Freed

ਤੇਰਾ ਤੁਝ ਕਉ ਸਉਪਤੇ ਕਿਆ ਲਾਗੈ ਮੇਰਾ thaeraa thujh ko soupathae kiaa laagai maeraa (ang 1375) In Homage to the Beloved Sahibzaade Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh !! In Eternal Respect and Homage to Baba Ajit Singh Ji , Baba Jujhaar Singh Ji , Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji. (A Gilded Panel from The Baba Atal Rai Tower , Amritsar.) These Short films pay homage to the Shaheeds of Saka Chamkaur and Saka Sirhind. This first film is "Dassien Kalgi Waleya Ve" - Sung by Satwinder Bitti - lyrics - Kewal Singh Fauji Click link to see the clip; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...30&hl=en-GB This Film is "Kalgidhar Panth Pyaare Da" - sung by Satwinder Bitti - It has beautiful lyrics by Charan Singh Safri - the line "Bijli payi Lishka mardi eh - Disdi paye Laash Jujhaar di " and the visual of 'Dekh ke Undith' is particularly heart rending. Click link to see the clip; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...54&hl=en-GB This Video is of The Nabhe Vale Bibbiyan and Balwant Singh Premi - "Putran da Daniyan Dhan Kurbanyian" Click link to see the clip; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...22&hl=en-GB "Chaar Mooeh Ton Kia Hooa , Jivat Kai Hazaar " Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib Dhan Guru Gobind Singh Sahib I Bow My Head in Eternal Respect , Honour and Love . GurFateh ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

ਇਕਸੁ ਤੇ ਹੋਇਓ ਅਨੰਤਾ ਨਾਨਕ ਏਕਸੁ ਮਾਹਿ ਸਮਾਏ ਜੀਉ ॥੯॥੨॥੩੬॥ (ਮ:5 ਪੰਨਾ 131, ਸਤਰ 14) ikas tay ho-i-o anantaa naanak aykas maahi samaa-ay jee-o. ||9||2||36|| From oneness, He has brought forth the countless multitudes. O Nanak, they shall merge into the One once again. ||9||2||36|| """dance in his charan""

Dynamic ji - I know you're only messing in your trademark style - which I love - but you've hit on a very interesting point - is 'Bhangra' derived from Bhang? There are loads of theories which claim that bhangra is the dance of Lord Siva - the damru (drum) and the fact Shiv Ji is known as the Natraja - supreme dancer and the Shiv Tandav pose - arms raised and stood on one leg - the 'Classic' Bhangra pose - all this coupled with the use of bhang - the users of bhang being called bhaangrhris or bhangrachis are all given as evidence of Bhang being the root of Bhangra. There is one theory - it could just be modern Indian revisionism - which takes the phonology and etymology route - ( isn't that Javanmard's area of expertise - perhaps he could comment ?) This theory claims the root of Bhangra is 'Bagha' - derived from 'Bagh' - tiger or panther -- as in the 'bagh nakha' weapon . Bagha is a form of dance from West Punjab - where the dancers thump the ground with their feet - imitating the movements of a tiger. In modern Bhangra there is move called the 'bagha' - jumping like a tiger. The theory states that the word 'bagha' got changed from it's original 'Lehnda' dialect into 'Bhangra' by 'Majha' dialect speakers - a process known as 'intrusion' - anyone who knows Pakistani punjabi speakers will know their dialect is slightly different - as is that from Malwa , Doaba and 'Kandi' Punjab - One of the major reasons for the so called 'Bhapa'(from west punjab) vs east Punjabi rivalry can be said to be because of the dialect difference. Anyway to cut a long story short - which theory do you think is most convincing ? - I like the idea of 'Bagha' - because it conjures up images of primeval dancers imitating animals around a fire - but hey thats just me !!!

GurFateh ! Anyone have any information about the history of the Jot at Darbar Sahib ? I'd be really grateful if anyone could post any info Many Thanks!

GurFateh ! Here is a clip from the 1975 Dara Singh religious Film "Sava Lakh Se Ek Laraun" - It shows the singing of Dhadi Vaars - perhaps the first time a Dhadhi Jatha was seen on the Big Screen . The Dhadi Jatha is Bhai Ajit Singh 'Mauji' The Film is quite good (By 1970 Punjabi Film standards) - though those who like to nit-pick will see lots of anachronisms - eg. Modern day Khandas on Dastaars and on the Nishan Sahib etc and the fake beards are a bit distracting ! - But it is quite good and incorporates a number of well known Sikh Sakhis such as 'Sardars Bota Singh and Garja Singh' levying tax and establishing 'Khalsa rule' Enjoy !! Ranjit Singh 'Freed' Click on link to see ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...72&hl=en-GB

Gurfateh ! Here is a fascinating clip from a film, 'Die Sikhs' (The Sikhs) made by Jaroslav Poncar and Wolfgang Kohl in around 1980. I believe it was shown on German TV - I have a very bad third generation copy thats about 21 years old !. This clip shows Vaisakhi at Anandpur in 1980 - You see the Huge Sangatan , Guru Gobind Singh Ji's weapons and lots of Nihangs - the voice-over is a little stilted - and she comes out with some strange ideas - eg. 'some say Nihangs are just farmers that don't want to work ' But other than that its a very good snapshot of the time. ENJOY ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed' Click link to see ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...56&hl=en-GB

Here is a video clip for all the Fans of the 'G Mann' - It shows Gurdas Mann singing 'Ucha Dar Babe Nanak da' at the Siri Guru Singh Sabha, Southall UK at Vaisakhi 1999 - you also see scenes from the Nagar Keertan for the 300th Vaisakhi 1999. Should bring back some Great Memories !! ENJOY ! click on link to see ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...04&hl=en-GB

Here is a post for all those who are still - 'Young free and single' !! http://www.sikhawareness.com/sikhawareness...p?p=77776#77776

I was reading the 'Mintu' thread http://www.sikhawareness.com/sikhawareness...highlight=mintu It got me thinking about when I was a kid - I've got 3 sisters and used to always tease them mercilessly about getting married. A favourite way to tease / wind them up was to put on this video It really is for girls but also works on boys of marriageable age - especially if they happen to be Too Tall, Too fat, have a speech impediment are bald or walk with a limp ! It's old school punjabi bolyian - from the 1975 Dara Singh religious film "Sava Lakh Se Ek Laraun' I think its funny ! - the only sour note is the fact all my sisters are now married and live 1000s of miles away in the US - I'm lucky if I see them once a year - serves me right for teasing them , I guess. If you're reading this I miss you all ! Click on the link to see it ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...40&hl=en-GB

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh !! Siri Amritsar Ji de Darshan Ishnaan I have had a longing all this week - a Longing to have the Darshan of Siri Darbar Sahib I know I'm not alone in this longing so I thought I'd post these Photographs and short movies - for you all to enjoy and have a cyber Darshan of Siri Amritsar. This first film is a clip from the 1960s film 'Nanak Nam Jahaaz Hai' - in it you see Divali at Amritsar - The Deepmala and atishbaazi. I particularly like this clip as towards the end you have a close up on the Jot (Lamp) kept in the Harimandir Sahib. This Jot is often not seen by many,as it is tucked away behind the Bhai doing Degh sewa , on the right hand side as you enter. Here is a picture of the Jot - covered in lace material . The Jot is in the form of a Standard topped with a dome - it has one central 'flame' and then it has a number of brass Lion Heads which form a circle around the base - each have a flame coming out of their mouths. It is sometimes encased in another cage like structure. I can't find any information about this Jot - in terms of age or history - If anyone has any information Please post it. The Jot must be quite old as it is in the famous Carpenter watercolour from 1854 Whenever I see the Jot it always reminds me of Bhai Mansha Singh - When Massa Ranghar occupied the Darbar Sahib around 1743 and stopped Kirtan and sewa, Bhai Sahib would secretly enter Darbar Sahib , swim across the sarovar and light the jot - until he was caught and speared to death in the sarovar, Here is the BodhRaj painting of this sakhi. In the film clip you can see how the Darbar Sahib looked in around 1969 - note that the central chandelier is smaller and of a more 'organic' style - not the huge one you see today.Also note the Chandoa Sahib is richly embroidered by hand not the machine worked one you see today. Here is the Clip , click on the link to see it http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...15&hl=en-GB This next film is from 1986/7 - it was produced by the ISYF (UK) and shows the Amrit Vela Ishnan of Sri Harmandir Sahib - where the floors are washed with milk at around 1am. In this film you can see the Akal Takht still being rebuilt , you can also see the Jot I mentioned above - you also see the priceless wonderfully intricate marble floors of the Harimandir. You also see the 'Sharda' of the very fortunate sewadars who perform this sewa. Click on the Link to see the film; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...73&hl=en-GB This next film is from 1985 - it shows Maharaj Ji's sawari - the arrival of Guru Sahib from Kotha Sahib and the Parkash Sewa and the taking of Hukumnama. This film is special in that you get to see the Maryada for performing Parkash sewa. One point I noted is that when the Bhai Sahib is reading the Hukumnama he holds his 'Hazooria' in front of his mouth - a mark of respect which is rarely seen today. Click on the Link to see the film; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...93&hl=en-GB This clip is from the same film as the above one - it shows the Asa Ki War keertan after the Hukumnama - I believe it is Bhai Hari Singh - He sings the beautiful shabad - a(n)mrith sar sathigur sathivaadhee jith naathai kooaa ha(n)s hohai || The True Guru, the Speaker of Truth, is the pool of Ambrosial Nectar; bathing within it, the crow becomes a swan. (Guru Raam Daas Ji Raag Gujri ang 493 Click on the Link to see the film; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...32&hl=en-GB Hope you enjoy the videos GurFateh, Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Thats classic Dynamic ! - Yes I am married but 'Her indoors' has gone to the in laws for a few days - so I have had a few - like you say - 'itches' of all kinds ! Haven't resorted to any 'extra curricular activities' on the net - involving a certain 'Tommy Tank' - well not yet !!

Prada Turban For the Fashionista who has everything - The Prada Turban HMMMM what do you think ???????? (* From METRO (Cali USA Published September 29, 2006) Is the key to next summer’s fashion all in a hat, or more specifically in the elusive, enticing turban, the No. 1 accessory in Milan’s round of preview showings for the Spring-Summer 2007? “Turbans are easy, quick and powerful,†said Miuccia Prada backstage, after her much applauded collection presented Tuesday evening. Earlier in the week, Giorgio Armani said he used the turban to underline femininity, while Dolce & Gabbana outfitted their club girls with turban shaped headbands. The Prada woman needs power to don her new clothes, which, like her headgear, are enigmatic rather than energetic. It’s not surprising that after her aggressive warrior collection for winter, Prada would opt for a calmer take on summer fashion. But the uniform-like collection with its concentration on the upper body and towering heels with little in-between was puzzling. “There are no complicated thoughts this round,†said the designer famous for her cerebral fashion. “This time it’s just about fashion and making it more important.â€

Morning Assembly - Ah the joys of 'English Medium' schools in India ! Bless their cotton socks !! - I love the 'Early to the Bed' and the '3 Bags FULL' Here's what they are singing; Johny Johny, yes papa, Eating sugar, no papa, Telling lies, no papa, Open mouth, Open mouth, ha ha ha, ha ha ha Twinkle Twinkle litte star, How I wonder what you are, Up Up, above high, Like a diamond in the sky, in the sky Baa Baa black sheep, Have you any wool, Yes sir, Yes sir, Three bags full, One for the master, one for the dame, And one for the little boy, Who lives down the lane Early to (the) bed, Early to (the) rise, Makes little Ramu, Wealthy, Wealthy, Healthy Healthy, And wise, And wise Two little hands go clap clap clap, Two little legs go tap tap tap, One little mouth, (to eat)!!, Ten little fingers, Ten little toes, Two little eyes, are open wide

I woke up this morning with a real craving - a craving for Daal makhni and Lacheydar Parothe from 'The Bhravan Da Dhaba' in Amritsar - Now its Lunch time and the craving is getting worse and all I've got are Cheese Sandwiches and a Club Biscuit !! I've searched the net and found this picture - The closest I'm gonna get to the real thing --- It's given me itchy feet - I need to go to Amritsar !! Apologies if I've given you a rumbly Tummy - or made your own lunch seem like its not hitting the right spot!! I'm not a greedy guts honest -- OK I might be a bit of a Lard Arse - but I aint Greedy ! I dont know how this post warrants being in the Sikh picture Posts - I just had to unburden myself of that particular craving - I feel a little bit better now - must be that Mint Club.

Many Thanks for that Dynamic_Banda ! I know which bells you mean - the new trend is to have them on the red 'Gaaney' you tie on your wrist at the Vatna/Maiya ceremony at weddings Thanks again for the info on the boar Tusks - I recently managed to buy a nice one with a silver loop so you can wear it as a 'Taveet' - I can now tie some bells to it !! Cheers !!

GurFateh !! What are these - and where can I get some ! What are the little bells coming out of the Dumalas of these Singhs ? You see Nihangs - usually those from Harian Velan, with these as well . Are they attached to shasters or are they just 'For Show'? I ask that because I have a Pesh Kabz/Choora with bells like that attached to the hilt - is that what these bells are ? I'd be grateful if anyone could explain what they are , their significance, what they are called and most importantly where I can get some - because I really want some !! Cheers !

I am standing suitably chastised , in the corner , with my hands on my head ! Sorry Sir ! - ( you must of been a 1920s 'Mr Chips' teacher in a former life tSingh - 'I expected better of you' is such teachers line - especially when they've just found out that 'outstanding' essay you wrote was completely plagiarized from a textbook.) Using the words of the 'useless nob' --- "Most people keep their brains Between their legs (Don't you find ?)" Full Lyrics ('Such a Little Thing' - from 'Bona Drag' 1990) Such A Little Thing Makes Such A Big Difference Such a little thing Such a little thing But the difference it made was grave There you go Wielding a bicycle chain Oh, why won't you change ? Change and be nicer ? Such a little thing A gentle tone of kindness Or written words on paper - can you write ? How I love all of The very simple things of life (God's good air) How I love all of The very simple things of life Such a little thing A fumbling politeness The difference saved me Wielding a bicycle chain Why won't you change ? "I WILL NOT CHANGE AND I WILL NOT BE NICE" Most people keep their brains Between their legs (Don't you find ?) Leave me alone - I was only singing Leave me alone because I was only singing Leave me alone - I was only singing Leave me alone You have just proved (again) Most people keep their brains between their legs

As we are all being juvenile - I couldn't resist pointing out the way N30 Bhaaji has written the title of this topic - "Perversion of Langauge" - if any of you are anything like me -you will take great delight in Punjabi 'rude' words especially those that should of remained in the nursery. N30 what exactly is a 'Lan Gauge' - is it as the name suggests an instrument for measuring the 'male member' ? Sorry terrible joke ! - it has at it's root the British Punjabi Schoolboy perennial favourite - guaranteed to make you snigger and Bibis blush or change the subject -- the UK Travel Company 'Lunn Poly' - We used to have bets on who could bring that name up in the most inappropriate setting - as Kids . (In case you're not 'down' with the schoolboy toilet humour - Lunn Poly - roughly translates (at least to a kid) as Limp penis ----- yes I know - How Old am I !!!!! old enough to know better - but come off it, it's still makes me laugh - after all these years !)

GurFateh ! here are a few snippets of info - that maybe of interest. Unfortunately I can't remember where i copied these photos from - but as I remember they didn't give much information about them - other than that they are from a copy of the Hanuman Natak. - The photo of the printed page from a book also didn't give a source - but it does echo akaali' s post (Bahadur Shah gifting Guru Sahib the Hanuman Natak) - as does the entry in Mahaan Kosh (see footnote 2) Sorry about the vagueness and lack of source ! Enjoy the pics Perhaps someone can confirm that the pics are of the Hanuman Natak - or may know the source of the printed page extract - or even someone from SA may of even bought it - I have a feeling the pics may of been copied from eBay ! Please post if you have any info Here are the pictures ; Entry for 'hanuman natak' in Mahan Kosh Mahan Kosh Encyclopedia ਸੰ. हनमन्नाटक ਹਨੁਮੱਨਾਟਕ. ਸੰਸਕ੍ਰਿਤ ਦਾ ਇੱਕ ਕਾਵ੍ਯ, ਜੋ ਰਾਮਚੰਦ੍ਰ ਜੀ ਦਾ ਇਤਿਹਾਸ ਅਖਾੜੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਖੇਡਕੇ ਦਿਖਾਉਣ ਯੋਗ ਹੈ. ਇਹ ਵਿਦ੍ਵਾਨ ਹਨੁਮਾਨ ਦੀ ਰਚਨਾ ਹੈ. ਕਈ ਕਵੀਆਂ ਨੇ ਲਿਖਿਆ ਹੈ ਕਿ ਵਾਲਮੀਕਿ ਦੇ ਕਹਿਣ ਤੇ ਹਨੁਮਾਨ ਨੇ ਆਪਣਾ ਨਾਟਕ ਸਮੁੰਦਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਸੁੱਟ ਦਿੱਤਾ ਸੀ ਤਾਂਕਿ ਵਾਲਮੀਕ ਰਾਮਾਇਣ ਦੀ ਮਹਿਮਾ ਨਾ ਘਟੇ. ਰਾਜੇ ਭੋਜ ਦੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਮੋਤੀ ਕੱਢਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਡਬੋਲੀਏ ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਸਿਲਾ ਹੱਥ ਲੱਗੀ, ਜਿਸ ਦੇ ਪੇਸ਼ ਹੋਣ ਪੁਰ ਰਾਜੇ ਨੇ ਓਥੋਂ ਪੱਥਰਾਂ ਪੁਰ ਉੱਕਰਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਨਾਟਕ ਕਢਵਾਇਆ ਜੋ ਪ੍ਰਸੰਗ ਨਹੀਂ ਮਿਲੇ ਉਹ ਦਾਮੋਦਰ ਮਿਸ੍ਰ ਨੇ ਬਣਾਕੇ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਪੂਰਣ ਕੀਤਾ. ਇਸ ਦਾ ਹਿੰਦੀ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ ਭੱਲਾ ਕੁਲ ਦੇ ਰਤਨ ਕਵਿ ਹ੍ਰਿਦਯਰਾਮ ਨੇ ਬਾਦਸ਼ਾਹ ਜਹਾਂਗੀਰ ਦੇ ਸਮੇਂ ਕੀਤਾ ਹੈ. ਯਥਾ- ਸੰਮਤ ਬਿਕ੍ਰਮ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਸਹਸ ਖਟ ਸ਼ਤ ਅਸੀਹ¹ ਵਰ, ਚੈਤ੍ਰ ਚਾਂਦਨੀ ਦੂਜ ਛਤ੍ਰ ਜਹਁਗੀਰ ਸੁਭਟ ਪਰ, ਸ਼ੁਭ ਲੱਛਨ ਦੱਛਨ ਸੁਦੇਸ਼ ਕਵਿ ਰਾਮ ਵਿਚੱਛਨ, ਕ੍ਰਿਸ੍ਨਦਾਸ ਤਨੁ ਕੁਲ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਸ ਯਸ਼ ਦੀਪਕ ਰੱਛਨ, ਰਘੁਪਤਿ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਤਿਨ ਯਥਾਮਤਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਟ ਕਰ੍ਯੋ ਸ਼ੁਭ ਲਗਨ ਗਣ, ਦੇ ਭਕ੍ਤਿ ਦਾਨ ਨਿਰਭਯ ਕਰੋ, ਜਯ ਰਘੁਪਤਿ ਰਘੁਵੰਸ਼ ਮਣਿ. ਇਸ ਗ੍ਰੰਥ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਈ ਕਬਿੱਤ ਕਾਸ਼ੀ ਰਾਮ ਕਵੀ ਦੇ ਭੀ ਹਨ.² ¹ਸਾਲ ਵਿਕ੍ਰਮੀ ੧੬੮੦. ²ਬਹੁਤ ਕਵੀ ਆਖਦੇ ਹਨ ਕਿ ਬਹਾਦੁਰਸ਼ਾਹ ਨੇ ਹ੍ਰਿਦਯਰਾਮ ਦੀ ਲਿਖੀ ਅਸਲ ਕਾਪੀ ਸ਼੍ਰੀ ਗੁਰੂ ਗੋਬਿੰਦ ਸਿੰਘ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਦੀ ਭੇਟਾ ਕੀਤੀ ਸੀ ਅਤੇ ਗੁਰੂ ਸਾਹਿਬ ਨੇ ਪੁਰਸ਼ੁਰਾਮ ਦੇ ਸੰਬਾਦ ਦੇ ਕੁਝ ਛੰਦ ਕਵਿ ਕਾਂਸ਼ੀਰਾਮ ਤੋਂ ਲਿਖਵਾਕੇ ਦਰਜ ਕਰਵਾਏ. Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Singh doing wheelie on motorcycle click to view : Hey Kids - Like they say on the TV - "don't try this at home" - Well at least not without a more substantial dastar or a helmet !! "Mitran da Fit-Fitia Nubey Mile di speed utey janda"

Gurfateh I am posting this clip because you get a short glimpse of the original Kotha Sahib , Akal Takht. It was filmed in 1984 just after the Army Attack on Darbar Sahib (- the video also has Gandhi trying to 'justify' her actions - and you also see the repairing of the Akal Takht in the so- called 'Sarkari Sewa') Click to view http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...30&hl=en-GB

Gurfateh! Dear Fateh Singh, With respect I don't understand fully the point you are making. Perhaps you have taken umbrage with my use of the word 'standardized' (apologies for the spelling mistake !) - maybe the word 'revived' would have been better - that is why I put it in quotation marks. I sense it may be due to the fact there is debate as to who brought about this 'revival' -- Jakobsh (2003) says that both Nirankaris and Naamdhaaris claim the credit. (taken from Relocating Gender in Sikh History - Doris R Jacobsh - Oxford - 2003 - pg 112) Webster (John C B Webster, 'The Nirankari Sikhs, Macmillan 1979) states that Nirankaris assert that Darbara Singh performed the first modern era Anand Marriage in 1855 - which they claim was later 'copied' by the Singh Sabha Movement and the subsequent Anand marriage act 1909. Jakobsh says Baba Ram Singh launched his Marriage reforms in June 1863. Both the Nirankaris and Naamdharis faced fierce opposition from Brahmin priests and the authorities - here is an extract from the Encycl. of Sikhism - the entry for the Anand Marriage act - it can be seen that it was opposed by Brahmin priests. Sikh reformist movements >> ANAND MARRIAGE ACT ANAND MARRIAGE ACT ANAND MARRIAGE ACT was passed in 1909 by the Imperial (i.e. GovernorGeneral's) Legislative Council to establish legal "validity of the marriage ceremony common among the Sikhs called Anand." The origins of marriage by Anand ceremony go back to early Sikhism. The practice which somewhat lapsed during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was sought to be revived as part of the religious reform initiated by the Nirankari movement and followed up especially by the Singh Sabha. Anand marriages were readily reported in the Sikh Press towards the close of the 19th century. For instance, the Khalsa Akhbar in its issue of 6 November 1886 reported the marriage of Bhai Dalip Singh, son of Bhai Ran Smgh of village Kondi in the princely state of Patiala by Anand ceremony. The same newspaper announced on 11 December 1886 Anand nuptials of Gian Singh, son of SubahdarMajor Baghel Singh, which took place at the village of Jaipura. Again on 18 February 1888, the Khalsa Akhbar reported the marriage of the daughter of Bhai Sant Singh, president, Singh Sabha, Lahore, performed in accordance with the Sikh ritual on 14 February 1888. At Sialkot, an early Anand marriage of modern times took place on 4 June 1903 (Kha/saAJchbar.lOJuly 1903). Bhai Mohan Singh Vaid in his Diary recorded that he attended Anand Karaj performed at the village ofKairon on 7 June 1899. Presumably that was when Bhai Nihal Singh Kairon's daughter, sister of Partap Singh Kairon, mighty latterday political leader of the Punjab, was married. Early references to Anand marriages occur in old Sikh texts such as Rahitnama Bhai Daya Singh and Giani Gian Singh, Panth Prakash. The Anand ceremony was looked upon askance by Brahmanical priests who administered the rites in the old Hindu fashion. They started caluminating the Sikh form. Sikhs wished to have their social laws accepted and codified and a beginning was made with their marriage rites. The Anand Marriage Bill was introduced in the Imperial Legislative Council in 1908 by Tikka Ripudaman Singh of the princely state of Nabha. The House of Nabha had always espoused simplification of wedding ceremonies and, as reported in Khalsa Dharam Pracharak, 13 July 1895, there was an order in force in Nabha state laying down that no marriage party should exceed 11 guests. The Anand Marriage Bill had been drafted by a committee of the Chief Khalsa Diwan. The Imperial Council referred the bill to a select committee. The bill received overwhelming support from the Sikh respondents. In 1909 Sundar Singh Majithia replaced Tikka Ripudaman Singh of Nabha state as a member of the Imperial Council. Moving the bill at a meeting of the Imperial Legislative Council held at the Viceregal Lodge, Shimla, on Friday, 10 September 1909, Sundar Singh Majithia commended the effort of Tikka Ripudaman Singh who had "laboured unremittingly" in behalf of the "useful measure." Elaborating, Sundar Singh said the ceremony called Anand was initiated by the third Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Amar Das (14791574), and his successor Guru Ram Das (15341581) was the author of the four hymns of Lavan which are included in the Guru Granth Sahib (Raga Suhi, pp. 773 74) and which are recited to solemnize the Anand ceremony. Sardar Sundar Singh presented the report of the select committee. The bill was placed on the Statute Book on 22 October 1909. The text of the Act reads: 5.The Anand Marriage Act 1909, Act No. VII of 1909. An Act to remove doubts as to the validity of the marriage ceremony among the Sikhs called 'Anand'. 1. Short title and extent : The Act may be called the Anand Marriage Act 1909. 2. Validity of Anand All marriages which Marriages : may be or may have been duly solemnized according to the Sikh marriage ceremony called 'Anand' shall be and shall be deemed to have been with effect from the date of solemnization to each respectively, good and valid in law. 3. Exemption of certain marriages from Act : Nothing in this Act shall apply to (a) any marriage between persons not professing the Sikh religion or ( any marriage which has been judicially declared to be null and void. 4. Saving of marriage solemnized according to other ceremony : Nothing in this Act shall affect the validity of any marriage duly solemnized according to any other marriage ceremony customary among the Sikhs. 5. Nonvalidation of marriages : Nothing in this Act shall be deemed to validate any marriage between persons who are related to each other in any degree of consanguinity, or affinity which would, according to the customary law of Sikhs, render a marriage between them illegal. References 1. Talwar, K.S., The Anand Marriage Act," in The Panjab Past and Present. Patiala, October 1968 2. Bajwa, Fauja Singh, Kuka Movement. Delhi, 1965 3. Sodhi, Teja Singh, Anand Pra&as. Amritsar, 1967 (Taken from - The Encyclopaedia of Sikhism - Ed Harbans Singh - PUP - 2002 - vol 1 pg 126) The received view is that marriages have always been conducted in the way they are today and it was during the rule of Ranjit Singh that "Hindu Ways" crept in and the use of Fires and Brahmins took over - hence the need for 'Revival'. If we look at the Prem Sumarg Granth - (posted above - earlier) a Bhagauti and fire are central to the ceremony and no Anand Sahib is recited - However , The Lavan from Guru Sahib's Bani Raag Suhi are recited. If we look at Daya Singh's rehatnama he states that marriage must not be performed without Anand (top line) ; (taken from Rehatnamey - Piara Singh Padam - Singh Bros - 2000 pg 74) So it seems that a distinct 'marriage ceremony' has always existed - with Banis from Guru Sahib , the Nineteenth century saw a revival of this - The Nirankaris with Lavan around Guru Sahib , The Namdharis with Lavan around a fire - but the debate about who started the revival and whether it is 'authentic' is still to be resolved. That is my 'Non Gyani' take on things - excuse my mistakes ! Dear Fateh Singh - I assume you are a NamDharee Brother - is that right ? the reason I am asking is that some of my Great Grandmother's family (Distant cousins) were Namdharees - though they are no longer observant - just 'regular Jatts' As you may know there is an intense 'friendly' rivalry between the 'Naankay' (wife's family) and the Daadkey (husband's family) in punjabi culture. In my family this used to take the form of a friendly playful taunting of the Naamdhari 'Naankey'. Whenever there was a wedding and the women sang 'Boliyaan' or 'Sittaneeyan' ( an exchange of friendly insults ) - the Daadkey would always say "Kukay bare Kasutey - garvi nahin dindey nahaun nu - sahaun nu nahin dindey Manja" --- a playful reference to the cold water ishnan and very strict rehat of Kuka Sikhs. My Father tells me that one of my Grandfather's friends was very strict in his rehat ( as is my Grandfather) - He and my grandfather would go to Bhaini Sahib together. - He would cook his own food , have special arrangements for going to the toilet etc.. When his son came to England with my Dad in 1960 - he maintained Full rehat - including cold Ishnaan - in fact he wrote a letter to Bhaini Sahib saying it is very cold in England ( very few houses had Central heating in those days) and he got a letter back saying he was excused cold ishnan as it was so cold in the UK ! We have lost contact with most of these Naamdharee cousins now and those in India , though still called 'Kukay' - are not observant - just regular Jatts. I would like to read up on Naamdharee History and Rehat - I would be grateful if you could recommend any books Many Thanks Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

This section of SA is looking a bit neglected - So I'm posting this - What a Total Nutter ! (Small Warning - once you hear that tune - you won't be able to get it out of your head !!) All together now --- OOh mera nika jeha spider nee !!

Gurfateh ! Prompted by the ongoing saga that is the 'Sikhs 2 Islam' thread I thought I'd post this. I am not one for major debates like that - My heart sinks every time I read that thread - to my mind those type of threads always descend into - and please pardon my crass analogy - a playground "Who can piss the highest" competition. My post - as regular readers will already know and expect - takes the form of pictures and films - in the hope they will inspire ( hope that isn't too preachy) - they all have a deep important Message - one which we call for in our ardas twice a day. The First film is Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's rendition of Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Bani - Koi Bole Ram Ram - filmed at the Ramgarhia Gurdwara, Slough UK in 1989. This clip is amazing even the most dark hearted cynic will be reduced to tears. Always makes me blub ! Click to see clip http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...41&hl=en-GB STTM translation of the Shabad Raag Raamkalee on Ang 885 raamakalee mehalaa 5 || koee bolai raam raam koee khudhaae || koee saevai guseeaa koee alaahi ||1|| kaaran karan kareem || kirapaa dhhaar reheem ||1|| rehaao || koee naavai theerathh koee haj jaae || koee karai poojaa koee sir nivaae ||2|| koee parrai baedh koee kathaeb || koee oudtai neel koee supaedh ||3|| koee kehai thurak koee kehai hi(n)dhoo || koee baashhai bhisath koee suragi(n)dhoo ||4|| kahu naanak jin hukam pashhaathaa || prabh saahib kaa thin bhaedh jaathaa ||5||9|| Raamkalee, Fifth Mehla: Some call Him, 'Raam, Raam', and some call Him, 'Khudaa-i'. Some serve Him as 'Gusain', others as 'Allaah'. ||1|| He is the Cause of causes, the Generous Lord. He showers His Grace and Mercy upon us. ||1||Pause|| Some bathe at sacred shrines of pilgrimage, and some make the pilgrimage to Mecca.| Some perform devotional worship services, and some bow their heads in prayer. ||2|| Some read the Vedas, and some the Koran. Some wear blue robes, and some wear white. ||3|| Some call themselves Muslim, and some call themselves Hindu. Some yearn for paradise, and others long for heaven. ||4|| Says Nanak, one who realizes the Hukam of God's Will, knows the secrets of his Lord and Master. ||5||9|| The second film is from Eid Celebrations in Birmingham UK 1989 (shown on BBC2) - It also is of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - here he is singing my favourite - Mastt Nazron ----- The last line is one to listen out for -- a message for all those of all faiths who like to pontificate or 'posture' religiously - the Punjabi word being 'Dikhava' or show; "Bus hamey Sheikh ji aap jaisey Allah valon se Allah Bachaye" the translation reads - "Oh preacher ! you lust for the maidens of Paradise - Showing off with your bowing and scraping - Oh Sheikh from you and your kind Dear God please save us " Click on link to see clip ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...85&hl=en-GB The third film is of the Late Jagmohan Kaur singing Baba Bulleh Shah -- wise words ! (shown BBC2 1989) Click on link to see clip ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...89&hl=en-GB Hope you enjoy the films - please forgive me if I have said anything or posted anything that offends you Bhul Chuk Maaf NANAK NAM CHARDI KALA TERE BHANE SARBAT DA BHALA SARBAT DA BHALA ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'