Sikh Tourism offers tours of Golden Temple, Hazur Sahib, Hemkund Sahib, Sikh Gurudwaras and Punjab

Punjab Cuisine and Cooking Tour

2011-10-15T23:30:00.000+05:30

Punjabi Cooking Tour

Punjabi Cooking Tour - 1 Night/2 Days :

Option : Tour can be arranged from Delhi also (Delhi-Amritsar Train Tour) :

Amritsar Food Tour : 2 Nights/3 Days :

Day 1. Pickup from Amritsar Railway station and transfer to hotel, Later visit Golden Temple Amritsar, Dinner & night at hotel
Day 2. Breakfast, Attend Punjabi Cooking class and learn how to cook Punjabi Dishes. Lunch and Tea at the class only, Dinner & night at hotel.
Day 3. Breakfast, Full day tour of a Punjab Village experiencing the real & actual life of a traditional Punjab village and Punjabi Food. Evening drop at Railway station Amritsar.

For more details, visit us at :

Punjabi Cooking Tour Page

Delhi Hazur Sahib Flight Tour Packages

2011-03-21T13:30:00.005+05:30

Delhi - Hazur Sahib by Flight
( Departure from Delhi every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday only)

Day 1 : Early morning Flight for Hazur Sahib from New Delhi. Reach Hazur Sahib. Pickup from Airport and drop at Hotel. Afternoon visit Gurudwara Hazur Sahib and attend evening Aarti. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 : Breakfast, Day tour of Gurudwara Nanak Jheera, Bidar and Gurudwaras enroute, evening back at Nanded. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : Breakfast, Day tour of all local historical Gurudwaras around Nanded - Gurudwara Banda Ghat Sahib, Gurudwara Shikar Ghat Sahib, Gurudwara Nagina Ghat Sahib, Gurudwara Sangat Sahib, Gurudwara Mal Tekdi Sahib, Gurudwara Hira Ghat Sahib and Mata Sahib Devaan Ji. Evening drop at Hazur Sahib Airport for Flight for Delhi. Reach Delhi late evening.

Package Cost Per Person : From Rs 11000 to 16500 inclusive of Air Tickets, Hotel Accommodation and all Gurudwara tours by Car.
(Cost depends on Air Fares which are not fixed and change as per date of travel)

For more details, visit our website at http://www.sikhtourism.com/hazur-sahib.htm

Punjab Farm House/ Village Tours

2010-10-06T23:26:00.002+05:30

Punjab Farmhouse Tour

Punjab Farmhouse combines the comforts of staying in a modern furnished accommodation with the hospitality of a Punjabi family within the traditions, culture and environment. You can stay in the Punjabi Farmhouse and experience the real Punjabi life, food, customs and rituals.

You can also experience the Farmhouse or traditional rural life of Punjab along with its agricultural and rural aspects.

For more details, click http://www.sikhtourism.com/punjab-farmhouse-tour.htm

Delhi - Hemkund Sahib Helicopter Tour Packages

2010-05-20T14:06:00.005+05:30

Delhi - Hemkund Sahib Tour by Helicopter (www.sikhtourism.com)

Hemkund Sahib Helicopter Tours are available only in the summer, between June and September every year.

HEMKUND SAHIB HELICOPTER SERVICE

Helicopter service from Gaucher to Ghangaria/Govind Dham :
- Gaucher to Govind Dham & Return : Rs 15000 Per person

Day 1 : Morning Helicopter ride from Gauchar to Govind Dham, Arrival at Govind Dham and drop at Govind Dham.
Day 2 : Morning pickup from Govind Dham and Helicopter ride to Gauchar, drop at Gauchar.

Cost Includes :
- Helicopter Ride from Gaucher to Govind Dham & Govind Dham to Gaucher only
- All applicable taxes.

Price does not Include :
- Any Hotel Accommodation or meals.
- Any Car Service
- Any Pony ride to or from Hemkund Sahib.
- Tips, Beverages, Laundry, Telephone Calls, etc.
- Medical and Insurance.

Terms & Conditions :
- Arrival at Gauchar and Departure from Gauchar on your own.
- Booking on First come First Serve basis after 100% payment deposit.
- Helicopter schedule depends on Weather conditions.
- Helicopter service is up to Ghangaria / Govind Dham only and same way, pickup
for return journey is from same place.
- Cancellation can be done prior to 72 Hours.

DELHI - HEMKUND SAHIB - DELHI HELICOPTER TOUR (2 Nights / 3 Days)

Day 1 : Drive from Delhi for Rudraprayag, reach Rudraprayag in the evening, night at Rudraprayag Hotel
Day 2 : Breakfast, Morning drop at Gauchar Helipad, Helicopter ride from Gauchar to Govind Dham, Arrive & drop at Govind Dham, Trek to Hemkund Sahib, night at Govind Dham on your own.
Day 3 : Pickup from Govind Dham and Helicopter ride from Govind Dham to Gauchar, Pickup from Gauchar Helipad and drive for Delhi. Reach Delhi in the evening.

Cost Per Person :
For 2 Persons : Rs 23750 Per Person.
For 4 Persons : Rs 21800 Per Person.
For 6 Persons : Rs 20800 Per Person.

Cost Includes :
- AC Car from Delhi to Gauchar and back.
- Helicopter cost from Gaucher to Govind Dham & Govind Dham to Gaucher only
- Budget Hotel Accommodation for 1 Night at Rudraprayag (with Breakfast) on
Double sharing basis.
- All applicable taxes.

Price does not Include :
- Hotel Accommodation at Govind Dham.
- Pony ride from Govind Dham to Hemkund Sahib & Back.
- Any meals except Breakfast at Rudraprayag.
- Tips, Beverages, Laundry, Telephone Calls, etc.
- Medical and Insurance.

Terms & Conditions :
- Booking on First come First Serve basis after 100% payment deposit.
- Helicopter schedule depends on Weather conditions.
- Helicopter service is up to Ghangaria / Govind Dham only and same way, pickup for return journey is from same place next day.
- Cancellation can be done prior to 72 Hours.

Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib 2010 opening ceremony

2010-05-14T15:14:00.003+05:30

Please be informed that Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib will be officially opened on June 1 and closing ceremony will be on Oct 4, 2010. This has been announced by the Gurudwara Committee.

Direct Flight from Delhi to Hazur Sahib

2010-03-18T11:18:00.002+05:30

Goair is starting Direct Flight from Delhi to Hazur Sahib from April 6, 2010. The flight will operate every Tuesday and Thursday. Return flights will be also on the same day.

For more information and Delhi Hazur Sahib Tour packages, visit at Sikhtourism website.

Delhi Airport to Punjab Car Rental

2010-02-14T22:41:00.000+05:30

Sikh Tourism organises car rentals and coach rentals from Delhi Airport to various cities of Punjab. We provide quality vehicles of all types and models to the Non Resident Indian (NRI), Pilgrims, families, groups, business and leisure travelers who are visiting Punjab.

We provide Delhi Airport to Punjab Drop and Pickup services. Our Delhi Airport transfer Cars are equipped with the latest safety features, well maintained, qualified and experienced drivers and are connected through the mobile phones on their journey with the office.

Delhi Airport to Punjab Transfer Services
Delhi Airport to Amritsar City
Delhi Airport to Moga
Delhi Airport to Chandigarh
Delhi Airport to Mansa
Delhi Airport to Patiala
Delhi Airport to Muktsar
Delhi Airport to Jalandhar
Delhi Airport to Nawashahr
Delhi Airport to Ludhiana
Delhi Airport to Rupnagar
Delhi Airport to Faridkot
Delhi Airport to Anandpur Sahib
Delhi Airport to Fatehgarh Sahib
Delhi Airport to S A A Nagar
Delhi Airport to Gurdaspur
Delhi Airport to Sangrur
Delhi Airport to Hoshiarpur
Delhi Airport to Barnala
Delhi Airport to Kapurthala
Delhi Airport to Khanna
Delhi Airport to Nabha
Delhi Airport to Talwandi Sabo
Delhi Airport to Nangal
Delhi Airport to Mandi Gobindgarh
Delhi Airport to Mohali
Delhi Airport to Sirhind
Delhi Airport to Ropar
Delhi Airport to Jagraon
Delhi Airport to Batala
Delhi Airport to Pathankot

For Car Rental Services from Delhi Airport to any other place of Punjab ,Please write to usand we will provide our professional services.

For more details, check our website at
http://www.sikhtourism.com/delhi-airport-punjab-transfer.htm

Sikh Tourism Punjabi online shopping

2010-02-14T22:40:00.001+05:30

Sikh Tourism offers Punjabi online shopping offering Sikh, Punjabi and indian gifts and products with printed religious symbols and own designs.

http://www.sikhtourism.com/shopping/

Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib is Opened for Darshans

2009-06-02T18:05:00.004+05:30

The doors of Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib have been opened on June 1, 2009.

Sangat can visit the gurudwara everyday till Oct 5, 2009.

For any details of Hemkund Sahib Yatra from Delhi & Amritsar, visit us at www.sikhtourism.com/hemkund.htm

Delhi Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2009

2009-03-29T12:47:00.002+05:30

Hemkund Sahib Yatra is again starting in June 2009 and Sikhtourism has made special Delhi Hemkund Sahib Tour Packages for Pilgrimages.

Sri Hemkund Sahib Tours are available only in the summer, between June and October.

Details of the Tour are :
DELHI - HEMKUND SAHIB - DELHI (6 Nights - 7 Days)
Day 1. Delhi - Rishikesh (Drive 240 km)
Day 2. Rishikesh - Joshimath (Drive 257 km)
Day 3. Joshimath - Govind Ghat - Govind Dham(ghangharia) (Drive 21km, Trek 13km )
Day 4. Govind Dham - Hemkund Sahib - Govind Dham (Ghangharia Trek (12 km)
Day 5. Govind Dham - Govind Ghat - Joshimath (Trek 13 km, Drive 21 km)
Day 6. Joshimath - Rishikesh (Drive 257 km)
Day 7. Rishikesh - Delhi (Drive 240 km)

For more details and Prices, visit at Hemkund Sahib Yara

Vote for Golden Temple in Seven Wonders of India

2009-03-24T16:38:00.004+05:30

NDTV has started a survey to select 7 Wonders of India and Golden Temple Amritsar is a part of the same survey.

Please vote for Golden Temple to let it be on the top of list as the best place in India.

Click to vote for Golden Temple Amritsar.

Chandigarh Rock Garden will sell sculptures

2009-03-23T13:24:00.003+05:30

The Chandigarh administration has approved the beautification and development plan for the Rock Garden. Proposed by its founder creator Nek Chand, the structural re designing is meant to improve the aesthetic view of the entire garden. Low height sculptures will also be sold at the Rock Garden for tourists.

UT Home-cum-Tourism Secretary, Mr. Ram Niwas today chaired a meeting regarding the beautification and development of Rock Garden in which various proposals put forward by Sh. Nek Chand for adding more artistic value to the garden were discussed .The Structural Re -designing would be undertaken in order to improve the aesthetic view of the entire garden .Similarly some low height sculptures will be planned apart from establishment within the premises of Rock Garden which would facilitate the tourists to take back memories of Chandigarh.

Sikhs make Guinness size statement with Blood

2009-03-20T22:44:00.003+05:30

More than three hundred years after the tenth Sikh Master, Guru Gobind Singh ji, founded the Khalsa amid the hilly terrains of Sri Anandpur Sahib, this holy town once again gift wrapped another great gift to the humanity from the Sikh community -- the world's largest ever blood donation camp.

As long serpentine queues of hundreds of donors on Hola Mohalla, March 11 2009, continued till late Tuesday night, each over enthusiastic to stress Sikhism's message of universal brotherhood and welfare of all (Sarbat Da Bhala), blood unit count crossed the figure of 20,000 and could well have touched 25,000, shattering the earlier Guinness Book record of 13,000 plus units collected in a single day.

Backed by Sri Akal Takht Sahib and other Sikh temporal seats, and enjoying patronage of more than a hundred Sikh organisations, the blood donation drive broke all barriers of age, gender, caste and economic status as young and old, poor and rich, men and women awaited patiently their turn to make a statement with blood at a time when much of it is being shed across the world in the name of religion.

At a time when rest of India was busy playing Holi with colors or cow dung, the Sikh community was making a statement with this drive. 25,000 units of blood in flat 24 hours was the target, and the organizers, led from the front by Akal Purakh Ki Fauj outfit, had made sure that all mandatory requirements of the administrators of Guinness Records are fulfilled and cameras keep a record of all donors, quality checks are stringent, medical care at its best and safe blood keeping practices are followed.

The sheer scale of logistics was mind boggling as the camp spilled over on to two lakh square feet of makeshift tents, 700 beds divided in 14 blocks of 50 beds each, and averaging 2,500 donations in one hour. All this effort was possible, thanks to an army of 8,000 volunteers, 3000 paramedical staff and 100 doctors deployed for the camp. Army personnel from Jalandhar and Chandi Mandir were among the teams collecting units.

The Holla Mohalla festival attracts lakhs of pilgrims from all over Punjab and the rest of the country and is the festival of truth, courage, bravery and service. The milling crowds of Sikhs who came to know of the camp added largely to the success of the effort, monitored for Guinness record purposes.

Sikh enthusiasts had come from, thanks to the massive mobilization campaign to ply blood donors, as far as Maharashtra, UP, Uttarkhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana.

London gurdwara gutted in racist attack

2009-03-19T23:24:00.003+05:30

One of London's most important gurdwara, housing priceless religious books, has been gutted in a suspected racist attack in Britain, a news report said on Tuesday. Eye-witnesses on Tuesday said that a man, who entered the Gurdwara Sikh Sangat in East London, managed to escape just before flames were first seen. A group of women, who had spotted the intruder, tried to put out the raging flames in one of the holiest parts of the gurdwara, which was built at Bow in 1979.

Most of the gurdwara's roof collapsed and worshipers fear all but one of its eight holy books have been destroyed, the ‘Evening Standard’ newspaper said on Tuesday. Eye-witnesses described the suspected arsonist as being black or mixed-race. A worshiper said he had noticed racist graffiti on one of the gurdwara's outer walls in the past few weeks.

A criminal investigation has been launched and police and fire investigators are treating the blaze as suspicious. The building, which dates back to 1854 was formerly a synagogue and before that a chapel. The London Fire Brigade confirmed that 75 per cent of the building and the roof had been damaged by the fire.

"Police are treating this incident as suspicious," a Metropolitan police spokesman was quoted as saying by the British daily.

More than 50 firefighters battled the flame for almost eight hours after being called just after 2 p.m. yesterday, the report said.

Protecting Golden Temple from pollution

2009-03-13T11:46:00.003+05:30

Punjab government is contemplating a ban on use of fuel other than LPG by goldsmiths, hotels and restaurants in the walled Amritsar city to reduce pollution affecting the Golden Temple.

The data collected by Central Pollution Control Board reveals that every goldsmith and restaurant/hotel owner uses 15 kg to 25 kg coal or up to 50 litres of diesel/kerosene a day, depending upon the workload and availability of electricity. CPCB had found high levels of harmful nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide in the ambient air. Experts had also cautioned that fireworks release these gases which could react with marble leading to corrosion and blackening. Miniature paintings and gold plating were also under threat from harmful gases, experts added.

Board has recommended to the Punjab government to ban burning of fuel other than LPG in the walled city to save the Golden Temple.

A team had visited the Golden Temple complex last year to free its surroundings free from pollutants on the pattern of the Taj Mahal. It had also favoured restriction on vehicles in 500-m- radius of Harmandar Sahib and suggested to use low-intensity crackers and fireworks during Gurpurbs or Bandi Chhor Diwas (Diwali).

However, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation’s decision to make surrounding the shrine a vehicle-free zone by introducing battery-operated buses to ferry pilgrims is still in the pipeline.

Hola Mahalla at Anandpur Sahib

2009-03-11T23:20:00.003+05:30

Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March. This, by a tradition estabished by Guru Gobind Singh, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day; Hola is the masculine form of the feminine sounding Holi. The word "Mohalla" is a Punjabi word that implies an organized procession in the form of an army column. But unlike Holi, when people playfully sprinkle color, dry or mixed in water, on each other, the Guru made Hola Mohalla an occasion for the Sikhs to demonstrate their martial skills in simulated battles.

Together the words "Hola Mohalla" stands for "mock fight". During this festival, processions are organised in the form of army type columns accompanied by war-drums and standard-bearers and proceeding to a given spot or moving in state from one gurdwara to another. The custom originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh who held the first such mock fight event at Anandpur in February 1701.

The foothills of the Shivaliks in Ropar district of Punjab's north-eastern region, especially around the historic townships of Anandpur Sahib and Kiratpur Sahib, have, since 1701 been playing host to Hola Mohalla. Recently, the Indian government accorded it the status of a national festival. The military exercise, which was personally supervised by the guru, was carried out on the bed of the River Charan Ganga with the famous Hindu temple of Mata Naina Devi in the Shivaliks as the backdrop.

This annual festival held at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab and now replicated at other Gurdwaras worldwide was started by the tenth Sikh Guru, as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the festival of Holi at Anandpur Sahib. It reminds the people of valour and defence preparedness, concepts dear to the Tenth Guru who was at that time battling the Mughal empire and the hill kings. On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan, music and poetry competitions. The participants perform daring feats, such as Gatka (mock encounters with real weapons), tent pegging, bareback horse-riding, standing erect on two speeding horses and various other feats of bravery.

There are also a number of Darbars where the Sri Guru Granth Sahib is present and kirtan and religious lectures take place. On the last day a long procession, led by Panj Pyaras, starts from Takhat Keshgarh Sahib, one of the five Sikh religious seats, and passes through various important Gurdwaras like Qila Anandgarh, Lohgarh Sahib, Mata Jitoji and terminates at the Takhat (Keshgarh).

For people visiting Anandpur Sahib, langars (voluntary community kitchens) are organized by the local people as a part of sewa (community service). Raw materials like wheat flour, rice, vegetables, milk and sugar are provided by the villagers living nearby. Women volunteer to cook and others take part in cleaning utensils and other manual tasks that need to be carried out. Traditional cuisine is served to the pilgrims who eat while sitting in rows on the ground. (Pangat)

The popularity of this festival may be judged from the fact that out of five Sikh public holidays requested by the Khalsa Diwan, Lahore in 1889, the Government approved only two - Holla Mahalla and the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Hola Mahalla is presently the biggest festival at Anandpur.

Golden Temple Amritsar's Darshani Deori to be renovated by Experts

2009-03-08T12:55:00.007+05:30

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has agreed to get the renovation of Darshani Deori, which leads to sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple, done by experts with the support of the district administration.

Earlier, the SGPC had stopped the renovation of the deori being done through kar seva when The Tribune highlighted the use of gaudy colours, crude workmanship and sub-standard material in March last year. Talking to The Tribune, Deputy Commissioner KS Pannu said more than Rs 56 lakh would be spent on the conservation of the deori as per the tradition.

The experts have recommended that the cement plaster on the deori be removed with wooden hammer. The restoration work would include waterproofing of the terrace. Wooden boarding, wooden panels in niches above the entrance to a private TV channel office would be removed.Conservation of wall paintings on the cornice and bracket area of the deori by cleaning of painted surface has been recommended.

A team comprising Maninder Gill, Ajaydeep Jamwal and Tushar Chakarvarty has been entrusted with the restoration of Baba Atal and other heritage buildings. Meanwhile, in another major decision, the priceless frescoes that adorn the inner walls of the gurdwara would be recreated in its original designs and pattern. The entire cost of the project is estimated at Rs 1.20 crore and would be met through donations and contributions from other sources.

Hazi Rattan Dargah and Gurudwara, a symbol of communal harmony in Bathinda Fort

2009-03-02T23:15:00.002+05:30

Punjab is also known as the land of Sufi saints and Gurus who always spread the message of communal harmony. A visit to the mausoleum devoted to Muslim Saint Haji Rattan in Bathinda Fort confirms the message.People of different castes, creed and religion visit Saint Haji Rattan's Dargah from far off places. Also located adjacent to the mausoleum is a gurudwara devoted to the same saint.

It is said while on his way to Talwandi Sabo, the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh camped here for the night outside the mausoleum of the saint Haji Rattan. The tomb's keepers tried to dissuade the Guru from sleeping here saying that the place was haunted.Since Sikhs don't build tombs and the Guru like other Sikhs didn't believe in ghosts. So Guru Gobind Singh spent the night at the place to show the people that such superstitions had no ground.

Later, marking this visit, a gurudwara was built near the mausoleum of the saint and today Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus pay obeisance at both the spots.

The gurudwara and mausoleum have helped unite the local residents who share their problems and celebrate religious occasions.

Devotees offer toy plane at Gurudwara Talhan to go abroad

2009-03-01T23:02:00.001+05:30

A large number of devotees, seeking greener pastures abroad, head towards a Gurudwara devoted to Sant Baba Nihal Singh Shaheedan in Village Talhan of Punjab's Doaba region. Thousands of individuals in Doaba region hold this holy shrine in high-esteem. And, these devotees include many of those who have long been nurturing a dream to get a visa to go abroad but couldn't get it. The popular feeling about this Gurudwara is that anyone offering a toy plane here can have his or her wish to go abroad fulfilled. Hence a lot of people visit this holy shrine and make a wish to go abroad. For this, the devotees make an offering of toy planes; inscribed with names of different carriers. Devotees buy these toy planes from the shops outside this Gurudwara and they offer it to Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

It all started a few months back, when the word spread that wishes of settling abroad would be fulfilled if one offered a toy plane at the shrine. On Sundays, about 40-50 planes are offered. In most cases, devotees who wish to fly to a particular country offer a toy plane of the airline of that country.

In Doaba region, where going abroad is dream of most people, a large number of people have an unshakable faith in the Gurudwara.

It has become a difficult task for the Gurudwara authorities to store so many toy planes. Punjabi youth, who dream of greener pastures abroad, come in large numbers after they hear stories of wishes of their friends to settle abroad being fulfilled after they offered planes at the Talhan Gurudwara.

"Whenever somebody's wish of going abroad is fulfilled, they come here at the Gurudwara to offer a plane. Punjabis from all parts of the world - England, America, Canada and many other countries come here," said one young devotee.

For the Punjabi youth, spending three to 10 dollars in buying a toy airplane hardly matters, if it increases the possibility of ultimately realizing a million-dollar dream.

Gurudwara Kotha Sahib near Amritsar

2009-02-28T22:41:00.007+05:30

In Sikhism, the places visited by Sikh gurus during their lifetimes, have been developed into pilgrimage spots. One such place happens to be Village Vallah located near Amritsar. This place was visited by the ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur.

And, about four miles from the holy city in village Vallah stands a magnificent edifice - Gurudwara Guru ka Kotha meaning Guru’s house.It is said Guru Tegh Bahadur, while leaving Amritsar, visited this village.

Legend has it that when Guru Tegh Bahadur visited the Golden Temple after becoming Guru, priests denied him entry. The Guru thereafter went to Vallah and was entertained by Mai Haro. Her house is where the gurudwara ‘Guru ka Kotha’ now stands. "When people of Amritsar came to know that Guru Teg Bahadurji was not allowed to enter the Golden Temple and he came to this place, they came here to take the Guru back. Guruji refused to go, but blessed the people saying that if people of Amritsar visited this Gurudwara during the fair on full moon day, they would remain happy.

Today, the holy place is visited not only by people from Punjab, but from all across the country," said Baldev Singh, the head priest of Gurudwara Kotha Sahib.

Every year, a large number of devotees throng the holy spot to celebrate the annual fair, held on the full moon day. The month-long fair that starts on February 6 is a unique example of ardent faith and devotion.

Born in Amritsar, Guru Tegh Bahadur was the youngest of the five sons of Guru Har Gobind. His father gave the name Tegh Bahadur meaning mighty of the sword to him for showing valour during a battle with the Mughals. During his young years Tegh Bahadur fought along his fathers’ side but after Guru Hargobind’s fierce and bloody battle in 1634 at Kartarpur, he turned to the path of renunciation and meditation.

Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 17-day stay at village Valla proved to be a blessing for the villagers.

"We come here every year to make wishes and all our wishes are fulfilled. People from all parts of the world come here to visit this gurudwara," said Baljinder Singh, one devotee. People visit this holy place irrespective of their caste or creed and set an example of brotherhood and unity. At the gurudwara, they enjoy the Langar or, community meal upholding the principle of equality.

Sikhtourism introduces Punjab Village Tour under Punjab Rural Tourism

2009-01-25T22:50:00.004+05:30

For a traveler, Punjab is a wonderful tourist destination and especially if your visit a countryside place or Pind (village) is what you wish to explore on your luxury Punjab travel, spend some in a traditional Punjab village.

Sikh Tourism has introduced Punjab Village Tour under Rural Tourism where it arranges accomodation, food and tour of a Punjab village.

What to See and feel in Punjab Village :

Early morning visit the houses to see and feel how the day in the village starts. Men give bath to their Cows and milk them. The ladies of the House will light their hearths with cow dung and leaves to cook food. The Punjab villager farmers plough their fields with bullocks.

Potters collect clay from nearby pond (Chhappar) and make clay pottery, Surahi and Ghara (vessels for storing water), dishes, jars, etc.

Sit and see the creative ability of the women in Phulkari embroidery of different design and blending of harmonious colours.

Watch village metal-workers or Lohars casting, soldering and making metal things like Hammer, Sickle, garden tools, pots and common utensils used in the village kitchen.

Visit Carpenters or Tarkhans to see them carving traditional and regional style Doors, Windows, Beds, chairs, tables, etc out of different Woods

You can walk along the swaying mustard fields, take a ride on a tractor, take the cattle for grazing, feed the cattle or simply sit, relax and gulp down the fresh buttermilk in the green fields.

For more details visit Sikhtourism webpage at

http://www.sikhtourism.com/punjab-village-tour.htm

Gurudwara Angitha Sahib, Dehradun cremates old volumes of Guru Granth Sahib

2008-11-29T22:21:00.002+05:30

Gurudwara Angitha Sahib in Sahaspur near Dehradun in Uttarakhand holds a unique significance for the Sikh community. For, at this gurudwara, the personification of Shri Guru Granth Sahib is performed in an ultimate manner. At Angitha Sahib, the old copies of Guru Granth Sahib from all over the world are put to flames as part of funeral rites. The whole procedure is a way of bidding farewell to the scriputre with utmost reverence. This is the only Gurudwara, which performs this ritual. The belief is that just like humans age even the scriptures also become old over a long period of time due to constant handling like flipping of pages. Hence, the revered scripture deserves respect even at the time of their farewell.

Thus, such copies of Guru Granth Sahib are sent to Gurudwara Angitha Sahib where these are cremated with due respect.

The caretaker of Angitha Sahib does this cremation ritual as a sort of charity work. The entire procedure is performed in due privacy. "Scriptures from all across the world like England, America, Canada and Pakistan have come to Angitha Sahib in Sahaspur for getting cremated. With full respect, these holy epics are first given bath, and then they are wrapped in new clothes. Then these scriptures are treated like living beings. This service is done in privacy," said Harsharan Singh, Mukhya Sewadaar (chief helper), Angitha Sahib Gurudwara.

When old and worn out scripture reach Angitha Sahib in Sahaspur, first of all they are given bath after which every page is cleansed and later these scriptures are wrapped in white cloth and then the funeral takes place. The cremation lasts over six days and on the seventh day, the ashes are collected.

Caretakers and helpers (called Sewadars) carry these scriptures on their heads according them full respect before placing them on the pyre.

"From the last 20 years all the worn out scriptures are coming to our Gurudwara and we perform the last funeral rites of these scriptures. All this work is done without any vested interest and in a confidential way. And apart from Guru Granth Sahib we also cremate Holy Bible, Bhagwad Gita, Ramayana and Quran," added Harsharan Singh, the chief Sewadaar at Angitha Sahib Gurudwara.

There are 28 hearths at Angitha Sahib Gurudwara. With 2.5-quintals of wood are used for the funeral and 13 scriptures are kept on the hearth at one time.

This year about 2,000 scriptures have come from all over the world to Gurudwara Angitha Sahib for cremation, of which around 470 worn out scriptures were flown in from the Great Britain by a chartered flight.

Rousing welcome to Guru Granth Sahib at Sachkhand Hazur Sahib

2008-11-02T18:11:00.002+05:30

The Guru Granth Sahib was given a rousing welcome at the Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurdwara, Nanded on Thursday as it arrived for consecration in connection with 300 years of its elevation as the eternal Guru of Sikhs.

This Gurdwara is central to the ‘Gurta Gaddi’ celebrations, for which pilgrims from across the world have been registering since October 27 when the festivities actually began. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was among the devotees who paid their obeisance at the Gurdwara on Thursday.

Music and colours that are typical of Sikhs characterised the Gurta Gaddi ‘nagar keertan’ procession, which started in the morning from the Nagina Ghat Sahib Gurdwara on the banks of Godavari. The Guru Granth Sahib was carried in a ‘palki’ (palanquin) placed in a specially designed vehicle.

The Gurta Gaddi diwas was one of the two most important days, the other being the observance of Guru Gobind Singh’s ‘parlok gaman’ (departure for the heavenly abode) on November 3.

The straight road between the two Gurdwaras was choked with an estimated 3 lakh pilgrims. The bright saffron and blue of the Nihangs and Akalis and the white clothes worn by other devotees lent colour to the procession. Devotees danced ‘bhangda’ to the robust beats of the dhol and the band and sang devotional songs. Some marched to Sikh martial tunes. The bhangda dance provided for the folk component, while the keertans gave a touch of devotion. The martial slogan Bole so nihal ... Sat Sri Akal and the tune Deh Shiva bar mohe ehe shubh karman te kabhon na taraun ... ” complemented the other kinds of music.

The sacred Guru Granth Sahib was received at the main gate amid the ‘shastra salami’ of swords. The process of enthroning it included its ‘prakash’ and application of sandalwood tilak and aarti. The Guru Granth Sahib was opened at random for the ‘hukamnama’ or the edict for the day.

Gurudwara Saragarhi memorial, a tribute to the gallantry of 21 Sikh soldiers

2008-10-13T12:06:00.002+05:30

Every year Sikhs in Punjab's Ferozepur district mark Saragarhi Day to remember the unparalleled valour, demonstrated by 21 Sikh soldiers on September 12, 1897 while participating in the battle of Saragarhi against a 10,000 strong enemy force.The Sikh soldiers of the 4th Battalion (then 36th Sikhs) of the Sikh Regiment of British India were sent to defend Fort Lockhart at Saragarhi post, in North West Frontier Province (now in Pakistan). Some 10,000 tribesmen had attacked the Saragarhi post. The battle lasted over six hours and one by one the defenders kept falling while trying to protect their post. But they did not surrender. The day of battle is observed each year as `Saragarhi Day' to mark the event.

The Gurudwara, named Saragarhi memorial, in Ferozepur today stands as a protected monument and is a tribute to those Sikh soldiers who sacrificed their lives. The memorial gurudwara, surrounded by half-a-dozen small and big cannons with names of the 21 brave soldiers inscribed on its walls, was built by the army with stones from the Saragarhi post. It was declared open in 1904 by Sir Charles Revz. Saragarhi memorial is an inspiration to many a symbol of courage and bravery.

Captain Sadhu Singh of the Sikh Regiment, said:" About 110-years-ago, on 12th of September, 1897 a war was fought, in which 21 brave soldiers were martyred while fighting under the leadership of Hawaldar Ishwar Singh at Saragarhi Post. In memory of those martyrs, we celebrate this day every year. Whatever our ancestors have given us in legacy is for the making of our nation and community proud. "

On the occasion of 110th anniversary of the Saragarhi Day a cross-country run was held in which hundreds of civilians as well as army personnel participated. After covering a distance of nine miles on the Faridkot-Ferozepur Road, the run culminated at the Saragarhi Memorial Gurudwara. The Sikh Regiment organized cross-country and cycle rally with the support of the state government to inspire youth and instill a spirit of sacrifice for the motherland in them.

Ferozepur city in South-west Punjab is on the sensitive border with Pakistan that has witnessed three wars. The border village lacks medical facilities and to make the Saragarhi Day a memorable one the army also organized a free medical camp .

Each year by observing the Saragarhi Day, the spirit and inspiration is kept alive from generation to generation.

Aman Umeed Tourist Complex at Wagah Border Inaugurated

2008-10-08T11:47:00.002+05:30

The Minister of Tourism and Culture has inaugurated a tourist resort, Aman Umeed Bhawan, earlier popularly known as Neem Chameli at Attari - Wagha border in Amritsar in the presence of the Chief Minister of Punjab. The complex has the built up area of about 10,000 sq. ft. and is spread over 1.75 acres of land, with the facilities of restaurants, bar, shops, rooms and toilet facilities for the domestic as well as foreign tourists, and in particular from Pakistan. It also has facilities like reception, lobby, bar and restaurant. The Minister after inaugurating the complex said the flow of tourists from across the border will help in further promoting peace between the two countries. She said, punjab tourism has vast potential for employment generation and Institute of Hotel Management set up in the area will provide opportunities for youth to work in the sector. She said Punjab has potential to develop MICE tourism in a big way and the Centre will provide all help to establish a Convention Centre in the State.

Amritsar has also been provided the financial support from the Ministry of Tourism for other projects like the integrated development of Amritsar which consists of the components of environmental upgradation of Ghanta Ghar Chowk, Tourist facilities at Rambagh, Punjab Freedom Struggle Interpretation Centre at Govindgarh etc.

The city has also been sanctioned a mega project which comprises the major components on composite cultural heritage walk, darshan five sarovar path, conservation and revitalization of Town Hall, rural art, craft and architectural interpretation center, conservation of samadhis, visitor facilitation centre at the bus terminus, Lahori Gate site development, landscaping and horticulture etc. Amritsar has thus been identified as one of the mega destinations/circuits out of the twenty two identified by the Ministry of Tourism in the country for integrated development.

Sikh guru in Heroes of Environment list

2008-10-06T12:25:00.001+05:30

Heaping praises on environmentalist Baba Balbir Singh Seechewal for launching a campaign to clean up the polluted 'Kali Bein' in Punjab, Time magazine has profiled the Sikh sect leader as one of the 30 'Heroes of Environment' selected from across the globe. Describing Seechewal as the man 'who set out to clean up this mess', the magazine lauded him for mobilising people to launch a movement that taught the people why they should clean the 'Kali Bein'.

'We have proved that it is possible to restore our rivers to a pristine condition if we all come together,' Seechewal told the Time magazine.

'It is time to do that on a bigger scale,' he said.

'Kali Bein', the 160-km-long river in Hoshiarpur district in Punjab, was reduced to a filthy drain into which people from more than six towns and 40 villages emptied their waste, leaving neighbouring farmlands parched. The river was revived a couple of years back after Seechewal and his followers took up the cause and raised funds to clean the river, which is now a favourite picnic spot.

Sikhs believe that Guru Nanak Dev attained enlightenment after taking a dip in 'Kali Bein' 500 years back before founding Sikhism.

'In 2000, Seechawal, a Sikh holy man, set out to clean up the mess in the river. The scale of the task was gigantic-volunteers cleared the entire riverbed of water hyacinth and silt, and built riverbanks and roads alongside the river,' the magazine wrote.

Seechawal launched a public-awareness campaign asking the villagers to dispose of their sewage elsewhere and some people revived traditional methods of waste disposal and treatment.

'A government order to divert water from a nearby canal was eventually obtained. As the riverbed was cleared, natural springs revived and the river began to fill up. Since then trees have been planted along its banks and fishing has been preserve biodiversity,' the magazine said.

Nanded, Hazur Sahib Airport to be operational from Oct 4, 2008

2008-10-04T13:06:00.004+05:30

Sikh religious town of Nanded will come on the country’s civil aviation map from Oct 4, 2008 with an inaugural flight from Mumbai, an official said here Friday. The flight to Nanded, around 625 km from Mumbai, will immensely benefit thousands of Sikhs from India and around the world who are planning to visit there this month on the occasion of the 300th anniversary celebrations of Gurta Gaddi Guru Granth Sahib of Khalsa Sikh Panth.

Keeping in view the sentiments of the predominantly Sikh population of Nanded, the airport has been named “Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Airport”.

The town also has a monument “Shri Huzur Abchalanager Sachkhand Gurudwara”, dedicated to the 10th Sikh Guru, which is visited by millions of devotees throughout the year, the official said.

Nanded, with a population of 500,000, had a small airstrip constructed 50 years ago and was upgraded in 1974 to handle Vayudoot and other small and private aircraft flights. However, all commercial operations ceased from the airport in 1990.

Now, the airport has been upgraded at a cost of Rs.940 million and the facilities available include a huge terminal building to handle 300 passengers and a runway to handle big aircraft like Boeing 737s and Airbus 319-320.

It also now has three parking bays for large aircraft, six check-in counters, and all other passenger and flight operations facilities, including night operations.

Kingfisher Airlines will operate a regular service on the new Mumbai-Nanded-Latur sector, departing here at 6 a.m., halting at Nanded and reaching Latur at 8.20 a.m. The flight will depart from Latur at 8.45 a.m. and after a halt at Nanded, arrive in Mumbai at 10.10 a.m. The flights will operate Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Harike Pattan bird sanctuary at Taran Taran Punjab offers a joy of lifetime

2008-09-16T15:14:00.003+05:30

Harike wetland in Punjab’s Taran Taran District is the second largest bird sanctuary of India. It’s home to rare varieties of avifauna arriving here from different parts of Europe and northern Asia for stay during a major part of the year. About 60 kilometres from Amritsar, it is one of the largest freshwater wetlands in north India and is spread over 93 square miles. Of the total expanse of the wetland area of Harike Pattan, 26 square miles is open water.

Harike Pattan presents an inspirational example of nature conservation by authorities and non-government organisations. A visit to Harike Pattan bird sanctuary showcases how the golden wealth of nature exists here in its divine glory, untainted and undisturbed. And, why there is need for it to remain like that.

A few non-government agencies have now come forward for the conservation of some precious ecologically important habitats and spread public awareness among locals here.

During autumn, spring and winter, Harike Pattan turns a shelter for hundreds of species of birds. It is strategically situated for birds migrating to and from central Asia and Siberia.

It is one of the ancient confluences where the rivers Satluj and Beas converge. It's a quite sacred place. The confluence has been developed among the world's top 10 centauries. It is one of the largest wetlands of India and for centuries it has been home to migratory birds. The people of Punjab are familiar with these birds, as they are the best friends of children.

The sanctuary came into existence with the construction of a barrage at the confluence of the river Beas and Satluj for water storage and providing irrigation and drinking water. In 1978, the Punjab government declared the water-based body a wildlife sanctuary.

Punjab Tourism News by Sikh Tourism

Hazur Sahib, Nanded readies to receive Sikh multitudes for Gurta Gaddi Diwas

2008-09-12T12:22:00.010+05:30

With the historic day less than two months away, massive preparations are afoot to prepare for the multitudes of Sikhs that would throng this historic religious town for the Tercentenary celebrations of the Guruship of Guru Granth Sahib. Situated on the banks of the Godavri, the fourth Takht of the Sikh nation at Nanded is gradually sprucing up to welcome the sea of humanity that is likely to reach here on or around October 20 to celebrate a concept unparalleled in the religious history of the world. All religions have their scriptures and all are sacred. The Sikhs are blessed with having their Guru – their World Teacher – with them all the time. Sikhs will celebrate the unique bestowing of Guruship to the Word of the Gurus by the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh, in 1708 at Nanded, before he passed away.

Around the main Gurdwara and the famous Baba Nidhan Singh Langar, cleanliness on the streets and in the inn and the outer façade of the Langar Sahib is noteworthy.

Though there is no sarovar surrounding the main Gurdwara like Darbar Sahib Amritsar, the new periphery of Huzur Sahib now has some architectural resemblance to the housing complexes that surround the Golden Temple. The resplendence and glory of the neighbourhood is gradually getting a sheen though the roads and other infrastructure leading to the main sanctum sanctorum, the road outside the railway station and the airport are still to be completed. The Takht management committee expects all preparations to be finalized before the D-day.

In twenty villages around Nanded, tents with basic hygiene and sanitation facilities are being set up by the Maharashtra government. The Takht Management Committee has also built more inns and rest houses for visitors from India and foreign countries.

Around the historic Gurdwaras of Nanded, all efforts and activities are by the Sikh Sangat. The organization of tours and travels is also by the Sangat themselves. Except for some roads which are being rebuilt, which in any case is the responsibility of the state, there was no visible evidence of any significant expenditure by the state or central government, the SGPC or DSGMC. As in the case of all centennial celebrations of the Sikhs over the last decade, as far as these organizations are concerned, Sikhs largely feel there will be some uproar for a week and then it will be back to mundane basics.

Kar Sewa Babas are making military style preparations for the Langar as they expect to feed lakhs of people during the course of the celebrations. Langar utensils are being purchased in thousands and a fleet of volunteers are being pressed into the gigantic task.

Guru Gobind Singh’s clarion call in 1708 was unmistakably clear: “Agya Payi Akal Ki, Tabe Chalayo Panth, Sabh Sikhan Ko Hukam Hai, Guru Manyo Granth.” – By order of the God Almighty, the Khalsa Panth was formed. It is a diktat to all Sikhs that henceforth your Guru is only the Granth. This call and its deeper meaning have rattled many religious thinkers and the concept of the Word as the Guru has still to be appropriately explained by the Sikhs to the world.

The last days of the tenth Master, Guru Gobind Singh was spent at Nanded and when the Sikh world would celebrate the Guruship of Guru Granth Sahib, it would also recall the anniversary of the passing away of the Tenth Master. The consciousness of the Sikh people to revere the teachings as enshrined in Guru Granth Sahib and which teachings are not only that of the Sikh Gurus but also other religious leaders of the Bhakti movement and even before has brought them in confrontation with many pseudo-movements within the Sikh fold and outside it -which do not adhere to this doctrine. Forces attempting to undermine the distinctness of Guru Granth Sahib abound but a very large section of the community continues to have abiding faith in it as a living embodiment.

As usual and as expected, I could not find any literature in Punjabi, English, Hindi or the local language Marathi inviting the Sangat to the Takht or telling the visitor the significance of the coming occasion. The 300-Saal–Guru de Naal T shirt was omnipresent everywhere in the stalls all along the promenade outside the Takht.

Abchalnagar incorporates the land of some forty villages donated two centuries ago by the Nizam of Hyderabad -Sikhandar Jah to the Sikhs in gratitude of the support given to him by the Sikh armies of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Very little of that land remains as a majority of it has been frittered away by a lackadaisical and short-sighted management committee whose custodians have invariably failed to protect the interests of the Sikhs under temptation of pecuniary gain and leadership and political pressure of the local government.

The destruction of the heritage sites-the Ramgharia Bunga and the Baradari alongside the Takht Sahib Gurdwara, the need for upkeep and maintenance of all the historic Gurdwaras in around fifty kilometer radius of Takht Apchalnagar Huzur Sahib, the complete rehabilitation of those families who have been uprooted from their home and hearth to make way for expansion plans, the democratization of the management set-up of the Takht and the poverty of the local Sikhs were stark realities one finds difficult to ignore. One also hopes that with such huge focus on the celebrations, the various management committees and voluntary organizations the world over would not continue to ignore this aspect once the celebrations are over.

After 300 years with the Guru, there should be no need left for the community or any of its individuals to indulge in self-pity. The community needs to stand tall, capable and strong and be counted amongst the comity of nations. If the Sikh nation does succeed, the objective of spending millions at Nanded would have been achieved.

Enabling devotees at Dera Baba Nanak to catch a glimpse of Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara in Pakistan

2008-09-06T15:24:00.005+05:30

In order to facilitate devotees at Dera Baba Nanak to catch a glimpse of the historical Kartarpur Sahib gurduwara in Pakistan located in Narowal district, the BSF has constructed a beautiful viewing area.

Located on the banks of the Ravi, the gurdwara is at the place where founder of the Sikh religion Guru Nanak Dev (1469 -1539) spent the last years of his life as a humble farmer. Interestingly, the gurdwara is just 4.5 km away from the viewing point and is clearly visible with the naked eye on clear days. Besides, the personnel at the border observation posts too are helpful and willingy to lend their binoculars to the devotees who cannot afford to visit the place.

Over the years, the demand to have a corridor to the shrine has gathered momentum. Even Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reiterated his desire to have a corridor to the holy place so that devotees can visit it without any restrictions.

Talking to The Tribune, Baba Sukhdeep Singh Bedi, who claims to be a descendant of Guru Nanak Dev, said he had shouldered the responsibility so that sangat could offer prayers easily. Earlier, the devotees had to sit at the Dhussi Bandh and there were no facilities of any kind at that place. The conditions used to worsen in case of inclement weather, he pointed out.

He said the viewing area comprises a spacious cabin for visiting dignitaries and a roofed stand for general public. In addition to it, binoculars would be provided to the visitors so that they can have a closer look. Funding had never been a problem since devotees have offered their help regularly. All the material had been procured keeping the aesthetic beauty of place in mind, Bedi added. The BSF officials said they tried their best to help the devotees and had improved the road network in the area with the help of Border Area Development Funds. An official said when the BSF told the Pakistani Rangers that some trees block the view of the historic gurdwara from India’s side, the later pruned those trees to give a better vision.

World's first Sikh University to come up at Fatehgarh Sahib in Punjab

2008-09-02T12:38:00.011+05:30

Fatehgarh Sahib, Punjab, is a holy town for Sikhs, where two sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, attained martyrdom in the 18th century, is set to be home to the first Sikh university - the Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal will Monday lay the first stone of the foundation monument - the 'Minar-e-Ikonkar' (Tower of God is one) - in this historic Sikh holy town, around 60 km from Chandigarh.

The university, spread over 84 acres given by the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), is coming up in an year which also marks the 300th anniversary of the 'Gurgaddi' (installation) of the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, at 'Harmandar Sahib', the holiest of Sikh shrines, in Amritsar. Though founded with traditional values espoused by the Sikh religion, the university will deal with contemporary issues like the authentic interpretation of Sikhism in the modern context and idiom, role of Sikhism in the making of the 21st century society and the third millennium civilization, a state government spokesman said.

It also aims at addressing contemporary problems of Sikh identity vis-a-vis forces and processes of globalisation, facts about the Sikh diaspora and role of Sikhism and global interfaith dialogue, he added.

Sikhism is one of the youngest religions in the world, founded by the first Sikh guru, Nanak Dev, in the 15th century. The Sikhs, considered one of the most progressive communities, traditionally hail from the north Indian state of Punjab.
Besides the routine courses in arts, science and other fields, the university will focus on emerging technologies such as bio-technology, nano-technology, information technology and disciplines like ecology, human rights, feminism, empowerment of the down-trodden and other related spheres.

To give the university a 21st century outlook, it is looking at multi-national companies and other international universities for tie-ups. The spokesman said that arrangements will be made with foreign universities to enable scholars of Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University to be sent abroad as part of the course study.

Regional and overseas extension centres of the University will be established in India, North America, Europe, Southeast Asia and other countries wherever Sikhs and Sikhism have reached.

The university authorities are also planning to rope in the Sikh diaspora in the new venture.

The university also gives the students an option to undertake advanced studies in Sikhism - its philosophy, ethics, relation with other religions, history, music, linguistics, holy shrines and historical places associated with the religion, architecture, paintings, way of life, martial arts, diaspora and role of Sikhism in the 21st century.

Film Sat Sri Akal – a story of love and faith

2008-08-31T12:50:00.007+05:30

Slated for release in the last week of September, Sat Sri Akal –a story of love and faith, is a cinematic contribution for the Tricentenary Gurta Gaddi celebrations.

Are cinema characters to serve as role models? Is eulogizing a Sikh achiever in the field of music and cinema tantamount to preparing Sikhs for a stint in Bollywood? Well, the times are changing and changing fast. Sometime back, we were yearning for a radio station at Darbar Sahib, now we are looking at setting up a regulatory authority to monitor the plethora of channels blaring religious untruths and falsehood.

Not very long ago, we wanted “good Sikh characters” in Bollywood and Hollywood. If a young Ishmeet Singh or Manpreet Singh chooses to have acting as a career and their visibility happens to be more, much to the chagrin of those who don’t like Sikhs in cinema, it is certainly not their fault. Neither Manmeet Singh nor Manpreet Singh goes around town exhorting young Sikhs to join films. Some of these young people are doing yeoman’s service besides their careers and that needs to be appreciated.

With the fully bearded and turbaned Manpreet Singh as the lead hero, Sat Sri Akal will foster renewed interest in the Sikh face. Whatever happens, Bollywood will have to sit up, listen and take notice. In the years to come, it will become more difficult for them to malign Sikhs as they have doing for all these years.
In this historic year of the Sikh calendar, Sat Sri Akal will be a much talked about movie, because it puts on celluloid the true strains of Sikhism, the ethos of faith in Guru Granth Sahib and the importance of tradition and values in modern day life. The protagonists, the Mata Tripta Ji Charitable Trust, Chandigarh have been working hard to ensure that the movie reflects the spirit of Sikhism. Shot on location at Darbar Sahib and Hazur Sahib, the producers say that the film “literally symbolizes and implies truth, divinity and cheer in true harmony.” Interestingly, it is based on a true story and though it has Sikh characters and a Punjabi background, it has a universal appeal.

The cast and crew is essentially Punjabi and the writer Arvinderjit Singh has spared no effort to encapsulate Punjabi culture, moral values and Sikh tenets. The music of the movie also has the Punjabi touch with a string of percussion instruments and singers like Jagjit Singh. Among the Shabads in the movie, there is Dithe Sabhe Thaav, sung by late Ishmeet Singh, much before he became the Voice of India.

With the marketing support of Frankfinn Entertainment co, the film is likely to go worldwide and with the Diaspora interest in Sikh characters gradually increasing, the film is set to attract much-deserved attention.

Sikh News by Sikh Tourism

Hotel Ramgarh Fort near Chandigarh has tallest Door in country

2008-08-28T13:19:00.002+05:30

It is official. The door of the Fort at Ramgarh is the tallest door in the country higher than even the gate of Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. The latest edition of the Limca Book of Records which is the Indian equivalent to the Guinness Book of Records, lists the entry of the “tallest door” at page number 204.

The wooden door guarding the 350-year-old Ramgarh Fort near Chandigarh measures 37ft in height and 14½ ft in width.

The “Buland Darwaza” at Fatehpur Sikri stands 120 ft tall, including the steps and the constructed area but the actual door is only 23 ft. The door at the Bathinda fort in Punjab is 26 feet high.

Interestingly, the doors of forts and palaces were kept exceptionally tall in previous centuries so that the rajas sitting on elephants could enter without dismounting. Hence they were often called hathi deorhi.

The door of the fort is a replica of the original door, which was built 300 years back by the Chandel Rajput dynasty but broken during the 1857 mutiny. The replica was reconstructed in late 1980, by Kanwar Mohan Singh, a scion of the former ruling family of Ramgarh, is now a part of the premises converted into a heritage hotel. Each of its two panels weighs 21 quintals despite which, it can be easily closed and opened. About 2000 man-days were spent in putting the new door together with 343 custom-made copper plates and 343 spikes on it.

Spikes were used on the doors in olden days so that these could not be broken by an attacking army with the help of elephants banging their heads on it.

Negotiations to Purchase Historic Gurdwara Baoli Sahib at Jagannath Puri in Orissa

2008-08-26T00:18:00.001+05:30

Gurdwara Baoli Sahib at Jagannath Puri in the state of Orissa, where Guru Nanak unearthed a natural spring and where he sang the shabad ‘Gagan mae thaal rav chand deepak banay, Taaraka mandal janak moti...’ that challenged the concept of aarti, is a rather miserable looking place.

Like many other Sikh historic places, Gurdwara Baoli Sahib is desperately in need of conservation.

A painting of Guru Nanak languishing in the gurdwara shows the Guru sitting under a tree with his two sons sitting to his right, and his companion, Mardana, playing the rabaab, also to his right. When I saw it in February, it was in very sad condition.

The decrepit baoli, a stepped well that goes down to the water surface, marks the spot in the sand where Guru Nanak dug his staff to release a spring of sweet water, the only source of drinkable water in the area.

The gurdwara is very small. There are two rooms, one for Guru Granth Sahib and the other for Lord Jagannath. The caretaker priest does both Sikh and Hindu prayers.

About a mile from Gurdwara Baoli Sahib stands a newer gurdwara, Nanakmata Sahib, which was built less than 10 years ago. It has 24-hour open langar and a building next door for travelers to stay.

There is also a lot across the road, just in front of the gurdwara, large enough to build three homes. It was donated to the gurdwara by the city of Puri. Gurdwara officials said they were planning to build a children’s park and a library named after one of the Panj Piaray, Mohkam Singh, who was from Puri.

Puri does not have any Sikh resident, but the sangat regularly goes to Gurdwara Nanakmata Sahib from the neighboring state capital of Bhubaneshwar and from the city of Cuttack.

Gurdwara Nanakmata Sahib is working with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to take possession of the old historical Gurdwara Baoli Sahib. Its secretary said the government and the Brahmin family at Baoli Sahib had agreed, in principle, to hand it over, at an agreed price.

When that will happen is not known, but hope the Baoli Sahib family is given millions of rupees for their seva and for passing the responsibility of the gurdwara on to the Sikhs.

Jagannath Puri, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, is one of the four most sacred places of pilgrimage for Hindus. A special ritual, called aarti, is performed in praise of Lord Jagannath, Lord of the universe. Aarti worship involves circulating a metal platter on which little lamps with butter-soaked wicks are lit.

Guru Nanak watched pilgrims doing aarti at Jagannath Puri during his odyssey in the mid 1500s. He did not participate. Instead, he sang a shabad about the true realm of Waheguru, in which aarti is meaningless.

Punjabi Jutti no more a popular wear

2008-08-24T18:36:00.002+05:30

Punjabi Jutti was known for its immaculate embroidery and varied hues which made it a popular wear for the people of the region for all types of occasions.But today it appears to be on its way out in absence of any government support and in face of fashion trends which are too fast-paced for the practitioners of this trade to keep abreast of, almost bringing down curtain on this century-old tradition.

A survey revealed that this handicraft business are fast shrinking. The Punjabi Jutti market near the Quila Mubarak in Patiala, which once enjoyed an enviable reputation for this trade, is finding the old hands there no more keen on this craft. Thousands of families involved in making these Jutti since 19th century are unable to earn enough to keep their body and soul together and are feeling compelled to bid adieu to their trade.

“The Jutti was in a great demand in early 60s and 70s, but 90 onwards, there was a decline in its popularity. Due to new trends in fashion, it was no more a daily wear. Although we tried our level best to keep pace with these trends, but due to lack of enough funds at our disposal and frequent changes in fashion, we failed to cater to the need,” revealed some of the families involved in the trade said.

Apart from this, the new taxes on the raw material like leather has further tightened the noose around this business. Earlier, there was no tax on leather, but now it has been brought under the ambit of Vat, thus leaving the makers of these Jutti with no option but to bow out. Earlier, this business was allowed some subsidies too. But now with subsidy gone and on the top of it extra levies slapped, the margins have come down drastically.Revealed the owner of Punjabi Jutti House, Jagdish Kumar, “Earlier, one shopkeeper used to have a nearly Rs 3-5 lakh turnover every year, but now it has come down by 70 pc and our commerce with various distributors from Delhi, Gurgaon and Bombay has also declined.”

‘Each one, Teach one’ - It’s learn & teach in Punjab college

2008-08-24T11:42:00.002+05:30

One minute, they are students trying to absorb as much of the lesson as possible. The bell goes and they slip into a different role — that of teachers. In Gurdaspur’s Baba Aya Singh Riarki College for Women, ‘each one, teach one’ isn’t just a saying; it’s the college code. So, seniors teach juniors, set question papers for them, distribute answersheets and ensure that the exam goes off smoothly. Sans invigilators, mind you. For copying is unheard of in this institution established in 1967, with the aim of educating girls.

"The first time in front of a class is daunting but now I lecture confidently," says 18-year-old Harpreet Kaur, a econdyear BA student who teaches first-year students. All disputes are also resolved by the students themselves to boost their problemsolving skills.

Not just teaching, everything here is inhouse. Students cook, wash clothes and clean the campus, eliminating the need for any staff. Enter the building, and it is difficult to distinguish teacher from the taught, cook from sweeper. Clad in white salwar-kameez with heads covered in white dupattas, students rotate duties as teacher, cook and sweeper. The principal’s wife, Jagdish Kaur, oversees all kitchen activities.

"In our institution, the annual expenditure for a day scholar is Rs 800 and Rs 6,000 for a boarder," says octogenarian Swaran Singh Virk, who besides being principal is administrator, guide and mentor for students. Presently, the hostel accommodates about 2,000 students.

The college also has its own flour mill, saw mill and cane-sugar grinder, dairy farm and even a biogas plant that supplies gas to the kitchen, thereby saving at least Rs 1,000 a day. Use of solar power also helps cut their energy bill by a further Rs 10,000 per year.

The extra income goes towards educating kids who can’t afford to pay even the Rs 800 annual fee, says Virk. Though it has no affiliation, Guru Nanak Dev University has established an exam centre here and evaluates answersheets.

And though self-sufficiency is the guiding principle behind this college, the results are proof that academics aren’t neglected. The pass percentage every year is 99-100%, with almost 80% getting first division.

Sikh Tourism introduces Punjab Village Tour

2008-08-24T10:58:00.005+05:30

Sikh Tourism has introduced a new travel package "Punjab Village Tour" which will take you to Sikh Cultural, Religious, Rural & Heritage life of Punjab Cities of Patiala, Amritsar, Anandpur and Chandigarh along with darshan of Golden Temple, Anandpur Sahib and Gurudwaras of Delhi.

People have visited the cities of Chandigarh, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala and Amritsar but may not have seen the actual life of a lively Punjab. For a traveler, Punjab is a wonderful tourist destination and especially if your visit a countryside place or Pind (village)is what you wish to explore on your Punjab Village Tour, spend some in a traditional Punjab village.

During this tour, a traveller will be shown the actual daily life of a villager, given homemade food, could participate in the local works like carpentary, ploughing, cow milking, clay pottery, etc. They could also see the work being done on handicrafts like Phulkari, utensil making, wood work, etc.

For more details, see at http://www.sikhtourism.com/punjab-village-tour.htm

Punjab women getting into the world of glamour

2008-08-22T13:13:00.003+05:30

Gone are the days when women in Punjab were simply sitting at home and looking after the family. They had always been known as looking after their health as well as their beauty, which distinguished them from other women of the country. They have made it big in various fields and gracefully topped the world of glamour. One after the other, Punjab has offered several women in the arena of fashion. They now serve as a role model for other women, who too wish to take some initiative to enhance their beauty. The beauty is very much in keeping with the latest trends. As for now it's that of coloured hair and the women of Punjab are very much a part of this fad.

"Punjab, in our opinion, is one of the most buoyant markets, when it comes to beauty products, when it comes to lifestyle oriented products. As you have people who are really very beautiful and want to enhance their beauty further. You have people who have disposable income and people having the intent to spend that money. It's a very important market for us. It's a fast growing market. In terms of per capita consumption of cosmetics, it's one of the highest in the country," said Vismey Sharma, director of beauty saloon chain.

Many believe that this sudden interest in beauty enhancement methods has a lot to do with the ongoing trend, which demands that a woman should look at her best, always. With the affect, Beauty awareness is growing in both rural and urban Punjab. To cater for the Punjabi girl's desire to look beautiful, parlours have mushroomed in smaller cities and even villages of Punjab. " The biggest benefit is that earlier the women (of rural Punjab) had to go to some big city like Chandigarh, but now it's (saloon) nearby and hence, saves a lot of money. One doesn't have to go to any other city every time," said Neena, from rural Punjab. All said and done, Punjab's women are out to be number one!

Corridor to Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara could be another Indo-Pak CBM

2008-08-20T11:41:00.003+05:30

Indian External Affairs Minister said that the building of a tarred corridor between the Dera Baba Nanak in India and the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan Narowal District, could serve as a possible confidence building measure between the two countries. Indian Minsiter was visiting Dera Baba Nanak at the invitation of Punjab Chief Minister to assess the feasibility of the corridor to facilitate pilgrims.

Indian Minister said it was necessarily to create a good relationship with Pakistan, as "We have already opened two routes with Pakistan and are ready to open more routes so that more people come and know each other, and remove existing misunderstandings."

The minister announced that the Indian Government would send a group of experts to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of the much in demand corridor from Dera Baba Nanak to Kartarpur Sahib. He said the team would submit a report to the government, following which the matter would be discussed with Pakistan. If Islamabad agreed to proposed project, it would be immediately implemented, he added. Mukherjee visit to the border was welcomed by various Sikh organizations.

Once the corridor was in place, Sikh devotees could enjoy a hassle-free sikh pilgrimage, instead of taking the circuitous journey via Wagah, Lahore and Narowal. The region would also experience heightened economic and sikh tourism activity as a result. Sikh pilgrims have been demanding a safe passage to the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib from Dera Baba Nanak for years.

Bidar Nanak Jheera Gurudwara, a beacon for devotees

2008-08-18T23:50:00.004+05:30

Gurudwara Nanak Jhira Bidar is emerging as an important spiritual tourism destination. The Nanak Jhira Gurudwara here attracts hundreds of tourists every day. Every day thousand of devotees from across the country visit this gurudwara. Devotees believe that the first Sikh Guru visited Bidar on his way to Sri Lanka in March 1512. "Then, Bidar was a dry place with no source of drinking water. People were forced to use brackish water. The Guru moved a stone under his feet and an eternal spring of fresh water gushed out. The spring flows even today. People believe it has magical powers and cures diseases," says Amar Singh Ragi, the gurudwara manager.

Sahib Singh, one of the `Panch Pyares' of Sikhism, was born in Bidar. That is why it attracts devotees from far and wide, he says. The gurudwara trust runs a hospital and a free canteen for tourists.

`Nishan Sahib,' the flag of Sikhism, which is treated as a symbol of the gurus, enjoys a special place during the celebrations of Guru Nanak Jayanti. Every year, hundreds of flags are brought from various gurudwaras in the country. Devotees from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh walk along with the Nishan Sahib and take turns to carry it to Bidar. The faithful start reading sacred texts on the eve of Kartik Purnima. The chanting of songs and couplets goes on till 2.30 a.m., when firecrackers are burst to celebrate the birth of Guru Nanak. People take a dip at Amrit Kund, a small artificial pond in front of the gurudwara. They join in the singing of bhajans. Next day, they take out a procession in town.

"Bidar has come to be known as the Amritsar of the South and has become a compulsory stopover for Sikh tourists," says Bidar-based businessmen and gurudwara volunteer Manpreet Singh Khanuja. "It draws not only Sikhs living in different parts of the country, but also people of other faiths. The State Government needs to promote Bidar as an important tourist destination and provide more facilities," Mr. Khanuja said.

Bhagat Singh stands tall in Parliament

2008-08-18T13:15:00.003+05:30

A statue of Bhagat Singh was unveiled at Parliament House, in New Delhi. Bhagat Singh made a grand reentry into the Indian Parliament this morning. Almost 80 years after he dropped the bomb in the Central Assembly Hall to “make the deaf hear,” the martyr came home to a warm and well-deserved welcome.

Heartening it was to see that he looked tall and turbaned, and every inch himself. The visit was, however, different from his last when, on April 8, 1929, he stormed Parliament to accomplish a revolutionary mission. At that time, he was sporting a hat to conceal his identity.

But today when President Pratibha Patil unveiled Bhagat Singh’s statue in courtyard number 5, his appearance was in consistence with his cultural identity. The turban and the smile were both in place.

“This, for us, is a historic moment that marks grand repetition of history after 80 years when Bhagat Singh first entered Parliament. We would have loved to see this day arrive earlier than 61 years of freedom. But that does not take away from it the happiness we feel.” said Kiranjit Singh, son of Bhagat’s brother Kultar Singh.

Also present were martyr’s nephews Abhay Sandhu and Zorawar Singh and his niece Verinder Sandhu, who has recently chronicled Bhagat’s life in her book, “Yugdrishta Bhagat Singh aur unke Mrityunjaya Purkhe.” “This day is precious for the nation,” Verinder told The Tribune, especially thanking sports minister M.S. Gill for the installation of the statue.

Ram Sutar, the creator of 18-foot bronze statue of Bhagat Singh, the sculptor behind the gigantic Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament complex and the Ranjit Singh statue in Amritsar’s Ram Bagh, Sutar could afford to let art do the talking. He was happy that his new creation would now share space with Indira Gandhi and Subhash Chandra Bose.

Interesting also is the fact that Bhagat’s statue is one among the only four to be donated by the Lok Sabha Secretariat; the other three being of Rabindra Nath Tagore, Vivekananda, and Aurbindo Ghosh.

Sikh news by Sikhtourism

Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab on the world religious tourism map

2008-08-14T18:31:00.003+05:30

Sultanpur Lodhi will be the first place in Punjab to be on the world religious tourism map because of its sanctity and heritage value. This was disclosed by Chief Minister of Panjab. The CM also paid obeisance at Ber Sahib gurdwara on the occasion of the prakash purb of Guru Nanak Dev.

Representatives of the World Tourism Organisation had visited Punjab to identify places that have religious importance and Sultanpur Lodhi had been identified as a befitting place to be on the map. No place could hold more importance since this is where the Guru attained enlightenment, he pointed out.

At present, the Tourism Department is implementing a Rs 3.61-crore project to promote tourism in the Kapurthala - Sultanpur Lodhi tourist circuit and the ecological restoration of the Pavitar Bein project has been expedited. Keeping in view the religious value of this holy town, the government had initiated a series of steps to develop the city under the guidance of the newly constituted Sultanpur Lodhi Development Board. The infrastructure, health facilities and transport connectivity of this historic town would also be upgraded which would further boost sikh religious tourism.

Punjab heritage edifices being restored to boost tourism

2008-08-13T23:10:00.006+05:30

The land of five rivers Punjab is also known for its grand history existing in its centuries-old forts, fortresses and Serais or, traditional lodgings created by the erstwhile rulers of Punjab. It's been always felt that these historical buildings hold a huge tourist potential, provided they are properly maintained. The Punjab Government, in collaboration with the United Nations' World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), has taken up the task of restoring heritage buildings for the promotion of tourism in the State. The restoration is being done by the UNWTO giving utmost attention to keep the original beauty of the heritage buildings intact.

For this mega restoration project, UNWTO has prepared a Master Plan and the Punjab and Central government are providing the resources including skilled artisans. The 'Shahi Samadhian' or the royal cremation ground is one of the many historical places in Punjab that are presently undergoing a makeover. Restoration work is also being done at the memorial or Samadhi of Baba Alla Singh, the founder of Patiala city.

The Punjab government wants to promote Amritsar, Kapurthala and Patiala as tourist destinations. The State government had earlier tied up with the UN World Tourism Organization to jointly promote Punjab as a global destination for religio-heritage tourism.

"The Golden temple is not the only Sikh heritage site in Punjab. There are lots of other places, which are overlooked. Lots of pilgrims go to Anandpur Sahib, which is wonderful. But just down the road is Kiratpur, which is very important from the point of view of Sikh heritage. It's a lovely little town having lots of lovely Gurudwaras, heritage gardens and so on. These places are missed since they are not publicized well enough. We want to emphasise those," an official observed.
If the princely state of Patiala boasts of the Sheesh Mehal and Bahadurgarh Fort, Kapurthala city is proud of its Jalaukhand fort. Besides majestic forts and palaces, there are historical Sikh shrines and edifices that attract tourists.

The Punjab government has listed 65 heritage sites to refurbish, out of which 12 are to be restored by the end of this year.

Gurudwara Nanak Shahi the main Sikh Gurudwara in Bangladesh

2008-08-12T23:46:00.003+05:30

Gurudwara Nanak Shahi the main Sikh Gurudwara in Bangladesh, is situated on the campus of the university of dhaka near the arts faculty building. It is believed to have been built on the initiative of a Sikh priest, Almast, sent by the sixth Sikh guru, Hargobind Singh (1595-1644), during the reign of Emperor jahangir. Some others believe it was built by the ninth Sikh guru, Teg Bahadur Singh (1621-75), and that from here communication was maintained with other Sikh Gurudwaras in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa.

This shrine commemorates Guru Nanak's visit to Dacca. For some years in the recent past, the place had suffered neglect, and it was on the 2nd January 1972, after the liberation of Bangladesh, that Sri Guru Granth Sahib was installed again at the shrine. The room where the congregation met was 9 by 9 meters. Towards the left is an ancient tank, newly cleared of debris, with a baoli in its midst.

The Gurudwara was founded by a missionary sent to Bangladesh by Baba Gurditta, son of Guru Hargobing (6th Guru) within 17th century and was completed in 1830. Religious celebrations include weekly prayers every Friday. Social functions such as Baishakhi are celebrated. Old relics-an old handwritten volume of Guru Granth Sahib, a copy of the Portrait of Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Teg Bahdur's sandals are preserved here Suitable accommodation is available for visitors.

Gurudwara Nanakshahi in Ramana behind the public library adjoining the Dacca University campus, was originally an Udasi Charan-Paduka founded by Baba Nath, successor of Bhai Almast, in memory of Guru Nanak Dev. When Guru Tegh Bahadur was at Dacca during the late 1660s, Bhai Nattha was the Udasi mahant and Baba Bulaki Das the Guru's masand here. On the eve of the Partition, possession and priesthood was the subject of court cases between Baba Tribeni Das and another claimant Gobind Das, and later between Tribeni Das and one Manik Lal. Ultimately Tribeni Das was adjudged the lawful guardian of the Gurudwara, but in the wake of the Partition, he left for India never to return. A Sikh, Swarn Singh looked after this place in his absence. After the creation of Bangladesh after Indo-Pak war, a Sikh deputation was sent from Takht Sri Patna Sahib to Dacca. With the help of Sikh soldiers the members of the deputation led by Captain Bhag Singh of Calcutta recovered possession of the Gurudwara, cleaned it and held a congregation in it on 2nd January, 1972. Even Sayyad Nazar-ul-Islam, then acting President of Bangla Desh attended the congregation and gave assurance about the safety and reconstruction of this and the other Gurudwaras.

The Gurudwara is open to all, irrespective of race, religion, caste or sex. The place of prayer is known as 'darbar sahib' and has entrances on all sides, unlike other places of worship. At the northern end of the prayer hall a copy of the holy book of the Sikhs, the granth shahib, is kept on a wooden platform. A pair of wooden sandals, believed to belong to Guru Teg Bahadur Singh, has been preserved in a glass box just under the Granth Sahib.

The daily religious rites at the Gurudwara include reading from the Granth Sahib and recital of prayers. Every Friday a weekly assembly is held from 11 am to 1 pm. The chief granthi reads from the Granth Sahib. kirtan and prayers continue for over two hours. The prayer service ends with the distribution of food. There are also arrangements to distribute food in the morning. Sikhs regard this as a way of enhancing understanding among people. A weekly congregation is held by it in Gurdwara Nanakshahi, on every Friday, which is attended mostly by the devoted staff of the Indian High Commission, some Sikh devotees from the neighbouring lands and some devout Hindu residents of Dhaka.

There are also about eight or nine smaller Gurudwaras in different parts of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Gurudwara Management Committee runs the affairs of these Gurudwaras with financial support from the devotees, foreign visitors, donors and grants from the Bangladesh government.

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, a major tourist attraction in Leh Ladakh

2008-08-10T14:56:00.003+05:30

Built by Buddhist Lamas nearly five centuries ago to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion, to Ladakh, the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib is visited by Hindu and Sikh devotees, besides tourists. Although the Ladakh's culture and religion is deeply influenced by Buddhism, the existence of Gurudwara 'Pathar Sahib' adds to the region's religious history and identity.

Legend has it that many centuries ago a demon had terrorised the people of Leh. Baba Guru Nanak, who visited the region around 1516 A.D, came to know about the problem and decided to bless them with his sermons. Locals welcomed him with open arms. His growing popularity angered the demon and in a fit of rage, he decided to kill Guru Nanak with sa large boulder. The boulder, however, turned into wax as soon as it touched Guru Nanak.

"Thinking the Sikh Guru must have got killed by the boulder, the demon appeared only to be shocked to find Guru Nanak Dev meditating. He pushed the boulder with his right foot, but as it had already melted into wax, his foot got embedded in it. Realising, Guru's enormous powers, the demon fell at his feet and sought forgiveness," said Rajender Singh, the caretaker of the gurudwara. Since then, resident Lamas revere the boulder and offer prayers to it. In 1948, the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib's maintenance was taken over by the Army.

The region has a sizeable Sikh population and devotees visit the site to have their wishes fulfilled.

"By the grace of God, my wish has been fulfilled. My younger brother, whose wish has also been fulfilled, has helped me take part in the `Akhand Path', a continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib (the religious textbook of Sikhs). We have a great belief in Gurudwara Pathar Sahib," said Harjinder Singh, a devotee from Punjab.

Organize your Gurudwara Tours through

www.sikhtourism.com

Sikh athletes to don turbans at Olympic Games

2008-08-10T14:50:00.005+05:30

Some Canadians might not agree with the notion of altering or adding to the national team marching uniform for an Olympic opening ceremonies. Yet after listening to Canadian field hockey player Ravi Kahlon's eloquent explanation, you at least understand the reasoning why he and three fellow Indo-Canadian players will wear turbans when marching into the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Games on Friday.

The four players - Victoria's Kahlon, Bindi Kullar of North Delta, Gabbar Singh of Surrey and Ranjeev Deol of Mississauga, Ont. - don't wear turbans in everyday life and don't ever intend to. So why now, on this mammoth stage, with the world watching?

A turban is a Sikh religious symbol and in no way an Indian national symbol. Kahlon said as a Canadian he would never wear any symbol of Indian nationhood during the Olympics or at any international competition. This is no different than wearing a cross on your chest or a Jewish yarmulke during the opening ceremonies, which nobody would have any problem with," said Kahlon, an RBC mortgage specialist, and outstanding forward appearing in his second Olympic Games.

sikh news by sikhtourism

Delhi Gurudwaras build ramps, wheel in faithful

2008-08-08T23:48:00.002+05:30

Delhi ramps are with a difference. They will not see style statements being made on them but will see the differently abled devout go right up to the threshold of the Granth Sahib. Stairs at places of worship are a problem for the elderly and the differently abled. Keeping this in mind, the Delhi Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (DSGPC) has begun a drive to make Delhi Gurudwaras easily accessible to all.

While the government is still planning to make offices and public places differently abled-friendly, the DSGPC has completed renovations on a second Gurudwara in the city. After Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, Nanak Piao in Azadpur has completed the construction of access ramps. Alongside the staircase, these green-carpeted ramps will help the wheelchair-bound and those who can’t climb steps.

With constant complaints coming in from devotees at Bangla Sahib, the authorities finally decided to take concrete steps. “A place of worship is for everyone and it is our responsibility to ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to visit the gurudwara. We did notice that a large number of the elderly and the differently-abled had to stop coming just because they couldn’t climb stairs. Besides constructing ramps, we have also made provisions for wheelchairs,” a Sewadar said.

Ever since the ramps were put in place, a number of devotees have been coming in wheelchairs. They are comfortably wheeled up by their family members.

Ishmeet Singh is no more .....

2008-07-30T18:40:00.000+05:30

The budding career of talented singer Ishmeet Singh was cut short when he died in a tragic accident in the Maldives on July 29.

Barely 20 years old, Ishmeet charmed audiences with his smile, and his terrific voice, when he won the Star Voice of India contest in November last year.

The news of Voice of India 2007 winner Ishmeet Singh's tragic death was greeted with shock and disbelief on Wednesday.

The music industry also could not get over the fact that the budding singer was no more. The Ludhiana-based singer was on a promotional tour to promote a music label with which he had signed a contract when he met with the fatal accident.

Ishmeet will be greatly missed by everyone.

Indian government approves helipad near Sikh shrine Hemkund Sahib

2008-07-28T23:05:00.002+05:30

The central government has approved 'in principle' the setting up of a helipad near the famous Sikh shrine of Hemkund Sahib located in Uttarakhand, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal said.

The move follows a proposal to this effect by the Punjab government to the central government. Badal, who on Friday met Union Minister of State for Forests and wildlife S. Reghupathy in New Delhi, said that the minister had 'in principle' agreed to the setting up of a helipad near the shrine subject to clearances from concerned departments, including the Uttarakhand government.

The holy and historic shrine of Hemkunt Sahib is associated with the 10th Sikh guru, Gobind Singh, and is located in the Garhwal Himalayas near the Hindu shrine of Badrinath. It is said that the guru had worshipped at this shrine for a long time in the 17th century. Thousands of devout Sikhs and others visit the shrine every year. Reaching it means an arduous trek of over 19 km from Gobind Ghat through forests and glades, including the famous valley of flowers. The shrine route is open to the public only for a few months in the summers.

The setting up of a helipad will ensure that those who can afford the helicopter trip will be able to visit the shrine without undertaking the trek.

Badal has also sought the central government's permission for setting up an expansive and well-equipped concrete edifice to accommodate thousands of devotees who visit the shrine every year.

The Punjab government has also sought permission to reinforce the main structure of the shrine saying that the present one is unstable given the number of devotees coming there.

"The pilgrims undertake a lot of hardship to reach the shrine. It is the duty of the Punjab government to provide them with facilities there," Badal said.

The forest minister assured Badal that he would get the entire proposal examined by the Ministry of Environment and Forests for the development of infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims around the holy shrine.

Sikh tourism can help Pak earn 500 mln dlrs

2008-07-17T13:19:00.001+05:30

By promoting Sikh tourism and allowing Sikh tourists to land directly at the Lahore Airport, Pakistan can earn up to 500 million dollars per year, a visiting editor of a local paper in Amritsar, India, said in Lahore.

He said that around 20,000 Sikh pilgrims visited Pakistan each year to participate in four major religious events, but if Sikh tourism was promoted, the number could reach up to five lakh.

He said that if the Lahore Airport were opened for Sikhs, about half a million Sikhs would visit Pakistan every year. The Pakistan government was considering increasing the number of Sikh events in a year from four to nine, Brar said and added that the decision would enable thousands of Sikhs to visit Pakistan every month.

Baljit Singh Brar, the editor of daily 'Aj Di Awaaz' and monthly 'Punjab Times', is in Pakistan to visit Sikh religious sites, reported the Daily Times.

The Lahore Airport was better compared to the Amritsar Airport, Brar said and added that it would be beneficial to Sikh traders, who otherwise had to land at Delhi airport, which was quite a distance from Amritsar.

The Indo-Pak visa treaty, which restricts the issuance of tourist visas for travel between the countries, should be amended, he said an added that tourist visas should be given to applicants on a war footing basis in order to promote Sikh tourism in Pakistan.

Ishnaan Therapy (Cold Shower)

2008-07-06T22:54:00.001+05:30

"Go for it! When the cold water hits the surface of your skin (which has four layers) all the blood from way deep inside your body rushes to the surface in self-defense, vastly improving your circulation on the spot. This is called Hydrotherapy. It strengthens your entire nervous system. People pay huge sums of money for what is now called "Hydrothermal therapy" when in reality all you need is cold water!

But first, before you get wet, massage your body all over with a little oil. Oil is more easily absorbed by the skin when it is mixed with water--and you won't be greasy afterwards. Almond oil is highly recommended since the almond contains so many minerals, and it nourishes the body through the pores of the skin.

Go in and out of the water four times, constantly massaging your body until the water no longer feels cold. Be sure not to miss the area under your arms, which is where the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems meet. You can even stand on one foot and massage the top of it with the other foot. Women, be sure to massage your breasts."

Above Information From the Book:The Flow of Eternal Power by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa

Your first victory of the day! You will probably become very holy the moment the cold water hits your body, because it is likely you will shout, "Oh my God!" You might try exclaiming "Wahe Guru" ("Wow, God is Great!") or "Ang Sang Wahe Guru" ("God lives in every limb of my being.") Remembering God is always a blessing.

Dry off briskly with a rough towel till the body really shines; put on loose, comfortable exercise clothing, and you're ready to do your sadhana, your personal daily spiritual practice. God bless you, you're bound to have a wonderful day!

Exceptions for women: Don't take cold showers during your monthly period and No cold showers after the seventh month of pregnancy; take lukewarm, body temperature showers instead.

The Flow of Eternal Power by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa "When we do ice-cold water massage, not only do we open up the capillaries, but when they return to normal, that blood goes back to the organs."

Sikhtourism news

Guru Granth Sahib Ji to be translated into 13 languages

2008-06-28T11:21:00.002+05:30

The Guru Granth Sahib Seva Mission has taken it upon itself to translate Guru Granth Sahib into 13 prominent Indian languages so that people across the country can follow the path shown by the Gurus. The translation and publication of the granth is being undertaken so that the translated versions are ready for publication and distribution on the eve of the of 300 years of installation of the holy book as the Guru of the Sikhs in 2008.

Mr Gurinderpal Singh Dhanaula, chief sevadar of the mission, said many people from other parts of the country had urged them to undertake this exercise as the reach of the granth was universal and they were facing problems in reading the holy book. He said they were encouraged when the granth was successfully translated into Urdu by Baba Ravinderpal Singh of Talwandi Sabo. They then decided that they would approach prominent regional scholars to get the granth translated into 13 prominent languages.

Mr Dhanaula said the granth would be initially translated into Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Oriya, Tamil, Telugu, Sindhi, Malayalam and Sanskrit. The next phase would be to get it translated into major foreign languages, he added. Work on the Oriya and Tamil versions was underway and was being done by Dr N.C. Panda of the Sambhalpur University and Kannan R. of the Madurai University, respectively.

Mr Dhanaula said initially they would get 5000 copies each of the granth printed in Urdu and Hindi while 1,000 copies each would be available in rest of the regional languages. Besides, they would also get 5 lakh copies of Japji Sahib published in Urdu and Hindi while 1 lakh each would be available for the people in other regional languages.

Commenting on the financial implications of such a massive project, he said offers were pouring in from various religious and social organisations across the country and abroad.

sikh Toursim News

Single Punjab Train Sachkhand Express to Gurudwara Hazur Sahib totally booked.

2008-06-25T12:08:00.014+05:30

Sikh Tourism has received so many complaints from people from different parts of the India especially North India that there is just one Train from Punjab/Delhi for Hazur Sahib and is totally booked for next 60 to 90 days. There is not even a single seat available in II AC & III AC compartments. People whose relatives and friends have come from abroad are not being able to go to Hazur Sahib due to this.

As there is just one Aurangabad Airport near Nanded, which is also around 240 km away and is not feasible at all to travel to Nanded, people are seeking alternate routes with multi train change to reach Nanded.

Could we request Railway authorities and Hazur Sahib Gurudwara Prabandak Committee to look into this matter and start some temporary trains from Punjab/Delhi to Nanded so that more people could easily go to Hazur Sahib, Nanded ?

Private tech colleges in Punjab to reserve 10 percent seats for rural students

2008-06-25T11:51:00.005+05:30

Association of Punjab State Technical Private Institutions Tuesday agreed in principle to reserve 10% of seats in their respective institutions free of cost exclusively for the rural students with first division or above from the academic session 2008-09. These institutions would impart absolute free education including the facilities of free boarding, lodging and transportation to the eligible beneficiaries.

Expressing grave concern to provide free education to the students with rural background who were deprived of the facility of basic education from the day one due to extreme poverty, Punjab CM called upon management of the private engineering colleges to come forward for this noble cause. CM also asked her to work out modalities for few Government Senior Secondary schools in the vicinity of these private engineering and technical colleges to run 10+2 classes by the management of these institutions as these were well equipped with qualified staff and infrastructure as a 'pilot project'. He said this step would certainly improve the quality of students to be admitted in these engineering colleges and the schools would act as a nursery for these institutions.

Punjab CM also emphasized the need to start evening classes in the institutions for short term courses in skill development free of cost for the benefit of rural students. He also asked the management of these institutions to start more engineering colleges especially at the block level within a radius of 25 to 30 K.M to cater to the need of technical education.

Comments : Step taken by these Private Collges is welcome and we hope that even government will also frame some policies where instead of caste/creed based reservations, reservation & help will be granted to rural and economically weak children.

Amritsar Gets Tourism Police

2008-06-23T23:31:00.004+05:30

Amritsar seeks to safeguard the interests of tourists who fall victim to crooks and cons. AMRITSAR – One of the most popular tourist cities in Punjab his hoping a 30-person special police squad will help protect its 100,000 daily visitors. Tourists have often fallen victims to cheats and touts and ended up losing their belongings and valuables, said Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal as he announced the formation of the Amritsar Tourism Police by the city’s district police department.

The tourism police will be stationed around-the-clock at Darbar Sahib, the airport, the railway station, bus stands and the Attari border.

"Special training has been imparted to these officers in tourism management,” said Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, Amritsar’s senior superintendent of police, who will personally supervise the 30-member squad led by Inspector Ramnish Kumar.

“The main objective of the Amritsar Tourism Police will be to prevent harassment of tourists by touts, help in getting transport and lodging at appropriate rates and help avoid hassles at the railway station, airport, bus terminals and other important tourist locations."

At a joint news conference Thursday, the Punjab chief minister lauded the effort of the local police in protecting the city’s burgeoning tourist population.

"Amritsar is emerging as a sikh tourism hub, one of the most visited places in the world with about one lakh (100,000) visitors who come here every day,” Parkash Singh said. “They include a large number of devotees from other sates in India as well as from the foreign countries.”

It is not known whether tourists in need will be able to recognize a tourism-police officer from a regular officer.

See Punjab and Gurudwaras through www.sikhtourism.com

2008-06-13T23:18:00.004+05:30

Even though officially there is a Tourism department under Punjab Government but there is nobody to answer your enquiry about any place, gurudwara or tour. In this regard, there is a private travel website www.sikhtourism.com launched by one web professional Parvinder Singh. Sikhtourism website offers all the tours on Sikh Pilgrimage, Gurudwara Yatra and Punjab Tours. Even though, Parvinder Singh is also wokring for money, still he offers all the information, tour details, train & flight timings and other required details without expecting the business.For more information on this website, see at www.sikhtourism.com

Punjab never presented itself as a tourist destination

2008-06-13T22:59:00.005+05:30

The Punjab government has joined hands with United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to promote tourism in the state. The 10 member team, having know-how in human resources, environment, marketing, infrastructure planning, business consultant is being led by UNWTO leader, Richard Batchelor. Batchelor is busy preparing a master plan to build the brand image of Punjab as tourist destination since last February. He has worked in West Bengal and Orissa to tourism the states’ tourism. Batchelor, who has 27 years of experience in the tourism sector, told how Punjab could become an attraction for the international tourists .

“The tourism ministry has never presented Punjab as a tourist destination. No wonder, there are hardly tourist information centres. Moreover, there is a dire need of having tour guides. Public-private partnership (PPP) can play a big role in improving the infrastructure. Besides pumping in the money, there is need for proper marketing the state”, he added.

Richard said Punjab should be presented as a religio-heritage and farm tourism destination. According to him, heritage towns like Patiala, Kapurthala, Bathinda, Sultanpur Lodhi, Anandpur Sahib, Fatehgarh Sahib, Kiratpur Sahib with magnificent architectural value, rich heritage and fascinating history had ‘amazing’ but unexploited tourism potential.

Even though officially there is a Tourism department under Punjab Government but there is nobody to answer your enquiry about any place, gurudwara or tour. In this regard, there is a private travel website www.sikhtourism.com launched by one web professional Parvinder Singh. Sikhtourism website offers all the tours on Sikh Pilgrimage, Gurudwara Yatra and Punjab Tours. Even though, Parvinder Singh is also wokring for money, still he offers all the information, tour details, train & flight timings and other required details without expecting the business.
For more information on this website, see at www.sikhtourism.com

Turban clinic to tie Sikh Turban at Amritsar

2008-05-13T12:11:00.002+05:30

There are salons to advise one about hairstyles. But what about salons on how to wear turbans? And to keep up with the latest trends? A unique salon in Amritsar has the answer to this. Called Turban Clinic, it advises Sikh youth on how to tie the perfect turban and what style will suit them. The clinic has devised as many as 40 ways of tying the turban. Patrons can pick the style that suits them the best, according to facial structure, height and nature of work. Advice is also given on which colours to use, depending on complexion. A specially-designed software, Smart Turban 1.0, is used for this. The customer’s photo is downloaded into a computer and various turban styles superimposed on the image, and selected. And if you want to learn the art of tying a turban, take the help of Turban Tutor 2.0.

The salon is the brainwave of Amritsar-based lawyer, Jaswinder Singh, to promote turban-wearing among Sikh youth. Many now prefer to shear their locks in order to look trendy. Also, those who aren’t permitted to do so, wear caps to escape the ‘tedious’ exercise of tying turbans. Singh says his service is free.

The venture has been a success, he claims, as Sikhs throng the place in the evening to take lessons. "We try and evolve new styles for everyone because the traditional three styles of tying turban of Majha, Malwa and Doaba regions, now look archaic and conservative," he says. Singh said, "The basic purpose of the clinic is to stop the youth from shearing their hair as this goes against the basic tenets of Sikhism. This is one of the most serious problems confronting Sikhism today." Singh, who is running an organisation called Akal Purakh Di Fauj (Army of the Almighty) to work for Sikh causes, says, "The turban is an integral part of the complete look of a Sikh. We’re just trying to inspire Sikhs to look smart, without relinquishing their turbans. Let them feel that their turbans only add to their looks."

Hi-tech Sikh museum set to come up at Nanded.

2008-04-19T22:48:00.005+05:30

Perhaps it is time for Sikh museums to spring up in many places, and the development is in keeping with the fervour of religiosity inspired largely by the Diaspora efforts and the celebrations of the Guru'ta Gaddi Diwas. Now it seems a state-of-the-art Sikh museum is set to come up at Nanded at a cost of Rs 20 crore as part of tercentenary celebrations of Gurta Gaddi Diwas.

The development has been confirmed by Nanded's Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib Gurdwara Board chairman Dr P.S. Pasricha who said latest technologies will be used in the new museum.

"Visitors will be imparted information about Sikh religion in either of four languages - Punjabi, English, Hindi and Marathi. The touch screen systems, latest gadgets, and many attractions will punctuate the over 30,000 square feet area. The museum will employ graphics and animation strategies and technology shall be put to use to pass on the message of Sikh gurus to youth, particularly those residing abroad, to save them from ever-increasing western culture influence," Pasricha, the former Maharashtra police chief, said.

The first phase of this museum-cum-art gallery would be made operational in 13,000 square feet area within next two months, while the entire project would be completed by October-end. Pasricha said approximately 11 acres of land surrounding the complex was being developed with landscaping and fountains. Fountain shows are being planned for the night to describe Sikh religion.

Pasricha also said Godavari riverfront is being developed and construction of 100-feet roads on both sides of the river was undertaken by the board. Godavari will form an aquaduct and will provide a feeling of divinity and spirituality to all those who will enjoy the fascinating scenery of the original Godavari. Efforts were on to tap religious tourism with construction of special NRI Yatri Niwas with luxurious rooms and suites of international standards.

Pasricha is also leading efforts to ensure that the new airport at Nanded, likely to operational from May 1, 2008, be named after Guru Gobind Singh.

Punjab celebrates harvest festival Baisakhi

2008-04-15T15:03:00.002+05:30

People loaded on tractor-trolleys, trucks, buses and private vehicles headed for destinations of their choice this Sunday. It was certainly a busy day for Punjab as the state celebrated the festival of good harvest - Baisakhi. Sikh religious shrines - gurdwaras - were the main centre of attraction for most people from villages and those from towns and cities as they lined up to pray.

The holiest of Sikh shrines - Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) - in Amritsar got the maximum rush of the devout as people came from far and near to seek blessings for a good harvest. Roads to the Golden Temple, located in a congested area of the Sikh holy city of Amritsar, seemed clogged with people as thousands turned out since early Sunday morning to seek blessings.

The wheat fields in the state, which is known as the granary of the country, basked in the golden glory of a furious sunshine coming down on the produce. In most areas of Punjab’s 20 districts, the wheat produce is ready for harvest and farmers consider it auspicious to begin harvesting on or after Baisakhi.

“We were waiting for Baisakhi. We will commence harvesting Monday,” young farmer Harjodh Singh told IANS as he supervised his wheat fields on the outskirts of Hoshiarpur town, 140 km from Chandigarh. In some villages, people danced “Bhangra”, the traditional dance of Punjab associated with prosperity and good harvest.

Scores of people could be seen headed for gurudwara “Hariyan Belan” (green branches), 15 km from Hoshiarpur town near Chabbewal village, on tractor-trolleys and trucks. “Langars” (community kitchen), which is an essential part of Sikh religion, could be seen at all gurudwaras and along highways across the state with people squatting in rows to partake food.

It was on a Baisakhi day in 1699 that the 10th Sikh guru, Gobind Singh, founded the Khalsa panth - the essence of the present day Sikh religion - at Anandpur Sahib, 85 km from Chandigarh.
The Sikh shrine at Anandpur, famous for the birth of the Khalsa panth, saw hundreds of people turning up to pay obeisance. Social events and cultural programmes were organized at several places to mark the day across Punjab.

2008-04-15T14:56:00.002+05:30

Sikh Tourism has started Amritsar Golden Temple and local Gurudwara Tours. It has also arranges Delhi to Amritsar and back to Delhi tour for 1 & 2 days. The tour package includes Train Ticket, Hotel Accomodation and local transport for darshan of Golden Temple, Tarn Taran Sahib - Goindwal Sahib - Sultanpur Lodhi Gurudwaras. For more details and pricing, visit at http://www.sikhtourism.com/golden-temple.htm
http://www.sikhtourism.com/goldentemple-delhi.htm

Hazur Sahib Yatra

2008-03-19T00:02:00.003+05:30

Sikh Tourism is organising special Yatra for Hazur Sahib from Delhi and Mumbai. The tour starts from Delhi and Mumbai but sangat from other places can also avail the tour. The tour package includes Train Ticket, Hotel Accomodation and local car for darshan of Nanded Gurudwaras and Gurudwara Nank Jheera, Bidar.

For more details and pricing, visit at
http://www. sikhtourism.com/hazur-sahib.htm

First Gurdwara Sahib in Poland Planned

2008-01-12T12:41:00.000+05:30

Eastern Europe's first gurdwara :

A gurdwara, said to be the first in Eastern Europe, will come up in Warsaw, Polish capital as the authorities here have finally given their green signal.

The proposed gurdwara has been registered as a religious institution. Respecting the religious identity of the Sikh community here, the authorities have also allowed them to wear turbans and keep a kirpan.

"This is a glorious day for the Indian community in Poland," Singh Sabha chief administrative officer J.J. Singh said.

"Unlike France, where the Sikh community is facing many difficulties in maintaining its identity, the Polish authorities have given us what we had asked for. The rights of a minority community are being respected, which is most gratifying," Singh told IANS.

"Now our job is to collect funds not only in Poland but from other European countries to construct a beautiful gurdwara. Incidentally, it will be the first gurdwara in Eastern Europe," he added.

For the past three years, the Singh Sabha community organisation has been using a rented house in the Warsaw suburb of Rashyn to perform religious ceremonies. It has been bringing religious teachers and singers from the Amritsar-headquartered Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), a mini parliament of the community in India, for religious activities.

In Poland, apart from a small number of Sikhs, there are 1,200 Sindhis who too have faith in the teachings of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, and the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scriptures.

Janusz Krzyzowski, president of the India-Polish Cultural Committee, said: "This was a long cherished demand which has been accepted very gracefully by a largely Catholic country. In the era of globalisation people everywhere should have the right to practise their religion."

Polution Threat to Harimandir Sahib

2007-11-19T19:29:00.000+05:30

The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) should take immediate steps to control pollution around Golden Temple. SGPC should frame a policy within the next three or four months for initiating steps for controlling pollution caused by the use of fire crackers in the temple complex. Authorities concerned should also take preventive measure to control pollution created by the small scale industries situated around the temple.

Sri Harimandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harimandir Sahib in their Ardas.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Punjab Pollution Control Board, which had been monitoring the environment around the Golden Temple, found high levels of harmful nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide in the ambient air. The experts had also cautioned that fireworks release these gases which could react with marble leading to its corrosion and blackening. The miniature paintings and gold plating are also under threat from the harmful gases, the experts added. The recent study was an eye opener that fireworks at the shrine complex could cause such a damaging effect on the Harmandir Sahib.

It was difficult to change the 400-year old tradition but the SGPC authorities should discuss the issue so that the shrine could be saved from being damaged.

Tight security in Pakistan for Indian Sikh jatha

2007-11-19T19:13:00.000+05:30

Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) has made unprecedented security arrangements for Sikh devotees visiting Pakistan on the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev on November 24. According to sources, the heightened security is in the wake of emergency declared in Pakistan and apprehensions that terrorists from North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) of Pakistan may infiltrate Lahore during the visit of devotees from around the world.

Various security agencies like security branch, crime investigation agency and ISI are expected to monitor movements of the Sikh jatha. "We believe they will permanently station their spies in gurdwaras as long as the Sikh jatha stays in Pakistan," says sources. Those Sikh who have been illegally staying in Pakistan’s gurdwaras will also be watched and may be asked to leave the country, say sources.

Meanwhile, PSGPC will also bring an inter-faith delegation to India to strengthen religious bonds between the two nations. "Pakistan government has made unprecedented security arrangements for the arrival of some 20,000 Sikhs from around the world, including 3,000 from NWFP and 7,000 from Sindh," informs Bishan Singh, president PSGPC on the phone from Lahore on Saturday.

Informing that he will lead the inter-faith delegation to India in December to promote peace, Singh adds, "The delegation will include religious representatives of Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims and Christians from Pakistan and they will hold meetings with leaders of different faiths in India."

Stating that adequate security arrangements were in place, Sadiq Khurram, the newly-appointed organizing secretary of Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board, a parent body of PSGPC, adds, "We expect all religious festivities to pass off peacefully."

Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Avtar Singh Makkar says that the Sikh jatha, led by former SGPC president Kabal Singh Theenda, will leave for Lahore on a special Sikh pilgrim train from Attari international railway station on November 21. The jatha was earlier scheduled to leave on November 19, but following a change in programme by PSGPC, it was postponed by two days.

Punjabi wedding hot on India and Punjab tourism

2007-11-14T20:20:00.000+05:30

India's only planned city, Chandigarh, has been projected as an ideal destination to get married at the ongoing World Travel Mart (WTM) in London to cash in on the craze for the big, fat Punjabi wedding among non-resident Indians (NRIs) and foreigners.

"Chandigarh tourism has decided to adopt more novel and innovative measures like wedding tourism to promote the city as the tourism hub of north India," the city's Home and Tourism Secretary Krishna Mohan, who is visiting the WTM, said Wednesday.

He said wedding ceremonies could be facilitated in collaboration with hotels and resorts in and around the city.

"Indian weddings are occasions to behold and Chandigarh is particularly known for its glamorous and graceful wedding ceremonies. European visitors in particular relish such occasions and Chandigarh tourism is in the process of facilitating more foreign visitors for these ceremonies," the home secretary said.

Mohan said that Chandigarh was not only a tourist attraction for its architectural beauty but also for medical and sports tourism. The city had excellent facilities for golf, tennis, cricket and other sports.
Chandigarh has recently been placed on the tentative list of World heritage sites by UNESCO, becoming the first Indian city to make it to the list.

For any enquiry for Punjabi Theme wedding, ask at http://www.sikhtourism.com/enquiry.htm

Why do Sikhs celebrate Diwali ?

2007-11-14T20:11:00.000+05:30

The festival of Divali is an important event for most of the South Asian community. For Hindus it represents the day when the mythological god King Rama came back to his capital after 12 years of exile. Rama’s subjects were so happy to see him that they lit divas (lamps) and set of firecrackers in honour of the event. Even today Hindus celebrate this event with great happiness and joy. On this day they worship fire and the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

Why do Sikhs celebrate Divali? When we look into most history books, we can gather that the reason that Divali is celebrated is as follows :

After the torture and death of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji, by the order of Jahangir (the emperor of India at the time), the Mogul administration started to become uneasy due to the sudden popularity of Sikhism. Chandu, an advisor of Jahangir, was the one who had suggested the torture of Sri Guru Arjun Dev Ji. He suddenly felt threatened at the popularity of the Sikhs and decided to advise the king to get rid of the next Guru of the Sikhs as well. Jahangir decided that this was a good idea and summoned Guru Hargobind Ji to his court where he had Guru Ji imprisoned in Gwalior fort where 52 innocent Hindu Princes were imprisoned as well. During imprisonment, the Guru noticed that all the princes were depressed and forlorn with their treatment in the jail and were in very unhealthy conditions. The Guru helped the princes regain their health and taught them spiritually. When the Guru was granted freedom, he refused to leave until he had gained the release of the 52 Hindu kings too. The emperor then said that all those princes that could hold on the Guru’s clothes would be liberated as well. Guru Ji had a special cloak made which had 52 strings sewed on it and each prince held on to a string. Thus all prisoners were freed. It was in this respect that Guru Hargobind became known as “Bandi Chor” or the Releaser of Prisoners. When Guru Ji reached Amritsar, it was Divali day and Sikhs celebrated the homecoming of the Guru by lighting diyas. To this day Sikhs celebrate Divali and in honour of Guru Hargobind Ji and his return.

So, it’s really quite simple. Sikhs do have their own Diwali … right? Maybe not.

Guru Granth Sahib consecration celebrations at Hazur Sahib, Nanded from November 15.

2007-11-08T11:59:00.000+05:30

Year-long celebrations to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the consecration of the Sikh religious book, Guru Granth Sahib and heavenly journey of Guru Gobind Singh will commence on November 15 at Nanded Sahib in Maharashtra, one of the five most sacred and important Sikh shrines. A few days before passing away on October 7, 1708, Guru Gobind Singh ended the practice of appointing an individual as guru and declared the holy book as the eternal guru of the Sikhs. The consecration of the Guru Granth Sahib as the permanent guru and source of spiritual inspiration and passing away of the last individual guru are the landmark events of the Sikh history and religion and that makes Nanded so important.

Head of the Nanded Gurudwara Board, told reporters here on Monday that over 40 lakh devotees from all over the world were expected to reach Nanded during the year in October next year to participate in the main celebrations at the Gurudwara, Takht Sachkhand Sri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib one of the Panj Takhts, on the banks of the Godavari.

He said the celebrations would begin with observing November 15 as ‘Simran Diwas,’ on which people of all religions are called upon to pray or remember God according to their own religious practice to mark the Guru’s message of one god and welfare of the entire mankind. He said ‘Jagriti Yatra’ would commence from Nanded with a view to spreading the teachings of the Sikh gurus enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib.

The yatra would go to a large number of places all over the country. It will have weapons of Guru Gobind Singh for darshan.

Hazur Sahib, Nanded, yatra with www.sikhtourism.com

Welsh race body backs Sikh girl who was barred from school over kada

2007-11-08T11:40:00.000+05:30

Sarika Watkins-Singh, the Sikh teenager who has been excluded from her school in south Wales for refusing to remove the kada, a symbol of Sikhism, has been backed by the local race equality council.

Sarika, who decided to become a practising Sikh after a visit to Amritsar in 2005, has decided to mount a legal challenge against the school's decision that, she believes, amounted to infringing her human rights.

Sarika was sent home on Monday by the Aberdare Girls School, south Wales. According to the school, wearing the kada is against regulations because it is a piece of jewellery. The school is known for strictly enforcing rules. After the case hit the headlines, Sarika has found support from the Valleys Race Equality Council. Its director, Ron Davies, told the media, "We are supporting Sarika, and believe the school is acting unlawfully by refusing to let her wear the bangle.
"We have arranged for her to be represented by a solicitor and an application will be made to the High Court for a judicial review of the school's decision. We believe the school is acting in contravention both of the 1976 Race Relations Act and of human rights legislation.
"We also believe there is a need for the guidance on these issues to schools from the Welsh Assembly Government to be more explicit." According to advice given to the council by the the Equality and Human Rights Commission, "Legal precedence has previously been set which clearly recognises Sikhs as a racial group for the purpose of the Race Relations Act. Therefore, the school should consider carefully their actions in relation to this case.

"The wearing of a kada bangle is a significant expression of faith. Although some issues can be taken into consideration such as health and safety, the school would be expected to be proportionate in its response to the requirement to wear a kada bangle. "For example, the school could require the bangle to be covered or removed during PE. However, it would find it more difficult to justify this requirement where the student is sitting at her desk in the classroom."

In a legal precedent dating to 1983, the House of Lords had decided that a school had acted unlawfully by refusing to accept as a pupil a Sikh boy who wore a turban. The judgment held that Sikhs were a racial group within the terms of the Race Relations Act, and were capable of being discriminated against.

Sarika's mother, Sanita Watkins-Singh, told the Western Mail, "Sarika made her first visit to India in 2005, looking at her cultural background and her roots. I don't believe in putting pressure on children to follow a certain religion, but Sarika decided for herself that she wanted to be a practising Sikh.
"Her views have crystallised over the last six months, and she started wearing the kada. At first it didn't seem to be a problem, but then a PE teacher asked her to remove it. Later, after she refused to remove it in class, she was isolated from the rest of the girls. Then this week she was sent home."
Sarika said, "We went to quite a lot of places during my visit to India, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, which was just amazing. I became very interested in Sikh history and was inspired to follow the religion." "The kada is a very important Sikh symbol and a constant reminder to me to do good, and that God is One. I am very disappointed that my school does not recognise my right to wear the kada. I did not like being put into isolation, which to me was like a prison. I feel my education was suffering.

"On Monday I was sent home for the day, and now I have been told I will be excluded for a fixed period. We are waiting for a letter saying how long that will be. It is very unfair that I am not being allowed to follow my religion, and I want to challenge the decision."

Jane Rosser, head teacher of Aberdare Girls' School, said, "We have a strict and clear code of conduct that has been in place for many years. A copy is given to all girls before they are even a pupil at the school and is also issued at the start of every new term in September.
"We use this established code of conduct to ensure equality between all pupils. The code clearly states the only two forms of jewellery that girls are allowed to wear in school is a wrist watch and one pair of plain metal stud earrings."

Visit Golden Temple, Amritsar with http://www.sikhtourism.com/

Pak emergency hinders Sikh pilgrims' visit

2007-11-05T16:37:00.000+05:30

The imposition of emergency in Pakistan has come as a damper for Sikh pilgrims planning to visit Pakistan for the 539th birth anniversary celebrations of first Sikh master Guru Nanak Dev. Intelligence officials here are of view that apart from a strict watch being kept on movement of Sikh devotees visiting neighbouring country, there is all likelihood of Pakistan government not issuing adequate visas to Sikhs in wake of the internal law and order situation there.

Nearly 3,000 Sikh devotees from India visit Pakistan on Guru Nanak's birth anniversary and 10,000 arrive from other countries. Sikh bodies have urged Pakistan president Pervez Musharaff not let the political turmoil in the country affect the religious occasion and to ensure security cover to visiting Sikh pilgrims.

Bhishan Singh, president of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), told TOI over phone from Lahore on Sunday “It is a religious function, and I think there won't be any kind of interruption in religious ceremonies.”

Not ruling out the possibility of Pakistan High Commission denying visas to several Sikh devotees owing to internal problems, Daljit Singh Bedi, additional secretary, SGPC, said it was the Pakistan government's duty to provide adequate security cover to pilgrims.

Plan Pakistan Gurudwara Tours through Sikhtourism.

Shri Guru Granth Sahib to be translated into English

2007-10-30T15:45:00.000+05:30

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has announced that it will get the task of translating the Guru Granth Sahib in English done. The decision was taken in the meeting of Dharam Parchar Committee (DPC) of SGPC. Avtar Singh Makkar, SGPC president, said the decision has been taken to spread the philosophy of Guru Granth Sahib. He said for this purpose services of Sikh scholars - Jaswant Singh Neki and Jodh Singh - will be taken.

Earlier, a sting operation had brought to a halt the DSGMC's bid to get the Adi Granth translated when it was found that many among the translator scholars couldnot even read Punjabi. At that time, spy cameras were used by certain Sikh organisations to bring out how the translation/transliteration was done by one Vemaraju Bhanu Murti, a Telugu-speaking person. Later, the DSGMC's then chief Parmjit Singh Sarna had withdrawn the work from Murti.

First ever Agan Bhent Seva Samagam in South India draws huge crowds

2007-10-16T11:58:00.000+05:30

HYDERABAD, Thursday, October 11, 2007 : Amidst chanting of shabad keertan, several old volumes of Guru Granth Sahibji and other religious books that cannot be used anymore for reading purpose because they are too old weathered were consigned to flames as per Sikh Maryada at the newly-constructed Angitha Saheb under the guidance of Baba Narinder Singhji of Goindwal Saheb. Prominent Sikh leaders, including Akal Takht Sahib Jathedar Giani Joginder Singhji Vedanti and Shiromani Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee (SGPC) president Avtar Singh Makkar and head granthi of Darbar Sahib, Amritsar Singh Sahib Giani Gurbachan Singh participated in the landmark event.
The Sikh community of South India, with the approval of Akal Takht Sahib, the supreme temporal body of the Sikhs, performed the first ‘Agan Bhent Seva Samagam’ on Sunday. As many as 160 old swaroops of Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other places were brought to Hyderabad for the ritual.
The SGPC president also inaugurated the state-of-the-art Guru Nanak Medical Centre at the Gurudwara Sahib, Secunderabad. The centre was established by the the management committee of Gurdwara Sahib, Secunderabad and Guru Nanak Charitable Trust at a cost of over Rs 1 crore.
Treatment will be provided free of cost to those who cannot afford to pay, irrespective of caste and creed or religion. Those who can afford will have to pay 25 percent of the incurred cost and this will go to help maintain the centre.
Secunderabad MP Anjan Kumar Yadav, City Police Commissioner Balwinder Singh, Controller Legal Metrology Tejdeep Kaur, president of Prabhandak Committee Gurdwara Saheb, Secunderabad Baldev Singh Singh Bagga and general secretary Avtar Singh were present on the occasion.

Gurudwara Damdama Sahib, Talwandi Sabo

2007-09-10T21:29:00.000+05:30

Damdama means the breathing or resting place. Damdama Sahib is one of the Five Takhts of the Sikhs. (The other four Takhts are Akal Takht, Amritsar, Takht Keshgarh Sahib, Anandpur, Takht Hazur Sahib, Nanded (Maharashtra) and Takht Harmandir Sahib Patna (Bihar). It is located at village Talwandi Sabo, 28 km southeast of Bathinda. It is also known as Talwandi Sabo and Guru Ki Kashi. Guru Gobind Singh stayed here after fighting battles against Mughal atrocities. Before his arrival at Talwandi, two of the Guru’s sons were bricked alive at Sarhind and two laid down their lives at Chamkaur Sahib. After writing Zafarnama, Guru Gobind Singh fought a successful battle at Muktsar and then moved towards Talwandi Sabo Ki.

For Damdama Sahib Tour details, visit : http://www.sikhtourism.com/damdama-sahib.htm

Sikh Panj Takht Tour

2007-09-07T23:07:00.000+05:30

The Five Takhts (Panj Takht) :'Takht' which literally means a throne or seat of authority is a result of historical growth of Sikhism. There are five Takhts and these Takhts are the five gurudwaras which have a very special significance for the Sikh community. The first and the most important one was established by Guru Hargobind in 1609. It is called 'Akal Takht' (the Throne of the Timeless God) and is situated just opposite the gate of Harmandar Sahib - The Golden Temple, Amritsar. The Guru established it, because he thought that secular political matters should not be considered in the Golden Temple, which is meant purely for worship of God. Here the Guru held his court and decided matters of military strategy and political policy. Later on, the Sikh commonwealth (Sarbat Khalsa) took decisions here on matters of peace and war and settled disputes between the various Sikh groups. The Sarangi singers sung the ballads of the Sikh Gurus and warriors at this place and robes of honour (saropas) were awarded to persons who rendered distinguished services of the community of men in general.

For more details, check http://www.sikhtourism.com/panj-takht.htm

Punjab becoming education hub

2007-07-22T19:42:00.001+05:30

Punjab, which is known as agriculture state, is now getting another identity as an education hub of North India. Students unable to get admissions in well-known colleges in Delhi have been coming to Punjab for higher studies due to the heavy investment by the private sector in higher education. Apart from Punjab Technical University, which has a vast network of colleges all over the state, new private university, Lovely Professional University has also become popular among students from all over the country. It recently attained the status of the first professional university of Punjab. The university is running more than 50 courses, including those in engineering, management, information technology and pharmacy.

For the last few years, the private sector has shown a keen interest in promoting higher education in Punjab. They have opened many big campuses in cities in Punjab to provide world class education along with placement opportunities after completion of the course. In the coming years, a school of excellence in engineering will be opened in Jalandhar through a collaboration of UK-based Caparo Group, owned by industrialist Lord Swaraj Paul, and Punjab Technical University.

There are five universities in Punjab Guru Nanak Dev University, Punjab Technical University, Punjab University, Punjabi University and Baba Farid Medical University.

Due to being a hub for non-residential Indians, several international educational institutions have links in Jalandhar.

The Cambridge University of London has already given affiliation to two of the city's schools and from the forthcoming academic session, the first Canadian school in the country will be opened here.

As a rule, PTU gives 15 per cent of its seats to students from other states provided they have cleared the national entrance exam of AIEEE.

Punjab Tours : www.sikhtourism.com

Phulkari, embroidery art of Punjab

2007-07-11T22:23:00.001+05:30

Phulkari, an art of decorating shawls, dupattas with embroidered floral motifs developed in the 15th century in Punjab. Phulkari, is a skillful manipulation of single stitch that provides interesting pattern on the cloth. The smaller the stitch, finer is the quality of the embroidery. The silk threads in golden yellow, red, crimson, orange, green, blue, and pink are usually employed for the embroidery. The notable aspect of this technique is that single strand was used at a time, each part worked in one color and the varied color effect is obtained by clever use of horizontal, vertical or diagonal stitches.

The base cloth that was used for Phulkari in olden times was usually homespun cloth. In Phulkari when the design is worked very closely that even a square inch of the base cloth is not visible then it is called 'Bagh'. Besides floral motifs, birds, animals, human figures, vegetables, pots, buildings, rivers, the sun and the moon, scenes of village life, and other imagery were embroidered. Mention must be made of dhaniya bagh (coriander garden), motia bagh (jasmine garden), satranga bagh (garden of rainbow), leheria bagh (garden of waves) and many other depictions. Young women in Punjab often created Phulkari for their trousseau. Many folk songs on Phulkari are part of Punjab culture.

Sikh Culture news : www.sikhtourism.com

Indian Idol Sikh Style: Hunt for kirtan stars

2007-06-29T11:00:00.001+05:30

On Sunday, June 24, 2007 evening in Kolkata was the final of a talent hunt with a difference. The show, modelled on Indian Idol, tried to identify the "gurbani kirtan talent of the year". At Sant Kutiya Gurdwara, Bhowanipore, the 10 finalists went head-to-head for the tuned-in ears of the judges, all of whom are experts in devotional music. An audience poll was also conducted.

The event was organised by Sikh Heritage, a group of youths who spread the message of Sikhism across the country. It was sponsored by Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and Sant Kutiya Gurdwara Committee, Calcutta.

"The competition had three rounds, with only the best in each round making it to the next. Unlike in other kirtan competitions, the participants got to sing before a huge audience. The original forms of the kirtans were sung," stated Manvika Uberoi of Sikh Heritage. Over 175 singers took part in the preliminary round, held at the Bharatiya Bhasha Parishad auditorium, on Shakespeare Sarani. Over 130 of the contestants were from the city. The outstation participants came from Asansol, Ranigunj, Sambalpur, Durgapur and other towns. The singers were divided into three groups, according to their age: Group A for those up to 15, Group B for those between 15 and 19 years and Group C for singers 19 and above. After the preliminary round, 32 contestants were shortlisted for the semi-finals, which were held at Gurdwara Sant Kutiya on Friday and Saturday. Four of the semi-finalists were non-Sikhs three Bengalis and another singer from Bihar. All the contestants were trained for 10 days before the semi-finals. The three Bengalis made it to the finals.

The winner from each group will get a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a chance to perform in and outside the city, including at the Golden Temple. Singing kirtan at the Golden Temple is considered a great honour. One of the three will become the "gurbani kirtan talent of the year" in the city.
Music director Bholanath Mukhopadhyay was one of the judges. The other judges were from Amritsar and are associated with the Golden Temple. According to Uberoi, the competition was an attempt to make traditional music popular among Sikh youths.

Sikh Culture news : www.sikhtourism.com

Amritsar joins race with Chandigarh for India's first smoke-free city

2007-06-18T12:08:00.001+05:30

Amritsar that houses the sacred Golden Temple for the Sikhs worldwide is in contention with Chandigarh to become country's first smoke free city.

Groups like Amritsar Vikas Manch (AVM) have demanded to make Amritsar become smoke-free city before July 1, since Chandigarh administration is working to get the city declared smoke free by that date.

In a letter to Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal, the patron of the group Dr. Charanjit Singh Gumtala urged the former to take urgent steps in this direction. According to media report Chandigarh will have designated smoking areas at all public places and buildings to ensure that smoking is restricted and the general public is not forced to passively inhale smoke. The groups are stating that Amritsar deserves first smoke-free city status because it is the holy city and is known as Mecca of the Sikhs, where Guru Granth Sahib -the holy Sikh scripture- was written.

Keeping the importance of the holy city, smoking and meat shops were banned around the 200 meters periphery of the Golden Temple in 1982. Besides protecting children and other citizens from the harmful consequences of tobacco and smoking, such an initiative will improve the global image of the Amritsar and will be helpful in promoting transport, tourism and business.

Visit Amritsar and Chandigrah : http://www.sikhtourism.com/

Punjabi Jutti most popular in holy city of Amritsar

2007-06-06T10:22:00.001+05:30

Punjabi Jutti (footwear of Punjabi style) has become thriving business to its manufacturer due to its aggressive demand in the market. Presently Punjabi Jutti makers getting orders in bulk form all over the India and abroad.

Amritsar is one of the Asia's biggest market around the holiest Sikh shrine Golden Temple where the Punjabi Jutti being manufactured in large scale and being exported to foreign countries like UK, America, Germany, Canada, Switzerland Singapore and Hongkong.

Punjabi Jutti was known for its immaculate embroidery and varied hues, which made it a popular, wear for the people of the region for all types of occasions. Punjabi Jutti is also known as century-old tradition. In foreign countries where having sizable population of Punjabi people have great demand of Punjabi Jutti from the holy city Amritsar. Now foreigners have also sheer demand for Punjabi footwear in foreign lands from Amritsar. Since these footwear are easy to wear and more comfortable. In rural and urban Punjab majority of the masses including female and old aged people especially prefer to use Punjabi Jutti due to its comfort.

Balwant Singh Majithia a leading Punjabi Jutti manufacturer said, " This is his third generation in this profession and he manufacture different style of Punjabi Jutti on demand and one has to keep wait for one month. Moreover due to the summer season there is hot sale of Punjabi Jutti throughout out the Punjab and traders are coming from Delhi and Mumbai to place him order in bulk.

Now Punjabi Jutti becoming traditional footwear in the border town Amritsar and its surrounding area even neighboring states also following the same trend, informed Majithia. The graceful style of Punjabi jutti made with soft leather consisting artistic work on it being preferred by the young ladies too during social gathering. Now such footwear could also be seen in the fashion show as well as in the Bollywood industry, now it has become the essential items of cultural show. Even all the TV smalls screen plays also showing such footwear on marriage occasions.

Even it was the most favorite footwear of former Indian President Gyani Zail Singh, said Balwant Singh Majithia a Punjabi Jutti manufacturer The elegant style, beautiful designs and soft leather of the footwear are attracting the fashion lovers everywhere, said Harjinder Singh trader.

The cost of ladies Punjabi jutti starts from Rupees two hundred to three thousand.The traditional teela, zeri wali and Sundi embroidery with Golden Thread has the look and designs is a magnet for any traditional fashion lover. A rough estimate, a dozen shopkeepers in Amritsar are engaged in the Punjabi Jutti business and their turn over is in tune of ten crore.

Punjab Tours : www.sikhtourism.com/punjab-tour.htm

Amritsar Tours : www.sikhtourism.com/goldentemple.htm

Patiala all set to regain past glory

2007-06-01T13:16:00.000+05:30

Patiala is all set to restore its pristine glory and grandeur. Huge funds are being spent and the old heritage buildings are being refurbished and restored to its original glory.

Official sources say the state government has drawn up a series of plans to develop Patiala as a major tourist destination since the city is studded with palaces, museums and gardens, encompassing rich cultural and traditional architecture.

Sheranwala Gate, an ancient monument, would be rebuilt with its original grandeur and design with inbuilt gurdwara, temple, church and a mosque as a testimony to the age old cultural and secular values of the erstwhile princely state of Patiala.

The Mohindra Kothi has already been spruced up and now houses the newly established Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law from the current academic session. This is a temporary arrangement and the university will be shifted to its own campus soon. The building, which once housed the head offices of the Punjab Public Works Department, would be preserved and conserved as a heritage site along with "Maiji di Serai". The state government is also committed to preserve the landmark monuments marking the rich historical past like the Qila Mubarak, Old Moti Bagh Palace, Sheesh Mahal and Bahadurgarh fort as Patiala has been declared as counter magnet town under the NCR plan.

Patiala had historic gates built by the erstwhile rulers of this princely state. Now, the state has lost many of the gates owing to official neglect. These included the Lahori Gate, Sheranwala Gate, and Saifabadi Gate.There is a popular demand for the restoration of these gates. The Samania Gate, which was damaged a couple of years back, get repaired under the supervision of experts. Sirhindi Gate, near the Patiala-Rajpura road, was also reinforced almost seven years back when a portion of the roof of the gate came crashing following incessant rains. This gate has also got repaired and given a fresh lick of paint.

The sources said the Heritage Society had decided to take up the restoration of all historic gates. It was proposed to request corporate and industry houses besides other establishments to sponsor the maintenance of these gates.

Punjab Tour, Patiala Tours : www.sikhtourism.com

Iraq keen to re-build damaged Sikh Gurudwara

2007-05-28T13:18:00.000+05:30

Iraq is keen to rebuild a historic Sikh shrine commemorating Guru Nanak's visit to Baghdad, which had been destroyed by "fanatics" after the invasion of the country by US-led coalition forces, a top leader said on Friday.

Iraqi National Congress chief Ahmed Chalabi, one of Iraq's prominent leaders, who drove down through the desolate streets of Baghdad to the sacred Sikh site last night under heavy military protection, said "it has unfortunately been wiped out by fanatics because they thought it was against Islam". "It's shameful they cannot respect someone who has millions of followers," he told PTI at the gurdwara site along the river Tigris.

Iraqi officials escorting Chalabi informed him about the original design of the gurdwara that was built alongside the tomb of a Muslim religious leader, which has suffered no damage. "We will rebuild it," Chalabi said even as he admitted he did not know that a Sikh shrine had ever existed in Baghdad, which houses the Indian embassy.

The Iraqi leader, seen as close to the Bush administration, ruled out the possibility of the gurdwara being destroyed in military fire. "It was a mortar attack by some fanatic," he said, adding he believed it would have happened after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

News reports during the Iraq war had suggested the gurdwara had suffered damage in the attack, but there has been no official confirmation until now from Iraq about its condition. The visit to the site revealed complete destruction of the shrine. Chalabi, who broke the lock at the gate of the shrine's compound to inspect the site, pointed out that the shrine's marble floor had been pulled out and its roof razed to the ground.

Indian spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, who accompanied him, also requested immediate rebuilding of the gurdwara.

According to Sikh history, Guru Nanak, the founder of the faith, visited Baghdad and had a discourse with Bahlol Dana, a sufi teacher. The gurdwara commemorating the Guru's visit lies near what is now a devastated railway station in Baghdad. "The Sikh community has contributed a lot to Iraq. They have worked here in railways, construction and a lot of other activities. We respect them and will see to it that this is rebuilt," Chalabi said.

India and Punjab Gurudwara Tours : www.sikhtourism.com

Gatka - an ancient Sikh martial art

2007-05-16T19:04:00.000+05:30

The exact beginnings of Gatka are not clear. What is clear is that it emerged formally from its original birthplace in northern India during the times of the 6th Guru of the Sikhs, Guru Hargobind Sahib (early 1600s), who learnt and instructed his Sikhs to learn the martial art. However, Gatka existing long before then. Some have said that Gatka is the original grandparent of all modern martial arts which came out of northern India towards China.

The Sikhs mastered Gatka and perfected its use in battle. Many hundreds, if not thousands, of battles were decisively won by the Sikhs, despite almost always numbering far fewer than the opposing forces. The techniques within Gatka were combined with the spiritual practices of the Sikhs to create a perfect fighting system. Opposing forces are documented to have cursed the awesome Warrior Saints that the Sikhs were!

The Sikhs actively used Gatka in warfare for over 200 years, until they finally enjoyed peace under their own rule, free from persecution from the power-hungry Mughals who rested only when they were defeated. Since then, Gatka has been passed down as a tradition amongst the Sikh generations. With the emigration of Sikhs to western countries such as the UK, Gatka has grown again in the hearts and minds of the new generation of Sikhs. Now, in the 21st century, western martial artists are slowly beginning to recognise and enquire about Gatka. Such interest has forced the need for websites such as WarriorSaints.com to educate the world about the formidable art of Gatka.

Punjab Culture : www.sikhtourism.com/punjab-tour.htm

Treat Anglo-Sikh war as first: MPs

2007-05-11T10:47:00.001+05:30

Disagreeing with the view that 1857 was the First War of Independence, Tarlochan Singh, Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana, today said that it was a part of the movement for independence.

Tarlochan Singh, who was accompanied by Shiromani Akali Dal MPs Rattan Singh Ajnala and Virender Singh Bajwa, said that the 1845 Anglo-Sikh war was the fiercest battle against the Britishers.

He said the government was observing on a grand scale the 150th anniversary of the 1857 war but "no such functions were held during the centenary year in 1957 when Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru was the Prime Minister."

The MP said they respected the 1857 martyrs and wanted that all those who were part of the movement should be paid respects. The MPs said they had raised the matter in the Parliament and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker Charanjit Singh Atwal had supported their views.

Atwal argued that projection of 1857 as the First War of Independence was a "misnomer" as the Anglo-Sikh war preceded that.

The protest came midway through the function addressed by the President, Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee. It was attended by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, leader of opposition L.K. Advani, ministers, MPs and senior leaders.

The Vice-President, who had risen to address the gathering, was caught unawares when Atwal raised the issue.

Tarlochan Singh and Bajwa later said the 1845 war, led by Sikh General Shyam Singh Attariwala, has to be treated as the first War of Independence.

Sikh News : http://www.sikhtourism.com/

Face of Holy City Amritsar set to change

2007-04-30T23:59:00.001+05:30

Face of Holy City Amritsar set to change

The much-hyped proposal of setting up the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) on the patterns of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will be a reality now. Though the formal announcement will be made by Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on May 5, the SAD-BJP government has taken the decision to float the body for the overall development of the Holy City, which is plagued by inadequate infrastructure.

ADA would work with a "future vision". The Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah border attract pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. The city had long been neglected for being on the border. But now there will be a body of the people and for the people which will set an agenda of the overall planned growth. Though rules and regulations are yet to be framed, but ADA would be a civic body with maximum participation of the people. It's working has to be transparent and people-oriented and administration staff has to be well-acquaint with the future need of the city,

The city needs infrastructure. The roads are in bad shape pilgrims and tourists are shocked over pathetic transport system, parking places and lack of enough hotels and restaurants. There has to be focused plan for the city,

Welcoming the move, Citizens' Forum and Amritsar Vikas Manch said they hope that expert and honest bureaucrats would be appointed in the ADA so that the history of the city remains intact. "The political interference has to be checked and the ADA should be answerable to the public," said a spokesman.

Besides streamlining city's traffic, more hotels should be set up and Rajasansi International Airport should be modernised, he added.

Amritsar Tour : www.sikhtourism.com/amritsar-golden-temple-tour.htm

Punjab to follow Rajasthan's footsteps in Tourism

2007-04-25T14:30:00.000+05:30

In an attempt not just to boost tourism but retain the rich cultural heritage of Punjab, the old palaces and forts in the state are on their way to resurrection. The Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board has identified palaces and havelis ' across the state that would be restored and run on a public-private partnership mode.

The Tourism Department, Punjab, has requested the respective departments in possession of the heritage monuments to vacate the premises so that they can be restored, maintained and thrown open to the NRIs' and the younger generations to get a feel or the erstwhile rich legacy. While the Punjab government has already signed an agreement with the Neemrana Hotels Private Ltd for the Rajendra Kothi, Patiala, that is likely to be thrown open to the public by mid-2008, others too are following suit.

"Among the palaces and old heritage monuments, some over 400 years old the ones at Malerkotla, Ludhiana, Jalandhar , Kapurthala, Faridkot, Bathinda and Sangrur have already been identified to be converted into heritage hotels ," said Jagjit Puri, secretary, Information and Public Relations, and director , Tourism, Punjab.

About 200 kms from Chandigarh, the Punjab Tourism department plans to pioneer the move with the capital of the erstwhile Jind State, Sangrur. Founded in the 17th century Sangrur remained the capital of the former independent state of Jind for over a century . Built by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, the Hermitage (Heritage monument) at the moment is with the Health Department, Punjab, running a TB Sanatorium.

"The response from the health department is awaited and the 44 acres at Hermitage will be developed under the PPP mode," said Puri. The Punjab government has in a communication written to the Health Department, Punjab, its intention to restore the Hermitage to be used to promote tourism in Punjab the reply for which is yet awaited.

Most of the heritage buildings in Punjab some in dilapidated conditions are being used by various departments to house their offices. The over 100-year-old Ladda Kothi, Sangrur, renovated by Punjab government is presently being used by the police department for training.

The Tourism Department, Punjab, will also request owners of private havelis' to partner the Heritage Board in promoting tourism. "We plan to join hands with owners of heritage buildings and havelis' to restore their properties. These can be converted to two star hotel accommodation for the budget tourist visiting Punjab," said Puri.

As an incentive to the owners the Punjab government has plans to work out the same on 80-20 profit sharing. While the 80 per cent of the revenue will go to the private owners the balance 20 will be go to the Punjab Heritage Board towards running costs.

Punjab Tours : www.sikhtourism.com

Amritsar Tours : www.sikhtourism.com/goldentemple.htm

Pollution around Golden Temple, Amritsar alarming

2007-04-17T11:11:00.000+05:30

The mushrooming of small and big hotels in the periphery of Golden Temple, smoke spewing from three-wheelers fitted with two-stroke engines and burning of garbage by the municipal corporation has raised pollution level around the Sikh shrine.

Preliminary reports of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), which had installed four samplers on all top floors of the "parikarma" of the Golden Temple, had described the pollution level as alarming.

Talking to The Tribune, G.S. Majitha, executive engineer, PPCB, said there were more than 100 hotels around Golden Temple which had been frequently using generator sets in case of power failure. "These hotels are like full-fledged factories," he said. Expressing concern over the rising pollution level in the walled city, Majitha said his staff was shocked to see MC employees burning garbage there.

The problem is aggravated due to the use of adulterated fuels by vehicles, especially three-wheelers. The PPCB suggested that vehicles should not be allowed to park near the Darbar Sahib Complex.

Majitha said Amritsar, Jalandhar, Batala and Ludhiana had been marked as most polluted. According to the data collected by the PPCB, the suspended particulate matter (SPM) were beyond the permissible limits. The executive engineer said vehicular traffic contributed the most to the pollution in the city. There were 3,85,476 two-wheelers, 35,249 tractors and 2,082 buses running in Amritsar.

One of the inferences of study was that commercial diesel vehicles were being run on low-quality fuel. Many were being run on kerosene, which released toxic fumes that were responsible for itching eyes and respiratory problems. It also adds lead oxide, sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide to the air.

The historic city also has the dubious distinction of producing a large quantum of solid waste and garbage after Ludhiana - 600 tonnes daily.

Sikh Heritage and Gurudwara News : www.sikhtourism.com

Indian Sikh pilgrims ask Pak. to relax visa regime

2007-04-12T15:14:00.001+05:30

Sikh pilgrims from India, who are on a visit to Pakistan to mark the festival of Baisakhi, have asked the Pakistan Government to ease visa restrictions. The Pakistan Government should relax its visa policies so that more visitors from India could visit without hindrance, the Daily Times quoted them as saying on arrival।

The pilgrims said the followers of Baba Guru Nanak felt that it was the right time to forget past differences and promote peace, friendship and harmony between the two peoples.

"We have to promote love, peace and humanity in the region and this is only possible if Sikhs and Pakistanis commit themselves to live in peace। The fact that Pakistanis take care of our holy places is like loving us. We love Pakistanis and love Pakistan," Gurdeep Sing from Amritsar said.

Another pilgrim Ramesh Chander Sachdev said, "I am visiting Pakistan for the first time. I was born in Faisalabad 63 years ago and my family left our home when I was three years old. I have wanted to visit my home, but I do not have a visa for Faisalabad district. I appeal to the Pakistani Government to relax visa policies so that people like me can visit their birth places."

Sikh News : www.sikhtourism.com

NRI Dr Kartar Singh Lalvani offers to pay for restoration in Golden Temple

2007-04-10T16:55:00.001+05:30

A non-resident Indian entrepreneur on Wednesday offered to pay for the "restoration" of the 300-year-old door at the Golden Temple and opposed any move to replace it.

"The door, known as Darshani Deori at the main entrance to the sanctum sanctorum, has a historic significance and I am prepared to pay for its conservation and restoration," Dr Kartar Singh Lalvani said.

73-year-old Lalvani, founder chairman of Vitabiotics, Britain's first specialist vitamin supplement company, who is also interested in the preservation of artefacts, said the door was originally part of the historic Somnath Temple in Gujarat before it was plundered by raiders from Afghanistan.

Lalvani, winner of the Asian of the Year award last year, said it was Maharaja Ranjit Singh who secured the door from the then ruler of Afghanistan Shah Zaman as part of a treaty after he defeated the marauders from Kabul. The door first offered to Somnath Temple but it was turned down.

A report quoted to SGPC executive member Kiranjot Kaur said the committee had recently decided to replace the door because its condition has deteriorated over the years.

The work was to be entrusted to the Birmingham-based Sikh missionary organization Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewa Jatha and plans had already been drawn up to import special timber from Africa.

Sikh Heritage and Gurudwara News : www.sikhtourism.com

Vanishing Sikh turbans finally get attention

2007-04-09T13:37:00.000+05:30

In this new age of mass communication assaults and cultural penetrations, the Sikhs' turban, a distinguishing mark of the community is under constant threat, and many a Sikh youth are giving up this symbol of faith that has been responsible for centuries for the unique look of the community. Largely worn by the males, (though some womenfolk also do), the turban has been and is being discarded by many a Sikh youth who are getting their hair shorn.

Young Sikhs are abandoning the traditional headwear, wearying of the elaborate ceremony of maintaining long hair and knotting it under six yards of starched cotton.

Politically incorrect jokes, misplaced priorities and massive Bollywood onslaught have all contributed to the Sikhs taking a path which makes them 'patit' (apostate), but recently a number of efforts have been undertaken to pull back from the brink.

The SGPC has recognised the problem for many years now but has doen precious little to arrest the patit phenomena। "Across Punjab a large number of Sikh youth have cut their hair and, sadly, the turban-tying ceremony for teenage boys has also become rare, even in villages" lamented Avtar Singh Makkar, the SGPC chief. The jathedars of all Sikh takhts, the supreme seats of temporal power, have stressed the issue repeatedly but little emerged except verbiage over the time.

Now, a Punjabi singer Pammi Bai has sang songs in favour of turban, and featured many a known men from the world of arts and cinema. The SGPC, has declared the April 13 harvest festival of Baisakhi as International Sikh Turban Day. Two turban-tying schools have been founded in the holy city of Amritsar, and a competition to select "Mr Singh International", is expected to attract widespread participation.

Every region in Punjab has its own distinct style of tying a turban, with each claiming theirs to be the best, and Mr Singh contestants are to be judged on how stylishly their headgear is tied.

The present reigning champion, Navjot Singh Sidhu, an MP and former Test cricketer, recently held a procession in Amritsar to instill a sense of pride among Sikh youth. Meanwhile, concern over acts of violence in the West against Sikhs, mistaken for members of the Taliban, who also sport turbans, has also prompted overseas campaigns to "dignify" the headgear.

Sikhism and Sikh Culture : www.sikhtourism.com

No money for heritage conservation says SGPC

2007-04-05T12:03:00.001+05:30

Damaged and worn frescos inside the Darbar Sahib in desperate need of professional conservation and restoration. The damage has been exacerbated by poorly advised kar-seva in the past. Photograph Kurtas Singh.

In the recently passed Rs 330-crore ($76million) budget of the cash-rich Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, not even a penny has been earmarked for preservation and conservation of historic gurdwaras, Sikh art and creating awareness about heritage buildings. Angered by this, conservationists, artistes and social workers feel that the religious body managing gurdwaras in northern India must set up a heritage cell so that the history can be preserved and documented.

The artistes feel that the biggest danger to the Sikh art - comprising paintings, murals and frescoes decorating walls of the sanctum sanctorum of the Golden Temple - is from its custodian, the SGPC.

Recently, the SGPC came under condemnation for damaging heritage in the name of 'kar sewa' at various gurdwaras as murals were painted white, paintings destroyed and traditional Nanakshahi bricks were replaced with marble and shining stones.

"They (SGPC) and kar sewa babas have done more harm to the buildings than anyone else. The murals and frescoes at the Golden Temple are peeling off and the restoration at some sections has been improperly done, without taking care of the originality," rued state convener of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Dr Sukhdev Singh.

He said the SGPC should realise the significance of historic buildings and art work and set up a heritage wing with experts on panels.

Art historians and critics said the SGPC employees were not aware of the importance of the heritage of gurdwaras. "When the Akal Takht was re-built after Operation Bluestar in 1984, the art was hit the most. Instead of preserving, the rich murals and frescoes were devastated," alleged Brij Bedi, a social worker. "It's a pain to see the rich heritage ruining. There is no one to stop the process," he said.

Bedi said the heritage wing should work as an advisory body to the staff and be consulted while restoring the art work.

Renowned artist Satpal Danish, whose forefathers were entrusted with the task of doing art work on the walls of the

Darbar Sahib, said, "In the utmost disgrace, glazed tiles were fixed on the ground floor of Gurdwara Baba Atal, situated in close proximity of the Golden Temple. We have been raising the voice against the damage being caused to the historic buildings, but there is no one to listen," he said.

"Many of the devotees and pilgrims are ignorant about the great artistic treasure. The paintings on the walls depict the 'janamsakhis' of Guru Nanak Dev and other Gurus," said Dr Sukhdev, adding that even the books and documents at Sikh Reference Library inside the Golden Temple complex were not being preserved professionally.

Some renovation of the upper domes and walls at the Golden Temple was carried out by INTACH a few years back, but the work was stopped by the SGPC without giving reasons. UK-based Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewa Jatha also carried out repairs, but the original craftsmanship was not preserved though the members claimed to have preserved the heritage.

SGPC chief Jathedar Avtar Singh, denying that the SGPC was unconcerned, said he would take up the matter in the executive body meeting and if decided, they would seek help of the experts.

Punjab and Sikh Heritage News : www.sikhtourism.com

Darbar Sahib Tour : www.sikhtourism.com/golden-temple.htm

Sikh Festival Baisakhi on April 14, 2007

2007-04-02T19:00:00.001+05:30

Baisakhi is one of the major festivals of Sikhs and is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and gaiety in the state of Punjab and all throughout the world where there is a significant Sikh population. For the large farming community of Punjab, Baisakhi Festival marks the time for harvest of rabi crops and they celebrate the day by performing joyful bhangra and gidda dance. For the Sikh community, Baisakhi Festival has tremendous religious significance as it was on a Baisakhi Day in 1699, that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru laid the foundation of Panth Khalsa-the Order of the Pure Ones.

Baisakhi Festival falls on the first day of Vaisakh month (April-May) according to Nanakshahi or Sikh Calendar. For this reason, Baisakhi is also popularly known as Vaisakhi. According to English calendar, the date of Baisakhi corresponds to April 13 every year and April 14 once in every 36 years. This difference in Baisakhi dates is due to the fact that day of Baisakhi is reckoned according to solar calendar and not the lunar calendar. The auspicious date of Baisakhi is celebrated all over India under different names and different set of rituals and celebrations. Baisakhi date coincides with 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala.

People of Punjab celebrate the festival of Baisakhi with exuberance and devotion. As the festival has tremendous importance in Sikh religion, major activities of the day are organized in Gurdwaras. People wake up early to prepare for the day. Many also take bath in the holy river to mark the auspicious occasion. After getting ready people pay a visit to their neighbourdood gurdwara and take part in the special prayer meeting organized for the day. At the end of the Baisakhi ardas, congregates receive specially prepared Kara prasad or sweetened semolina. This is followed by a guru ka langar or community lunch.

Later, during the day people of Sikh faith take out a Baisakhi procession under the leadership of Panj piaras. The procession moves through the major localities of the city amidst the rendition of devotional songs by the participating men, women and children. Mock duels, bhangra and gidda performances make the procession joyous and colourful.

For the large farming community of Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi marks a New Year's time as it is time to harvest rabi crop. On Baisakhi, farmers thank god for the bountiful crop and pray for good times ahead. People buy new clothes and make merry by singing, dancing and enjoying the best of festive food.

Cries of "Jatta aai Baisakhi", rent the skies as gaily men and women break into the bhangra and gidda dance to express their joy. Everyday farming scenes of sowing, harvesting, winnowing and gathering of crops are expressed through zestful movements of the body to the accompaniment of ballads and dhol music.

In several villages of Punjab Baisakhi Fairs are organized where besides other recreational activities, wrestling bouts are also held.

Punjab and Sikh Culture News : www.sikhtourism.com

Sikh heritage project to be completed by 2009

2007-03-30T10:46:00.000+05:30

A heritage complex dedicated to Anandpur Sahib, the place where the Sikh religion was born 308 years ago in 1699, would be completed by March 2009.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Tuesday set the deadline for completion of the Khalsa heritage complex at Anandpur Sahib, 90 km from here. He said the complex would be dedicated to the people on the occasion of Hola Mohalla - a festival to celebrate the valour of Sikhs.

The Rs.2.24 billion project will showcase the evolution of the Sikh religion. It is aimed at giving correct information to the younger generation of Sikhs in India and abroad. The complex will house rare manuscripts, books, paintings and other artefacts to show the evolution of the religion.

The Punjab government has also announced that it will honour Moshe Safdie, an Israeli architect who had been involved in designing and implementing the project. The project was announced in April 1999 on the occasion of the tercentenary of the of the Sikh religion. An amount of Rs.1.14 billion has already been spent on the project, which has been delayed beyond its five-year deadline. Badal said that the remaining amount of Rs.1.1 billion would be made available for the project for its early completion.

Sikh Heritage News : www.sikhtourism.com

France apex court upholds turban ban

2007-03-28T14:27:00.000+05:30

The apex court of France has dismissed a petition pertaining to wearing of turbans by Sikhs. The petition was filed on behalf of Sikh students staying in France. Their legal counsel in India, M S Rahi, who has also taken up the issue in Punjab and Haryana High Court, confirmed that the petition was dismissed in the second week of March.

Sixty seven-year-old Ranjeet Singh, who has been staying in Paris for more than 15 years now and has been denied social security perks, told TOI, "We will file a petition in the European Court of Justice in Luxemburg. The case will be filed by the Singh Legal Foundation in Luxemburg." Incidentally, a similar case is already going on at Strasbrough in France, the headquarters of European Human Rights Commission.

Didar Singh Nalvi, a member of SGPC from Haryana, who is closely following the case, is of the opinion that India should intervene in this case. "Wearing a turban is part of our religion. And somebody should educate them that it should not be associated with people involved in terrorism," he said. As per the present system in France, identity card, driving licence and security card should have a photo without a turban. SGPC has said they have raised the issue several times through diplomatic channels, but the government hasn't done much about it. About three years ago, wearing of a headgear was banned across all the schools in France and Sikhs were victims of this decision.

Sikhism News : www.sikhtourism.com

A Gurudwara in no man's land in Kutch, Gujarat

2007-03-27T11:16:00.000+05:30

Kutch (Gujarat): A Gurudwara in no man's land has put worshippers and the government in a fix. It is the last human abode on the India-Pakistan border in Gujarat. Located at Lakhpat in Kutch, the five-and-a-half-century-old Gurudwara is a protected monument. The local Sikh community wants to develop it into a major pilgrimage center but they are finding it difficult to convince the government.

Once a thriving town, Lakhpat lost its maritime significance in 1851 AD, when River Sindhu changed its course. Today the town is almost deserted, with only a few families living here and instead has become home to a revered Gurudwara.

"The importance of this Gurudwara can be gauged from the fact that though there's not one sikh family living in the radius of 60 km, we still have langars (community meal sharing) all the year round. People travel for thousands of kilometers to visit the Gurudwara," says Jathedar Surinder Singh.

Legend has it that Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of the Sikh religion, embarked for Haj (pilgrimage) to Mecca from Lakhpat. Bhai Shrichand, Guru Nanak's son, constructed the Gurudwara to commemorate this event.

Winner of a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award in 2004, this Gurudwara houses relics like a carved wooden cradle, wooden sandals of Guru Nanak, ancient manuscripts and markings of two of the important heads of the Udasi sect.

Those managing the Gurudwara are however unhappy. "Government instead of helping us is creating hurdles for us, telling us not to do this or not to do that. It does not even give permission, if they do give it to us we would get it built," says Jathedar Surinder Singh.

The Sikh community wants to develop this as a major religious center. They want to build a guesthouse and renovate the entire area. However, with it being a protected monument and that too close to the border, the government is having a having a tough time balancing religious sentiments and strategic requirements.

Sikhism and Gurudwara News : www.sikhtourism.com

Rare sculpture of Maharaja Dalip Singh to be auctioned in Bonhams

2007-03-25T22:44:00.000+05:30

Punjab Heritage and Education Foundation Chandigarh has appealled to the Sikhs world over to purchase the rare sculpture of Maharaja Dalip Singh to be auctioned in Bonhams (London) on 19th April 2007 and place it in Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum, Ram Bagh Amritsar which is the proper place for this rare sculpture। In a letter to Prime Minister Dr। Manmohan Singh, Chief Minister S। Parkash Singh Badal, Shromoni Gurdwara Parbandak Committee (SGPC) President S. Avtar Singh Makkar, Delhi Gurdwara Parbandak Committee President S. Paramjit Singh Sarna, Foundation President Prof. Gurbax Singh Shergill and Vice-President Dr. Charanjit Singh Gumtala stated that The bust of the Indian Prince and Sikh hero, Maharaja Dalip Singh, fashioned by British sculptor John Gibson almost 150 years ago, will be sold at Bonhams on April 19th at 101 New Bond Street. The bust is estimated to sell for £25,000 to £35,000.

The sculpture was produced in Rome in 1859-60. The story of Dalip Singh (1838-1893) is a tragic one of loss and of political manoeuvring by the British Government and the British East India Company.

Maharaja Dalip Singh, the Maharaja of Lahore and King of the Sikh Empire, was born on the 6th September 1838, the son of the legendary Lion of the Punjab, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the so-called 'Messalina of the Punjab', Maharani Jind Kaur. In 30 years Ranjit Singh, the great warrior king of the Sikhs had carved out a kingdom stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Himalayas.

At the age of 11, Maharajah Dalip Singh, ruler of the Punjab, and owner of the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond was removed from his Kingdom by the British East India Company after the Anglo-Sikh Wars and exiled to Britain. Dalip's mother, the Maharani Jindan, had been dragged screaming from her eleven-year-old son and imprisoned in a fortress. In 1854 Dalip was brought to England to begin his extraordinary journey through fashionable society. Five years later it had led him to Rome to sit for the esteemed Royal Academician John Gibson. In spring 1859 the sculptor began work on the Dalip bust making sketches and maquette studies. The subject wears a voluminous pearl necklace and embroidered kaftan tunic in the Kashmiri taste. His uncut hair, in the religious prescription of his Sikh patrimony, is wound in a turban. He is also bearded.

Punjab Heritage News : www.sikhtourism.com

Punjab declares holidays on Shaheed Bhagat Singh,s anniversaries

2007-03-22T17:20:00.001+05:30

CHANDIGARH: Duly recognising the supreme sacrifice of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal on Monday declared March 23 and September 27 as gazetted holidays on the occasion of 75th Martyrdom Day and 100th birth anniversary of Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Disclosing this here, an official said that Badal decided to revive the holiday on March 23 on the persistent demand of the public after a gap of five years as the previous government had withdrawn this holiday.

The Chief Minister also announced that the state government would organise a year-long celebrations to observe the 75th Martyrdom Day and 100th birth anniversary of great martyr that falls during the year 2007.

Punjab News : www.sikhtourism.com

Takht Hazur Sahib set to get facelift with medicinal plants

2007-03-21T15:33:00.001+05:30

Venue for the tercentenary celebrations of Guru Granth Sahib's consecration and Guru Gobind Singh's 'parlok gaman', Nanded in Maharastra is all set to get a facelift with medicinal and other plants grown with the advice of a senior Punjab IAS Officer.

For the purpose of receiving 'useful tips' from Punjab's Financial Commissioner-cum-Principal Secretary, Information and Public Relations, D.S. Jaspal, the organisers have already invited him over. Approximately three-million pilgrims from across the world are religiously expected to visit Takht Sachkhand, Sri Hazur Sahib Gurdwara, Abchalnagar at Nanded for the celebrations scheduled to be held next year.

Mr Jaspal has given his consent for the project. He has already 'cloned' trees associated with the Sikh Gurus in this part of the region and has also been involved in the pictorial documentation of 48 Sikh shrines named after native species of trees in his book 'Tryst with Trees - Punjab's Sacred Heritage'.

Giving details, the sources in the Punjab Government assert Mr Jaspal has been invited by the Takht Hazur Sahib Trust for advising it on landscaping and beautifying the environs of the gurdwara. In a communication to Mr Jaspal, Maharashtra's Director-General of Police-cum-Chairman of the Gurdwara's Administrative Committee Dr Parvinder Singh Pasricha has asserted: "I understand you have developed clones of Dukh Bhanjani Beri and are making clones of other trees associated with the Sikh Gurus .. We would also need some useful tips on landscaping and enhancing the greenery in the city".

Elaborating on the importance of the city in Sikhism, the sources assert Nanded is one of the four 'high seats of authority of the Sikhs'. Tenth and the last Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, had held his court and congregation in the city.He had left for heavenly abode at Nanded and his ashes were buried in the gurdwara on the side of the river Godavari . The Sikh mythology says the Guru rose to heaven from Nanded, along with his horse Dilbag.

The prime-time celebrations will begin with Takht Snan or holy bath on October 24 next year. Diwali will be held the next day followed by a procession on October 26. The Gurta-Gaddi or inception of Guru Granth Sahib will be celebrated on October 27 followed by 'parlok gaman' on October 30 next year.

Gurudwara News by www.sikhtourism.com

Amritsar Airport Rajasansi to be expanded

2007-03-20T19:20:00.001+05:30

The Punjab government will get the Rajasansi airport, Amritsar, inspected by officials of the Civil Aviation Department next month for facilities provided to passengers at the international airport and a plan will be prepared for its expansion. This would be to strengthen infrastructure at the three airports in Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Amritsar to provide more air connectivity to people of the state.

Mr Navjot Sidhu, MP, said he would also take up the matter of shifting of the Air Force station in the airport with the Ministry of Defence so that land was made available for expansion of the airport. He added expansion plan of the airport would be finalised only after the report of the inspection of the airport was submitted. This would be the first-ever official inspection of the airport by the government.

At a press conference, Mr Sidhu said 30 per cent to 40 per cent of total passengers coming to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi were Punjabis and they could be given direct flights to Amritsar. "This airport has become redundant due to lack of adequate land. Besides, it does not have even a single aerobridge. A grant of Rs 68 crore has been received from the Centre and there has to be proper state-centre co-ordination to make the best of the financial aid. This airport lacks infrastructure and the Punjab government is committed to upgrade it to provide better facilities to passengers," he said.

The Punjab government, he said, would soon meet officials of the Government of India for a plan to improve air connectivity, along with better road and rail networks in the state.

Amritsar, Punjab News by www.sikhtourism.com

Punjab village breathes new life into girlchild

2007-03-20T19:12:00.001+05:30

Khothran (Nawanshahr) : A sleepy village, back of beyond, has woken up to stir the conscience of its people, snuff life out of the evil of female foeticide and help the girl child breathe easy. Surrounded by green fields, dotted with clusters of kutcha-pucca houses opening into slushy streets, the girl child is getting a new life here. Words like "abortion" and "discrimination" hold no water anymore and every birth is a reason to celebrate the baby, the mother and life.

A girl is as welcome as a boy and lending credence to this changed mindset are statistics. Against 50 males and 31 females born in 2004, of the 77 children born here in 2005, 44 were girls, giving a fillip to the dwindling sex ratio of the district and goading volunteers of "Upkaar" to stoke the campaign fire further.

This district-level co-ordination body formed by the Deputy Commissioner, Mr Krishan Kumar, "Upkaar", with people from all walks of life, spearheads the campaign. United, they all stand for one cause that of saving the girl child.

While the increased number of girls at the end of the year have brought some cheer to the volunteers as also village sarpanch Nirmal Kaur, they know it's just the beginning and have a long way to go. But, then, again, every villager believes that large oaks from small acorns grow and are willing to slog. They want their small beginning to snowball into a people's movement for correcting the sex ratio of their villages, going on to the block, the district, the state and finally the country.

Punjab News by www.sikhtourism.com

DSGMC wants Delhi to help Afghan Sikhs

2007-03-19T10:51:00.001+05:30

Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) urged the government yesterday to arrange safe passage for Sikhs living in Afghanistan who said they faced humiliation and ill-treatment there.

DSGMC was reacting to a Reuters report that said Sikhs in southern Afghanistan were spat on by locals and their men stoned. The report said Sikhs hid in back alleys in the city of Kandahar, the birthplace of the hardline Islamic Taliban movement, and yearn for the safety of India.

"The government of India should look at the Sikhs in Afghanistan as its own citizens and act urgently to give them the option of safe passage from Afghanistan where their religion is in danger," "If they are ensured bread and butter in India, they will not like to stay in Afghanistan where they are humiliated and ill-treated," Sikh community leader told a news conference.

He said New Delhi must rehabilitate Sikhs who choose to come to India but Indian officials would not immediately comment.

In the late 1980s, there were about 500,000 Sikhs spread across Afghanistan, many of them money lenders for generations. But following the Mujahideen civil war and the rise in 1994 of the Taliban, with its hardline interpretation of Islamic law, most fled. Sikhs who fled Afghanistan in the 1990s and live in India say New Delhi should do more for them as well as their community members still residing in the Islamic nation.

Sikh News by www.sikhtourism.com