Key information
Date: Saturday 19 April 2025
Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: Free
Source: https://www.london.gov.uk/events/vaisakhi-square-2025
Key information
Date: Saturday 19 April 2025
Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: Free
Source: https://www.london.gov.uk/events/vaisakhi-square-2025
This easy-to-use platform is made for everyone—whether you're a seeker, student, or scholar of Sikhi. It gives you access to the words and meanings in the Guru Granth Sahib like never before.
The dictionary is available in both Panjabi and English, with entries in Gurmukhi and Romanized Panjabi. It also includes grammar details and origins of words from languages like Prakrit, Old Panjabi, Persian, Arabic, Braj, Sindhi, Gujarati, and Sanskrit.A Beacon of Light and Love
November 15th marks the 550th Parkash Purb (birth anniversary) of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of Sikhism.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji was a profound spiritual leader whose teachings continue to inspire millions around the world. His message of love, peace, and equality transcends religious and cultural boundaries.
The Parkash Purb is celebrated with great fervor and devotion by Sikhs worldwide. Key celebrations include:
Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings have had a profound impact on society. His emphasis on social justice, equality, and service to humanity continues to resonate today. His message of peace and love is particularly relevant in our increasingly divided world.
As we commemorate the 550th Parkash Purb, let us reflect on Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings and strive to live a life of compassion, kindness, and service to others.
May the light of Guru Nanak Dev Ji continue to illuminate the world.
The main message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was that there is one God for all, and that all people are equal in the eyes of God. He taught that people should live a life of love, peace, and service to others.
Further information at https://www.instagram.com/simply.navi/reel/DCYMsxgxgKw/
Noor Nanak | Gurpurab Special
Diljit Dosanjh’s Noor Nanak is a Gurpurab Special celebration that weaves the eternal wisdom of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with Diljit's signature soulful sound. This unique blend of tradition and modernity makes it the perfect tribute to the Guru’s message of love, unity, and devotion.
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
Sangat Member Ji,
We are excited to share a remarkable opportunity to support the next major update of SikhiToTheMax, which aims to modernize and elevate this essential resource for Sikhs worldwide.
Your donation today will be matched, doubling your impact! Thanks to Dasvandh Network's match fund, every dollar you contribute will go twice as far, helping us reach our goal faster and with greater efficiency.
Double Your Donation!
Why This Campaign Matters
SikhiToTheMax (STTM) has been an incredible tool, making Gurbani accessible in Gurdwaras and homes alike. To keep up with the fast-paced advancements in technology and meet the needs of our global Sikh community, we are on a mission to improve and expand STTM’s capabilities. The goal for Khalis is to create a more interactive and user-friendly platform for all generations, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or background, can engage deeply with the wisdom of Gurbani.
How Your Support Makes a Difference
Your generous donation will directly contribute to:
Be a Part of This Transformative Journey
With your support, we can make a lasting impact. Every contribution, whether big or small, brings us closer to creating a powerful tool that will serve generations to come. And with Dasvandh Network's match fund in place, your donation will have double the power, doubling your role in this transformation.
Let’s come together to ensure that SikhiToTheMax reaches its fullest potential, helping Sikhs connect with Gurbani more deeply and effortlessly.
With gratitude,
Source:
A Sikh Tradition of Liberation
Bandi Chhor Divas, a significant Sikh festival, commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind Ji from the Gwalior Fort in 1619. The Guru was imprisoned along with 52 Hindu princes who had sought refuge with him. Upon his release, Guru Hargobind Ji devised a unique plan to ensure the safety of all 52 prisoners. He tied 52 long white ropes to his cloak, symbolising the 52 captives, and led them out of the fort. The Mughal Emperor, Jahangir, was taken aback by this act of defiance and allowed the Guru and the princes to leave unharmed.
Celebrations Across the UK
Bandi Chhor Divas is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by Sikh communities across the United Kingdom. Gurdwaras organise a variety of events and activities to mark this special occasion. One of the key highlights is the Nagar Keertan, a colourful procession featuring kirtan (devotional singing), shabads (hymns), and vibrant floats. The procession typically starts from the gurdwara and winds its way through the streets, spreading awareness about Sikh traditions and values.
Another important tradition is the Akhand Path, a continuous reading of the Guru Granth Sahib, the sacred scripture of Sikhism. This is often accompanied by kirtan and ardas (supplications). Gurdwaras are beautifully decorated with lights and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere.
Significance of the Day
Bandi Chhor Divas holds immense significance for Sikhs as it represents the triumph of justice, courage, and human values. The Guru's selfless act of protecting the innocent princes serves as an inspiration to people of all faiths. It is a time for Sikhs to reflect on the importance of freedom, compassion, and standing up for what is right.
Visiting Gurdwaras and Spending Time with Family
Sikhs consider Bandi Chhor Divas an auspicious time to visit gurdwaras and seek blessings. It is also an occasion to strengthen family bonds and connect with the community. Gurdwaras provide langar (free community meals), which is a central part of Sikh culture and fosters a sense of shared humanity.
In Conclusion
Bandi Chhor Divas is a vibrant and meaningful celebration that honours the legacy of Guru Hargobind Ji and the Sikh tradition of courage and compassion. It is a time for Sikhs to come together, rejoice in their faith, and spread the message of unity and equality.
Date in 2024: 1 November.
BBC flyer (pdf)
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh
Arambta of 31st Annual Jap Ji Sahib Smagam at
Ramgarhia Sikh Gurdwara, 10-16 Neville Road, London E7 9QX.
From 7th to 13th Oct 2024. 9 Jap Ji Sahib Paths recited 24 x7.
Grace this devine occasion with your presence for Guru Ji's blessings.
🙏🙏
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh.
This was introduced back by the SGPC of Basanti (xanthic) or surmai (greyish-blue as the colour during Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishan_Sahib
Arguably, some feel the original shape colour was as shown at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishan_Sahib#/media/File:Sikh_flag.jpg
World Sikh Parliament is established to represent the interest of sikh nation, Sikh community, and sikh organisations world wide.
The World Sikh Parliament (WSP) is a US-based Sikh organisation that advocates for the rights and aspirations of the Sikh community worldwide. It has been particularly vocal about its goal of establishing a separate Sikh homeland, Khalistan, in the Punjab region of India.
It's important to note that the WSP is one of several Sikh organisations, and not all Sikhs support its goals. There is a diverse range of opinions within the Sikh community on issues such as Khalistan.
https://worldsikhsparliament.com/
22-07-2024 - New President - Lobbying by Sikhs at all levels - India's license to kill minorities (30:54 in video)
The Woolwich Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan will commence from Gurdwara Sahib Calderwood Street on Sunday 28 April 2024 at 1pm and will finish at Gurdwara Sahib Ramgarhia Sikh Association at 5pm. All family and friends are welcome. Also attached is the route plan should you wish to join along the way.
see attached for information. (click image to view enlarged)
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Woolwich Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan 2024 |
Watch history unfold: The first Sikh Court established at Lincoln's Inn, UK. Discover more in this video on The Punjab Feed. (21 Apr 2024)
The Anand Marriage Act, passed in 1909, is a law in India that recognizes the Sikh marriage ceremony called Anand Karaj. Here's a breakdown of the Act:
Purpose:
Key Points:
Overall, the Anand Marriage Act is a recognition of Sikh marriage traditions and ensures legal rights for couples married through Anand Karaj.
Rajvinder Kaur Gill is the first Sikh woman in the UK to ever hold the office.
She took over from Sophie Hilleary at a ceremony held in the former courthouse at The Old Shire Hall in Warwick.
The office of high sheriff is one of only two royal appointments in the county and has existed since Saxon times. Historically, the sheriff was responsible for raising troops, collecting taxes and catching criminals, all of which powers have over time been taken on by others.
Source: https://leamingtonobserver.co.uk/news/first-sikh-woman-appointed-warwickshires-high-sheriff-49093/
Key information
Date: Saturday 06 April 2024
Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB
Cost: Free
Thousands of Sikhs will soon be gathering for the spectacular annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan celebration in Coventry. It will be taking place on Sunday, April 21.
A parade will be led by colourful floats and people dressed in traditional clothing, leaving from the Gurdwara Guru Nanak Parkash on Harnall Lane West at 10am. Organisers say the route will go down Howard Street, Stoney Stanton Road, Cross Road and Foleshill Road before finishing on Harnall Lane West.
Refreshments will be served along the route and the procession will finish with acrobatics and sword fighting known as Gatka. Attendees have been asked to park at City College on Bath Street and Eden Girls School.
Source: https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventrys-colourful-vaisakhi-parade-date-28888685 (27 March 2024)
Gurdwara Sri Reetha Sahib is located in an area of outstanding beauty at the foothills of the himalayas.
Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji had an encounter here with Nath yogis whom he tried to bring to the path of active humanitarian service along with remembrance of God's name.
The hindu yogis uncharitably refused to provide food for Bhai Mardana who was hungry.
Guru Nanak miraculously made the normally bitter fruit of a Reetha (soapnut) tree sweet for Bhai Mardana so he could eat.
A soapnut tree (not the original one) is still here and Sikhs are given the prashad of sweet soapnuts.
However, the common belief that the nuts of only the one branch, under which the Guru had sat, are sweet is not true. Nor are all the nuts given as prasad from this one tree.
About ten kilometers from the Grudwara, there is a tract of land where such trees are grown and their fruit is collected and brought to replenish the Gurdwara's stock of prasad.
It is called Nanak Bagichi (lit. Nanak's garden).
The Gurdwara, also known as Gurdwara Meetha Reetha Sahib, is located at the confluence of the Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers.
It was constructed in the year 1960 and is situated near the Deyuri village.
Due to its religious background this place is considered as a holy place for Sikhs. Some Reetha trees are still here in the premises of the Gurdwara.
On the day of Vaisakhi Purnima, the holy day of the Sikhs, a fair is held in the premises of Gurdwara.
Source: https://www.discoversikhism.com/sikh_gurdwaras/gurdwara_sri_reetha_sahib.html
Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa,
You can learn read Gurmukhi and speak Punjabi through Muharni. Muharni is an integral part of the practice of Punjabi phonology. If you have not mastered the Gurmukhi script you are strongly advised to learn the names of the Gurmukhi letters before beginning Muharni.
Muharni is the traditional way of learning Punjabi sounds by actually reciting them. It consists of letters of the Gurmukhi script in their natural order, each letter is followed by a vowel phoneme (matra) starting with that letter. This will equip you with every sound of Punjabi language whether consonant or vowel.
As a result, you will create a strong foundation in beginning to read Gurmukhi and speak Punjabi. Ideally, a learner should go through Muharni 100 times to fully remember the correct pronunciations.
Source: https://www.discoversikhism.com/punjabi/muharni.html
From women, men are born;
within women, men are conceived; to a woman he is engaged and married.
A Woman becomes his friend; through women, the future generations come.
When his woman dies, he seeks another woman; to women he is bound.
So why call her bad? From her, kings are born.
From women, women are born; without women, there would be no one at all.
Sri Guru Nanak Sahib Ji, the founder of Sikhism, said the above in about 1499. So for Sikhs (unlike many other religions) women are seen, treated and valued as equals.
The Sikh Women always have been, and always will be, the backbone of the Khalsa Panth. Their selflessness lies second to none in the world. Sikh women are able to earn Godly qualities (due to the extremely important responsibilities placed on them) that their male counterparts may not be able to earn.
Khalsa Kaur's are naturally beautiful both within and without (and do not require cosmetics). Fake physical beauty is only temporary.
Guru Nanak worked for the welfare of all to achieve which he strived for equality amongst all. Towards this aim, freeing the female of the overbearing influence of male was of utmost importance. Reading about the lives of some of the women of the Guru period, one realises the extent to which the Gurus were able to achieve their aim.
Unlike other religions Sikhi clearly states that Sikh women have always been regarded as equals with men and have all the rights and privileges enjoyed by men. Women are considered to have the same soul as men and have an equal right to grow spiritually. Sikh women are allowed to lead religious congregations, to take part in Akhand Path (the continuous recitation of the Holy Scriptures), to perform Kirtan, to work as Granthi (caretaker) or a preacher and to participate freely in all religious, cultural, social, political and secular activities.
Sikh women have played a glorious part in Sikh History and have proven themselves as equal in service, devotion, sacrifice and bravery. Examples of their moral dignity, service and self sacrifice are and will remain a source of inspiration. Women are the backbone of the history of the Sikhs, their culture and tradition yet there is little written about this huge contribution by the Sikh women to the great history of this religion. Men and women are two sides of the same coin - the human race. Men take birth from a women and women are born of me. This system is interrelating and inter-dependent. A man can never feel secure and complete in life without a woman. A man's success depends upon the love and support of the woman who shares her life with him and vice versa.
Key information Date: Saturday 19 April 2025 Time: 12:00pm to 6:00pm Venue: Trafalgar Square, Westminster, London, WC2N 5DN, GB Cost: Fr...