Ek bhola reh gaya!</i><br />
<i>Sipahee far ke lai gaya!</i><br />
<i>Sipahee ne mari itt!</i><br />
<i>Bhaanvey ro te bhaanvey pitt!</i><br />
<i>Sanoo de de Lohri, te teri jeeve jodi!</i><br />
<b><u>Translation</u></b><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Beautiful
girl<br />
Who will think about you<br />
Dulla of the Bhatti clan will<br />
Dulla's daughter got married<br />
He gave one<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ser_(unit)" title="Ser (unit)"><i><span style="color: #0b0080; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">ser</span></i></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">of sugar!<br />
The girl is wearing a red suit!<br />
But her shawl is torn!<br />
Who will stitch her shawl?!<br />
The uncle made choori!<br />
The landlords looted it!<br />
Landlords are beaten up!<br />
Lots of simple-headed boys came!<br />
One simpleton got left behind!<br />
The soldier arrested him!<br />
The soldier hit him with a brick!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Cry or
howl<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Give us
Lohri, long live your pair (to a married couple)!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The festival
is also associated with the harvest of Rabi crops. The crop of Sesame seed (<i>til</i>) and groundnuts comes during this
season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">During the day children go
from door to door singing folk songs in praise of Dulla Bhatti. They are given
groundnuts, <i>rewris</i>, jaggery, <i>gachack</i> etc, and sometimes money. Turning
them back empty handed is considered inauspicious.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3HVHbgCKnBNorwkpDET7eOANJB6B2MD26k4aVxnmbKSq8vwvuaoZ3e__ddSYGz-V5JZvedUwl41GwWLjoEpIjqbZon6A1vClr7KAr6AUC8X-2iXLmmnILO9L4h7hw0ljOFh2G1mOgeY/s1600/happy-lohri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx3HVHbgCKnBNorwkpDET7eOANJB6B2MD26k4aVxnmbKSq8vwvuaoZ3e__ddSYGz-V5JZvedUwl41GwWLjoEpIjqbZon6A1vClr7KAr6AUC8X-2iXLmmnILO9L4h7hw0ljOFh2G1mOgeY/s320/happy-lohri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 4.8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">Everyone gets together at
sunset and a large bonfire is lit at a central place. People wear their
brightest clothes and dance the </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">bhangra</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">
and </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">gidda</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;"> to the beat of the </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">dhol</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">. They toss groundnuts, sesame
seeds, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">gur</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">, </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">rewris </i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">and popcorn on the bonfire and sing and dance till the fire
dies out. Traditional dinner of </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">Makki di
roti</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;"> and </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;">Sarson da saag</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18pt;"> is served
to all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lohri is more than just a
festival for the fun loving, sturdy, robust, enthusiastic, energetic and jovial
Punjabis. Lohri is symbolic of their love for celebrations and also brings an
opportunity for people to get together to share each other’s company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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kuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089963052398569660.post-81824978528596922662012-12-26T22:11:00.000+05:302012-12-26T22:16:41.272+05:30Bhangra - the king of dances<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bhangra-the
king of dances<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQAf2leO2TfsB4JgtXUA_cZHU0jVG4waI_wyC_iA8oxaZAqrRvBK12V1QZvrsiRGqRfK5LiNTy2TVsXW2RFOW8MLKsErwdtpXalZ1JdCW9YPudYJmiKlBgOKo7QkpRDg0tTALTgyqbeA/s1600/bhangra-dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizQAf2leO2TfsB4JgtXUA_cZHU0jVG4waI_wyC_iA8oxaZAqrRvBK12V1QZvrsiRGqRfK5LiNTy2TVsXW2RFOW8MLKsErwdtpXalZ1JdCW9YPudYJmiKlBgOKo7QkpRDg0tTALTgyqbeA/s320/bhangra-dance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Bhangra is a lively form of dance
and folk music that originates from Punjab, India. It developed from a folk
dance conducted by Sikhs in Northern India to celebrate the harvest festival
(also called <i>VAISAKHI</i>). During this
time the wheat crop is harvested in the region. It was an expression of joy at
the result of the hard work put in by the people (farmers) tending to their
wheat crop. It has now eventually become a part of diverse events such as
marriages, family functions, parties etc. The dance cuts across all divisions
of caste, class, education etc. It is mainly performed by men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The dance is based on a
wooden drum (<i>dhol</i>) and folk singing.
Many other musical instruments like <i>Sarangi,
Dafli, Tumbi, Chimta,</i> etc may also be used. The singing usually contains
couplets in the Punjabi language (<i>bolis</i>).
Bhangra singers sing in a high, energetic tone. Singing fiercely and with great
pride, they typically add nonsensical, random noises to their singing. Many
phrases like “balle-balle”, “hoi-hoi”, “hadippa” etc are frequently used to
keep up the tempo. The base of lyrics is provided by love, relationship, money,
marriages, etc. Many Bhangra songs are devoted to Punjabi pride themes and
Punjabi heroes. The lyrics are a tribute to the Punjabi culture. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh72Bptq3m-tjVQ7Xs2FTY5oqk3ESIIGyybTfD9jxcMRy8v_xenfv-KORdOGoW9IDjbYttepmoXfdk8YhPFW47FzBWU8r0orjW30peiScGj0ySargsdeUTfFjcBg4g-DbSGrMwuN_vqM/s1600/bhangra-olympics-2012-london1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzh72Bptq3m-tjVQ7Xs2FTY5oqk3ESIIGyybTfD9jxcMRy8v_xenfv-KORdOGoW9IDjbYttepmoXfdk8YhPFW47FzBWU8r0orjW30peiScGj0ySargsdeUTfFjcBg4g-DbSGrMwuN_vqM/s320/bhangra-olympics-2012-london1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The men wear a cloth wrapped
around their waist (<i>laacha</i>) with a
long shirt (<i>kurta</i>). A turban (<i>pagri</i>), to which a fan shaped attachment
(<i>turla</i>) is attached, is a mandatory
part of the dress. A waistcoat (<i>jugi</i>)
may also be worn. The dancers also have small scarves (<i>rumals</i>) attached to their fingers. The entire costume is made up of
bright vivid colours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The dance is performed with
a lot of zest, enthusiasm and energy. It
is a highly adaptable dance that can engage the creativity of a person and take
it to an altogether different level. Several dancers execute various kicks,
leaps, and bends of the body during performance. A number of
accompaniments/props are used during the dance. It abundantly reflects the
vigour, vitality and exuberance of the punjabis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No wonder that the dance is
widely respected and is known as <b>king of
dances...... <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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kuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4089963052398569660.post-89469579564066602062012-12-17T20:06:00.000+05:302012-12-18T22:16:07.611+05:30Guru da Langar<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">GURU
DA LANGAR<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkMLNI8wSaME9xqUyo0gghHcp_mag5U6_xvlUysHg1PzSO6_Zq7GJn-x5eqZoj-5BIV65P1SrPr_D81uinuOBQpOdgTmw5LjsQexeRlqkx5WR0Hh7EEAvnrmkTuPPpn4BWlxn791DQIo/s1600/langar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCkMLNI8wSaME9xqUyo0gghHcp_mag5U6_xvlUysHg1PzSO6_Zq7GJn-x5eqZoj-5BIV65P1SrPr_D81uinuOBQpOdgTmw5LjsQexeRlqkx5WR0Hh7EEAvnrmkTuPPpn4BWlxn791DQIo/s1600/langar.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">LANGAR</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is
the term used for common/community kitchen in the Sikh religion, where food is
served to all for free. It is open to all irrespective of the barriers of social
status, religion, caste, colour, age, gender etc. The concept is more for
developing a community feeling and service to the society and the fact of the
food being free is misunderstood being just incidental. It would be just like
saying that you get free <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prasad</i> in a Gurudwara.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The institution was started
by the first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It was designed to uphold the
principle of equality between all people, a revolutionary concept in the caste
ridden society of 16<sup>th</sup> century India. Guru Nanak Dev Ji designed
this institution where all people (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sangat</i>)
would sit in the same row/line crosslegged (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pangat</i>)
without any social barriers. The tradition also expresses the ethics of
sharing, community and oneness of all humankind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The institution has ensured
the participation of Sikhs in the task of service for mankind. The food is
prepared and served only by volunteers (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sewadaars</i>)
and no caterers are allowed. All washing and cleaning is also done by these
volunteers only. This function of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sewa </i>(service)
results in forging a community feeling as everyone drops their masks of ego and
the feeling of ‘I’ and ‘ME’ is obliterated. This institution bestows upon the
Sikhs a distinct individuality, dignity and unity. It gives them the discipline
of service and a spirit of co-operation, teaches them philanthropy, equality
and brotherhood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The combined efforts of
people help to organise the institution of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">langar</i>
based on the following principals:-</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kirat
Karo</i> <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>- Earn by honest
means through hard work</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Vand
Chakko</i> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>- Sharing with all</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Naam
Japo</i> <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>- Chanting/remembering
the name of God at all times</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">While preparing food for the
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">langar</i> the mouth and nose are to be
covered with a cloth. Due regard is made to purity, hygiene and cleanliness.
The servers should not touch the serving utensils to the plates of those being
served. They should also not touch the hand or plate of those they are serving.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The menu is vegetarian and
normally consists of lentils (maanh di dal), a vegetable (alu gobhi), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">kheer</i>, pickle (achar), salad and
chappatis (parshada). Sometimes rice and curry may also be served. The type of vegetable
is mainly dependent on seasonal availability and all other items mainly remain
the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The principle of langar is
so important that even Emperor Akbar had to sit in the ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pangat</i>’ and eat food with commoners before he could meet Guru Amar
Das Ji. The king who was used to being served in a lavish style was so impressed
by the simplicity and a feeling of community that he offered a big donation to
the institution.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When President Nasser of
Egypt visited the Golden Temple, he was so touched to see people of all
religions serving/partaking <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">langar</i>
that his party left all the money that they were carrying as a contribution to
its running. Such accounts of people having been moved after attending a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">langar</i> are endless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In their prayers the Sikhs seek
a favour from the Almighty “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">LOH LANGAR
TAPDE REHEN</i> - may the hot plates of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">langar</i>
ever remain in service.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The last words of Guru
Gobind Singh were “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">KEEP THE LANGAR EVER
OPEN</i>.” </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">One of his teachings
reads, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deg tegh jag me dou chalai (</i>may
langar (charity) and sword (instrument of securing justice) together prevail in
the world).” The Guru’s maxim “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deg tegh
fateh</i> (May langar and sword be ever triumphant)” is included in the daily <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ardas</i> (prayer) of the Sikhs.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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kuki Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07606095446899231848noreply@blogger.com0