#sikh bracelet punjab

[onlinesikhstore]

Sikh Kara Mool Mantar Kada Singh Kaur Khalsa Smooth Stainless Steel Bangle DD4

Singh Kaur Khalsa Smooth Flat Stainless Steel MOOL MANTAR Kara Sikh Kada - Sikh Bangle Bracelet

Design: DD4

Width is approx 6.5mm

Thickness of Kara is approx. 6mm

Weight approx. 48-65g (Variable due to different sizes and each kara is handmade and unique)

Mool Mantar is written Beautifully on outer circumference of this kara as shown in photos and inside side is plain and smooth - non

allergic to skin.

Kara sizes are the measured internal diameter of the kara in centimetres.

Brilliant finish and very decorative. Ideal gift item for loved ones on all occasions.

We are UK based supplier. Items can be collected from our shop in Kent, UK.  

Very Reasonable Economy Royal Mail Signed Postage in UK for this Mool Mantar Chakri Kara. 

Postage discounts for multi-buys.

Any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

PLEASE NOTE: Please measure/check size of your kara/bracelet first while ordering to avoid any hassle or posting it back to us and paying extra for p&p for exchange and swap of kara with other desired sizes.

P.S. Colour of item may slightly vary due to camera flash and light conditions. Some Kara may have negligible small black grinding mark on the kara joint. This is always seen on all kara from Amritsar as most of the Kara making/shaping work is done by hands with traditional methods. However, this will not affect the quality/look of Kara.

[irunevenus]

Sikhism: The Religion of Unity and Courage – A Journey of Spirituality and Justice

Sikhism, one of the world’s youngest religions, originated in the 15th century in Punjab, a region that is now divided between India and Pakistan. Founded by Guru Nanak, Sikhism rejects the caste system, idolatry, and ritualism, instead promoting equality, social justice, and direct devotion to one God. With approximately 25 million followers, it is the fifth largest religion in the world. This article explores the origins of Sikhism, its core doctrines and practices, and how it continues to inspire its followers around the world.

The Origins of Sikhism: The Teachings of Guru Nanak Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak (1469-1539), who was born at a time of great social and religious turmoil in the Indian subcontinent, where Hinduism and Islam coexisted, often in conflict. Guru Nanak was a spiritual thinker deeply influenced by these traditions, but he believed in a new spiritual approach that transcended religious divisions.

At the age of 30, after a mystical experience while bathing in the Kali Bein River, Nanak emerged with a clear message: “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim,” emphasizing the unity of all human beings and devotion to one God. He spent the rest of his life traveling across the Indian subcontinent, preaching a message of love, equality, and selfless service, attracting followers who would become the first Sikhs (disciples).

The Ten Gurus and the Establishment of Sikhism Following Guru Nanak, Sikhism was guided by a succession of nine Gurus, who consolidated and expanded the teachings of the faith. Each Guru played a crucial role in the spiritual, social and military development of the Sikh community:

Guru Angad (1504-1552): Created the Gurmukhi script, used to record sacred teachings. Guru Amar Das (1479-1574): Instituted the practice of "Langar", the community kitchen that provided free meals to all, regardless of their religion or social status. Guru Ram Das (1534-1581): Founded the holy city of Amritsar, which became the spiritual center of the Sikhs. Guru Arjan (1563-1606): Compiled the Adi Granth, the sacred text of Sikhism, and oversaw the construction of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Guru Hargobind (1595-1644): Introduced the concept of Miri and Piri, representing temporal and spiritual authority, and militarized the Sikh community to defend itself from persecution. Guru Har Rai (1630-1661) and Guru Har Krishan (1656-1664): Continued the mission of peace and service, even in times of increasing conflict. Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675): Defended religious freedom against Mughal oppression, sacrificing his life to protect the right of all to practice their faith. Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708): Founded the Khalsa, a brotherhood of baptized Sikh warriors who advocated justice and equality. He declared that after him, the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book, would be the eternal spiritual guide of the Sikhs. Fundamental Doctrines and Practices of Sikhism Sikhism is based on the belief in one God, known as Waheguru, who is formless, omniscient, and accessible to all. The core teachings of Sikhism can be summarized in three tenets:

Naam Japna (Meditation on the Name of God): Sikhs are encouraged to meditate and constantly remember God in their daily actions.

Kirat Karni (Honest Work): Earn an honest living and contribute to the well-being of society.

Vand Chakna (Sharing with Others): Practice charity and share one’s resources with those in need.

In addition to these tenets, Sikhs follow the Five Ks, symbols of identity and spiritual commitment:

Kesh (Uncut Hair): Represents acceptance of one’s natural God-given form.

Kara (Steel Bracelet): Symbolizes eternity and commitment to good deeds.

Kanga (Wooden Comb): Denotes cleanliness and order.

Kachera (Cotton shorts): A symbol of modesty and self-control. Kirpan (Small sword): Represents the fight for justice and the defense of the oppressed. The Khalsa and the Warrior Spirit of Sikhism The founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699 was a turning point for Sikhism. Guru Gobind Singh instituted an initiation ritual in which followers pledged to uphold justice, protect the weak, and live a life of purity and spiritual discipline. Members of the Khalsa adopted the name "Singh" (lion) for men and "Kaur" (princess) for women, reflecting the equality and dignity that the faith advocates.

The Khalsa played a key role in resisting Mughal oppression and later, the Afghan invasions, establishing the Sikhs as a powerful military force in northern India. This spirit of fighting for justice remains alive in modern Sikhs, who continue to uphold the ideals of equality, freedom and courage.

The Guru Granth Sahib: The Living Scripture The Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy book, is more than a collection of scriptures; it is considered the eternal guru of the Sikhs. Originally compiled by Guru Arjan, the text contains hymns and poetry from various Gurus, as well as Hindu and Muslim saints, reflecting the inclusive and universalist nature of Sikhism.

The Guru Granth Sahib is recited, sung and revered in gurdwaras (Sikh temples) around the world, where the Langar, the communal soup kitchen that offers free meals to all, symbolizing equality and selfless service, is also practiced.

Sikhism Today: A Legacy of Faith and Service Sikhism continues to be a powerful force in the lives of millions of people, particularly in the Punjab region, but also in significant communities in North America, Europe and elsewhere. Sikhs are known for their spirit of community service, compassion and advocacy for human rights. In modern times, Sikhs continue to face challenges, including discrimination and misunderstandings about their faith and identity. However, Sikhs’ commitment to social justice, equality and service remains unwavering, reflecting the timeless teachings of their Gurus. Sikhism offers the world a model of practical spirituality and social activism, advocating a way of life that unites spiritual devotion with the moral responsibility to fight injustice. Sikhism’s message of unity, courage and compassion continues to resonate, offering a beacon of hope in an often divided world. Sikhism, with its roots in a period of great religious upheaval, has transcended time as a vibrant faith that preaches equality, advocacy for justice and devotion to one God. As they face the challenges of the modern world, Sikhs remain true to the values ​​of their Gurus, inspiring millions with their devotion, courage and commitment to the common good.

[rajputrishu120]

The Initiation Of Khalsa

Guru Nanak Dev Ji founded the Sikh religion in Northern India in the fifteenth century, and it is the world's fifth-largest religion, with 25 million adherents worldwide. The religion believes in a single God, equality, religious freedom, and community service. Sikhs adhere to three basic principles: meditating on God's name (praying), earning a living through honest means, and sharing the fruits of one's labor with others. Sikhism opposes caste and class systems and places a premium on humanitarian service. The universality of the Sikh way of life reaches out to people of all faiths and cultural backgrounds, encouraging us to look beyond our differences and work together for global peace and harmony.

The Initiation Of Khalsa

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth and last living Sikh Guru, summoned his followers to the Punjab town of Anandpur in 1699; over 80,000 people attended. Guru Gobind Singh, according to legend, appeared before his people, brandished a naked sword, and demanded a head. He called again and again until five Sikhs volunteered. He called the volunteers the Panj Pyare and the first Khalsa in the Sikh tradition. These five volunteers were : Daya Ram (Bhai Daya Singh), Dharam Das (Bhai Dharam Singh), Himmat Rai (Bhai Himmat Singh), Mohkam Chand (Bhai Mohkam Singh), and Sahib Chand (Bhai Sahib Singh)

Guru Gobind Singh then mixed water and sugar into an iron bowl, stirring it with a double-edged sword while reciting gurbani to prepare what he called Amrit ("nectar"). He then administered this to the Panj Pyare, accompanied with recitations from the Adi Granth, thus founding the khanda ki pahul (baptism ceremony) of a Khalsa – a warrior community. After the first five Khalsa had been baptized, the Guru asked the five to baptize him as a Khalsa. This made the Guru the sixth Khalsa, and his name changed from Guru Gobind Rai to Guru Gobind Singh. On that day, he gave the Sikhs a distinct identity, including five articles of faith that he introduced for a variety of reasons:

1. Adopting these common symbols would allow Khalsa members to be identified.

2. Because all Khalsa members wear the 5 Ks, the community is more strongly linked together.

3. Each K is significant in its own way.

The Meaning Of Five Ks

The 5 Ks are taken together to symbolize that the Sikh who wears them has dedicated themselves to a life of devotion and submission to the Guru. The 5 Ks are 5 physical symbols worn by Sikhs who have been initiated into the Khalsa. They are: Kesh (Uncut hair) Kara (Iron bracelet) Kanga (a wooden comb) Kachera (cotton underwear) Kirpan (steel sword)

1. Kesh (Uncut Hair)

It is a prominent symbol of Sikh identity. Uncut hair represents the adoption of a simple life and the rejection of pride in one's appearance. Throughout Sikhism's history, hair (kesh) has been regarded as a symbol of both holiness and strength. Long hair is considered proof of a devout Sikh's devotion and a sign of a Sikh's commitment and devotion to his/her Guru.

2. Kara (Iron Bracelet)

SKara represents unbreakable attachment and devotion to God. It serves as a constant reminder of the Sikh's mission on this planet, and that he or she must carry out righteous and true deeds and actions in accordance with the Guru's advice. The round shape of the Kara represents God, who has no beginning and no end.....

Read More...

[oneonetwoseven]

Symbolism and faith go hand in hand...

Whether it be the Christian cross, the Islamic crescent moon, the Hindu Om, or the Jewish Star of David,  the major religions of our world provide universally acknowledged symbols to be revered as emblems of their strength and devotion… Ones that faith-based individuals can wear proud. Think of all the people you’ve seen wear a cross on a necklace, or the New Age philosophies inspiring the young people these days to buy rocks and step out in jewelry made of distinct gemstones that cannot be found at any store… crystals that are worn for a purpose and that have roots with early Eastern philosophies.

What counts as a religious symbol?

To wear something symbolically out of faith, of course, is not only about wearing sacred stones or a symbol that’s been drawn out… There are many things religious people to do symbolize their faith, and that’s why the term “religious symbol” is so vast — lighting a candle, posturing yourself in prayer a certain way, or singing “Om” in meditation are all technically just as religiously symbolic, as religious symbolism ultimately extends far beyond jewellery and drawings.

When it comes to Sikhism…

Sikhism has grown into a global community of millions since its founding in 15th century Punjab and at its core are a set of symbols and practices which serve a testament to its depth. The history of Sikh symbolism can be traced back to 1699, when it’s said that the tenth and final living Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, instructed his first initiates to adopt the “Five Ks”. These are are five physical articles or symbols that embody and guide the Sikh way of life, and while the "Five Ks" in Sikhism might not be as globally recognized, the impact they have within the faith withstands the test of its time.

So what are the “5 Ks”? And why are they called that?

Well for starters, all five of the Sikh religious emblems begin with the letter "K" in Punjabi, hence why they’re known as the "Five Ks." The Five Ks that Sikhs are required to wear or carry as part of their identity are as follows:

Kesh: Uncut Hair

In Sikh traditions, uncut hair, which is referred to as Kesh, symbolizes a level of holiness and devotion to God. Sikh men and women alike are encouraged to grow out their hair unrestrained as it serves an embodiment of the divine through one’s refusal to alter their natural physically state ultimately bestowed by God. Oftentimes with turbans or head coverings, Sikhs will cover their grown out hair as a visible sign of their religious commitment.

Kanga: Comb

Associated with Kesh and used for the same reasons, the Kanga is a word for a small wooden comb which Sikhs use to upkeep their hair and ensure it remains tidied. It is to be worn under the turban.

Kachh: Cotton breeches

The Kachh represents loose-fitting white boxer shorts.  Sikhs wear these cotton undergarments to represent their sexual restraint, and it serves as a symbol of modesty, purity, and ultimate self-control against sin… The Kaach is meant to remind Sikhs of the need to control one’s physical desires.

Kirpan: Wooden sword

Kirpan is a ceremonial stylized representation of a sword that represents the Sikh's duty to protect the oppressed and stand up against injustice. It serves as a reminder for Sikhs to be ready to defend their faith and values, while those who choose to carry the Kirpan are advised to do so responsibly. For wearers, it must be sheathed, wrapped in a cloth belt, and worn next to the body.

Kara: Bracelet

The Kara is an iron or steel bracelet that’s typically worn on the wrist, and it represents several important aspects of Sikhism. The bracelet’s unbroken circle signifies the eternity of God and the notion to use one’s hands to benefit humanity, and ultimately, it represents the unbreakable connection between the individual and their Guru.

An embodiment of the faith’s principles

The “Five Ks” in Sikhism aren’t mere symbols, but rather emblems of the Sikh way of life.  Each "K" ultimately represents a distinct aspect of this faith as the sacred articles represent the foundations of its identity. And while they may not garner the same level of global recognition as other religious symbols,  they go a long way in establishing a common ground for Sikh identity.

[brookston]

Holidays 4.15

Holidays

Air Force Reserve Day

American Dictionary Day

Americas Day (Honduras, Mexico)

Black Day (South Korea)

Blessing of the Salmon Nets (Northumbria)

Bon Jovi Day (New Jersey)

Cake and Cunnilingus Day

Children with Alopecia Day

Commemoration of Anfal Genocide Against the Kurds (Iraqi Kurdistan)

Day of Mologa (Russia)

Day of (No) Silence (GLSEN)

Day of the Georgian Language

Day of the Skater

Dhivehi Language Day (Maldives)

Donate Life Blue & Green Day

Draw MegaMan Day

Dreams of Reason Feast Day

Ex-Spouse's Day

Global Roller Day

Grand National Ladies Day (UK)

Gujarat (Fire Service Day; India)

International Goalkeeper Day

International Moment of Laughter Day

International Silambam Day

Kids’ Yoga Day

Kinetoscope Day

Look Up at the Sky Day

Lundkommardagen (Puffin Arrival Day; Norway) 

Meme Appreciation Day

Milwaukee Day (414)

Moirang Day (a.k.a. Victory Day; India)

National Bracelet Day

National Dolphin Day

National Gardening Day

National Kick Balls Day

National Love Our Children Day

National Not Ashamed of Jesus Day

National Perfume Day

National Reach as High as You Can Day

New Year's Day (Assamese, Bengali, Burmese, Sikh, Khmer, Lao, Nepali, Oriya, Sinhalese, Tamil, Thai, Tuluva; Southeast Asia) [Sidereal Vernal Equinox]

N'Ko Alphabet Day (Mande)

Orange Day (Japan)

Pan American Day

Pathologists’ Assistant Day

Peregrine Falcon Appreciation Day

Peter Capaldi Day

Reach As High As You Can Day

Samjinnal (Arrival of Spring; Korea)

Secret Service Day

Sidereal New Year (South and Southeast Asian) (a.k.a. …

Aluth Avurudda (Sri Lanka)

Biju Festival (Parts of India)

Bisu (Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka and Kerala, India)

Bizhu (Chakmas in Mizoram, Tripura and Bangladesh)

Bohag Bihu (Assam, India)

Buisu (Tripura, India)

Bwisagu (Bodoland region of Assam, India)

Cheiraoba (Parts of India)

Choul Chnam Thmey (Cambodia)

Jur Sital (Mithila region of Bihar, India and Nepal)

Khmer New Year (Cambodia)

Maha Vusubha Sankranti (Parts of India)

Oriya New Year (Parts of India)

Pahela Baishakh (Bangladesh and West Bengal, India)

Pana Sankranti (Odisha, India)

Pi Mai (Laos)

Puthandu (Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, India and Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka)

Rongali Bihu (Parts of India)

Samjinnal (Korea)

Sangken (Khamti, Singpho, Khamyang, Tangsa in Arunachal Pradesh and Tai Phake, Tai Aiton, and Turung in Assam, India)

Sinhala (Sri Lanka)

Songkran (Thailand)

Tamil New Year (Parts of India)

Thingyan (Myanmar)

Tuluva New Year (Parts of India)

Vaisakhi (Punjab, North and Central India, Nepalese New Year in Nepal)

Varusha Pirruppa (Tamil New Year; Mauritius)

Vishu (Kerala, India)

Water-Sprinkling Festival (Yunnan, China)

Spring Hula Hooping Day

Tempting Fate Day

Takayama Spring Festival (Japan)

Thingyan begins (Water Festival; Burma)

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Day of Service (South Africa)

World Chagas Day

World Quantum Day

Youth Day (Angola)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Espresso Italiano Day (Italy)

International Laverbread Day

National Pecan Day

Saison Day

Tannat Day

2nd Friday in April

Audubon Day [2nd Friday]

Fast and Prayer Day (Liberia) [2nd Friday]

National Dive Bar Day [2nd Friday]

Independence Days

Jonja Island (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Lawfords (a.k.a. Kingdom of Lawfords; Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

Abushibarei (Ryukyuan)

Adolph Hitler Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Albategnius (Positivist; Saint)

Ambedkar Jayanti (India)

Anthony, John, and Eustathius (Christian; Martyrs)

Bénézet (Christian; Saint)

Carpus of Thyatira (Christian; Saint)

Domnina of Terni (Christian; Saint)

The Extremes (Muppetism)

Friday before Easter  [Orthodox Christian] (a.k.a. …

Coptic Good Friday (Eritrea)

Good Friday

Great Friday (Serbia)

Holy Friday

Red Friday (Georgia)

Siklet (Ethiopia)

Vinerea Mare (Romania)

Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin (Artology)

Galungan (Celebrating Victory of Dharma over Adharma; Bali)

Henry Beard Delany (Episcopal Church (USA))

Lidwina (a.k.a. B. Lidwina of Schiedam or Lydwina; Christian; Saint)

Look Up at the Sky Day (Pastafarian)

Marianne’s Day (Pagan)

Peter González (Christian; Saint)

Sommarsblot (Norse)

Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus (Christian; Martyrs)

Victor Borisov-Musatov

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Historically Bad Day (Lincoln shot, Titanic hit an iceberg & 9 other tragedies) [1 of 11]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 17 of 60)

Premieres

About Damn Time, by Lizzo (Song; 2022)

American Psycho (Film; 2000)

Batman vs. Robin (WB Animated Film; 2015)

Beach Blanket Bingo (Film; 1965)

Beauty and the Beast (WB MM Cartoon; 1934)

British Steel, by Judas Priest (Album; 1980)

Buddy’s Garage (WB LT Cartoon; 1934)

Bye Bye Birdie (Broadway Musical; 1960)

Diver Down, by Van Halen (Album; 1982)

Execution Dock, by Anne Perry (Novel; 2009)

The Fair-Haired Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1951)

The Fate of the Furious [F&F #8]

Girl Happy (Film; 1965)

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (Novel; 1939)

The Invisible Man, by H.G. Wells (Novel; 1897)

Iron Maiden, by Iron Maiden (Album; 1980)

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, by Public Enemy (Album; 1988)

Keeping the Faith (Film; 2000)

The King of Torts, by John Grisham (Novel; 2003)

Kinky Boots (Film; 2006)

The Legend of Korea (Animated TV Series; 2012)

Let’s Dance, by David Bowie (Album; 1983)

Mixed Master (WB LT Cartoon; 1956)

The Notorious Bettie Page (Film; 2006)

Off the Deep End, by Weird Al Yankovic (Album; 1992)

The Pebble and the Penguin (Animated Film; 1995)

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (Radio Series; 1930)

Rocket Man, by Elton John (Song; 1972)

Say Anything (Film; 1989)

Thank You For Smoking (Film; 2006)

Ultra, by Depeche Mode (Album; 1997)

Webster’s American Dictionary (Book; 1818)

The Wild (Animated Film; 2006)

Today’s Name Days

Elmo, Erna, Ernestine (Austria)

Maksim, Valerijan, Zdravko (Croatia)

Vincenc (Czech Republic)

Tiburtius (Denmark)

Lehe, Lehte, Lehti (Estonia)

Taito (Finland)

Ludivine, Maxime (France)

Elmo, Erna, Ernestine (Germany)

Aristarhos, Thomais (Greece)

Tibor (Hungary)

Abbondio, Ignazio, Lamberto (Italy)

Agape, Gudrite, Strauja (Latvia)

Justinas, Vaišvydė, Vaiva, Valerijonas, Visvaldas (Lithuania)

Ellinor, Nora (Norway)

Berenike, Julianna, Justyn, Maria, Myślimir, Tyburcjusz, Walerian, Waleriana (Poland)

Pahomie (Romania)

Maria (Russia)

Justína (Slovakia)

Lidia, Tiburcio, Valeriano (Spain)

Tiburtius (Sweden)

Martin (Ukraine)

Caradoc, Carey, Cary, Hudson (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 104 of 2024; 261 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 15 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Fearn (Alder) [Day 27 of 28]

Chinese: Second Month 2 (Gui-Mao), Day 24 (Ren-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 23 Nisan 5783

Islamic: 23 Ramadan 1444

J Cal: 13 Aqua; Sixday [13 of 30]

Julian: 1 April 2023

Moon: 34%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 20 Archimedes (4th Month) [Albategnius]

Runic Half Month: Man (Human Being) [Day 5 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 26 of 90)

Zodiac: Aries (Day 25 of 30)

Calendar Changes

April (a.k.a. Aprilis; Julian Calendar) [Month 4 of 12]

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 4.14

Holidays

Air Force Reserve Day

American Dictionary Day

Americas Day (Honduras, Mexico)

Black Day (South Korea)

Blessing of the Salmon Nets (Northumbria)

Bon Jovi Day (New Jersey)

Cake and Cunnilingus Day

Children with Alopecia Day

Commemoration of Anfal Genocide Against the Kurds (Iraqi Kurdistan)

Day of Mologa (Russia)

Day of (No) Silence (GLSEN)

Day of the Georgian Language

Day of the Skater

Dhivehi Language Day (Maldives)

Dictionary Day

Donate Life Blue & Green Day

Draw MegaMan Day

Dreams of Reason Feast Day

Ex-Spouse's Day

Global Roller Day

Grand National Ladies Day (UK)

Gujarat (Fire Service Day; India)

International Goalkeeper Day

International Moment of Laughter Day

International Silambam Day

Kids’ Yoga Day

Kinetoscope Day

Look Up at the Sky Day

Lundkommardagen (Puffin Arrival Day; Norway) 

Meme Appreciation Day

Milwaukee Day (414)

Moirang Day (a.k.a. Victory Day; India)

National Bracelet Day

National Dolphin Day

National Gardening Day

National Kick Balls Day

National Love Our Children Day

National Not Ashamed of Jesus Day

National Perfume Day

National Reach as High as You Can Day

New Year's Day (Assamese, Bengali, Burmese, Sikh, Khmer, Lao, Nepali, Oriya, Sinhalese, Tamil, Thai, Tuluva; Southeast Asia) [Sidereal Vernal Equinox]

N'Ko Alphabet Day (Mande)

Orange Day (Japan)

Pan American Day

Pathologists’ Assistant Day

Peregrine Falcon Appreciation Day

Peter Capaldi Day

Reach As High As You Can Day

Samjinnal (Arrival of Spring; Korea)

Secret Service Day

Sidereal New Year (South and Southeast Asian) (a.k.a. …

Aluth Avurudda (Sri Lanka)

Biju Festival (Parts of India)

Bisu (Tulu Nadu region of Karnataka and Kerala, India)

Bizhu (Chakmas in Mizoram, Tripura and Bangladesh)

Bohag Bihu (Assam, India)

Buisu (Tripura, India)

Bwisagu (Bodoland region of Assam, India)

Cheiraoba (Parts of India)

Choul Chnam Thmey (Cambodia)

Jur Sital (Mithila region of Bihar, India and Nepal)

Khmer New Year (Cambodia)

Maha Vusubha Sankranti (Parts of India)

Oriya New Year (Parts of India)

Pahela Baishakh (Bangladesh and West Bengal, India)

Pana Sankranti (Odisha, India)

Pi Mai (Laos)

Puthandu (Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, India and Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka)

Rongali Bihu (Parts of India)

Samjinnal (Korea)

Sangken (Khamti, Singpho, Khamyang, Tangsa in Arunachal Pradesh and Tai Phake, Tai Aiton, and Turung in Assam, India)

Sinhala (Sri Lanka)

Songkran (Thailand)

Tamil New Year (Parts of India)

Thingyan (Myanmar)

Tuluva New Year (Parts of India)

Vaisakhi (Punjab, North and Central India, Nepalese New Year in Nepal)

Varusha Pirruppa (Tamil New Year; Mauritius)

Vishu (Kerala, India)

Water-Sprinkling Festival (Yunnan, China)

Sommarsblot (Norse)

Spring Hula Hooping Day

Tempting Fate Day

Takayama Spring Festival (Japan)

Thingyan begins (Water Festival; Burma)

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Day of Service (South Africa)

World Chagas Day

World Quantum Day

Youth Day (Angola)

Food & Drink Celebrations

Espresso Italiano Day (Italy)

International Laverbread Day

National Pecan Day

Saison Day

Tannat Day

2nd Friday in April

Audubon Day [2nd Friday]

Fast and Prayer Day (Liberia) [2nd Friday]

National Dive Bar Day [2nd Friday]

Independence Days

Jonja Island (Declared; 2022) [unrecognized]

Lawfords (a.k.a. Kingdom of Lawfords; Declared; 2021) [unrecognized]

Feast Days

Abushibarei (Ryukyuan)

Adolph Hitler Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Albategnius (Positivist; Saint)

Ambedkar Jayanti (India)

Anthony, John, and Eustathius (Christian; Martyrs)

Bénézet (Christian; Saint)

Carpus of Thyatira (Christian; Saint)

Domnina of Terni (Christian; Saint)

The Extremes (Muppetism)

Friday before Easter  [Orthodox Christian] (a.k.a. …

Coptic Good Friday (Eritrea)

Good Friday

Great Friday (Serbia)

Holy Friday

Red Friday (Georgia)

Siklet (Ethiopia)

Vinerea Mare (Romania)

Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin (Artology)

Galungan (Celebrating Victory of Dharma over Adharma; Bali)

Henry Beard Delany (Episcopal Church (USA))

Lidwina (a.k.a. B. Lidwina of Schiedam or Lydwina; Christian; Saint)

Look Up at the Sky Day (Pastafarian)

Marianne’s Day (Pagan)

Peter González (Christian; Saint)

Tiburtius, Valerian, and Maximus (Christian; Martyrs)

Victor Borisov-Musatov

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Historically Bad Day (Lincoln shot, Titanic hit an iceberg & 9 other tragedies) [1 of 11]

Sensho (先勝 Japan) [Good luck in the morning, bad luck in the afternoon.]

Umu Limnu (Evil Day; Babylonian Calendar; 17 of 60)

Premieres

About Damn Time, by Lizzo (Song; 2022)

American Psycho (Film; 2000)

Batman vs. Robin (WB Animated Film; 2015)

Beach Blanket Bingo (Film; 1965)

Beauty and the Beast (WB MM Cartoon; 1934)

British Steel, by Judas Priest (Album; 1980)

Buddy’s Garage (WB LT Cartoon; 1934)

Bye Bye Birdie (Broadway Musical; 1960)

Diver Down, by Van Halen (Album; 1982)

Execution Dock, by Anne Perry (Novel; 2009)

The Fair-Haired Hare (WB LT Cartoon; 1951)

The Fate of the Furious [F&F #8]

Girl Happy (Film; 1965)

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (Novel; 1939)

The Invisible Man, by H.G. Wells (Novel; 1897)

Iron Maiden, by Iron Maiden (Album; 1980)

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, by Public Enemy (Album; 1988)

Keeping the Faith (Film; 2000)

The King of Torts, by John Grisham (Novel; 2003)

Kinky Boots (Film; 2006)

The Legend of Korea (Animated TV Series; 2012)

Let’s Dance, by David Bowie (Album; 1983)

Mixed Master (WB LT Cartoon; 1956)

The Notorious Bettie Page (Film; 2006)

Off the Deep End, by Weird Al Yankovic (Album; 1992)

The Pebble and the Penguin (Animated Film; 1995)

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (Radio Series; 1930)

Rocket Man, by Elton John (Song; 1972)

Say Anything (Film; 1989)

Thank You For Smoking (Film; 2006)

Ultra, by Depeche Mode (Album; 1997)

Webster’s American Dictionary (Book; 1818)

The Wild (Animated Film; 2006)

Today’s Name Days

Elmo, Erna, Ernestine (Austria)

Maksim, Valerijan, Zdravko (Croatia)

Vincenc (Czech Republic)

Tiburtius (Denmark)

Lehe, Lehte, Lehti (Estonia)

Taito (Finland)

Ludivine, Maxime (France)

Elmo, Erna, Ernestine (Germany)

Aristarhos, Thomais (Greece)

Tibor (Hungary)

Abbondio, Ignazio, Lamberto (Italy)

Agape, Gudrite, Strauja (Latvia)

Justinas, Vaišvydė, Vaiva, Valerijonas, Visvaldas (Lithuania)

Ellinor, Nora (Norway)

Berenike, Julianna, Justyn, Maria, Myślimir, Tyburcjusz, Walerian, Waleriana (Poland)

Pahomie (Romania)

Maria (Russia)

Justína (Slovakia)

Lidia, Tiburcio, Valeriano (Spain)

Tiburtius (Sweden)

Martin (Ukraine)

Caradoc, Carey, Cary, Hudson (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 104 of 2024; 261 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 5 of week 15 of 2023

Celtic Tree Calendar: Fearn (Alder) [Day 27 of 28]

Chinese: Second Month 2 (Gui-Mao), Day 24 (Ren-Yin)

Chinese Year of the: Rabbit 4721 (until February 10, 2024)

Hebrew: 23 Nisan 5783

Islamic: 23 Ramadan 1444

J Cal: 13 Aqua; Sixday [13 of 30]

Julian: 1 April 2023

Moon: 34%: Waning Crescent

Positivist: 20 Archimedes (4th Month) [Albategnius]

Runic Half Month: Man (Human Being) [Day 5 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 26 of 90)

Zodiac: Aries (Day 25 of 30)

Calendar Changes

April (a.k.a. Aprilis; Julian Calendar) [Month 4 of 12]

[indiaporama]

Une jeune Sikh initiée (sikhs amritdaris) : elle suit la règle des « 5 K » : avoir les cheveux longs (Kesh); porter en permanence un peigne dans les cheveux (Kangha), un bracelet en fer symbolisant l'unité (le Kara), un caleçon spécifique (le Kachera) et enfin elle porte un poignard recourbé (le Kirpan).

***************************** A young initiated Sikh  (amritdaris): she follows the rule of "5 Ks" : Have long hair (Kesh), wear a hair comb (Kangha), an iron bracelet symbolizing unity (the Kara), a specific boxer shorts (the Kachera), and finally she wears a curved dagger (the Kirpan).

[buzz-london]

As humans, we haven’t always worn underwear. So a religion making long shorts (often worn as underwear) as an essential article of faith is curious and interesting fact to discuss.

For thousands of years, men have worn loin-clothes (kaccha) when working in the field, but it wasn’t underwear as such and was often the only clothing afforded by the poor. Tight kaccha was also worn by men when they were wrestling and exercising. When they were not working, men in Punjab would often wear dhoti or wrap a shorter piece of cloth around their waist as a lungi.

Breeches and braies were min-trouser like ‘pants’ and were worn in Europe by the rich, but generally, the poor didn’t wear anything specific under their clothes. Kechera is similar to the breeches in that it too is like a short trouser (or long shorts), ending just above the knee and it is tied around the waist with a cord.

At a time when men wore a number of different types of clothing around their waist, (dhoti, suthan, gherdar, chakdar, pantaloons etc), Sikhs decided to make kechera as a distinct piece of clothing that identified adherents of their community. Along with uncut hair on their face and head, an iron / steel bracelet, openly carrying a dagger - these were distinguishing factors that could identify them from a distance.

As Tarlochan S. Nahal states, kechera also allows a Sikh to be ‘decently dressed’ at any time - in battle as well as working in the field. Sikhism came about at a turbulent time in Indian History. By the time kechera was adopted as an essential part of Sikh identity, they were at almost continual war with the Mughal empire. Being battle-ready was an inescapable fact of life for most Sikh men. So, having your weapon (kirpan - dagger) ready was essential and being decently dressed for battle (with long shorts) was also seen as an essential aspect of being a ‘Sikh’.

Saving The Jewels: The History Of Men's Underwear

A Brief History of Men's Underwear

[handweavers]

to the trans march today im wearing a sheer mesh shirt showcasing my top scars, with a big necklace from punjab i found in my uncle's stash, my kara, and a buree nazar bracelet. i said trans sikh rights!

[aboutanancientenquiry]

“Sikhism: An Introduction 

(I.B.Tauris Introductions to Religion) Paperback – February 22, 2011

by Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh (Author)

Almost from the moment, some five centuries ago, that their religion was founded in the Punjab by Guru Nanak, Sikhs have enjoyed a distinctive identity. This sense of difference, forged during Sikhism's fierce struggles with the Mughal Empire, is still symbolised by the 'Five Ks' ('panj kakar', in Punjabi), those articles of faith to which all baptised Sikhs subscribe: uncut hair bound in a turban; comb; special undergarment; iron bracelet and dagger (or kirpan) - the unique marks of the Sikh military fraternity (the word Sikh means 'disciple' in Punjabi). Yet for all its ongoing attachment to the religious symbols that have helped set it apart from neighbouring faiths in South Asia, Sikhism amounts to far more than just signs or externals. Now the world's fifth largest religion, with a significant diaspora especially in Britain and North America, this remarkable monotheistic tradition commands the allegiance of 25 million people, and is a global phenomenon. In her balanced appraisal, Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh reviews the history, theology and worship of a community poised between reconciling its hereditary creeds and certainties with the fast-paced pressures of modernity. She outlines and explains the core Sikh beliefs, and explores the writings and teachings of the Ten Sikh Gurus in Sikhism's Holy Scriptures, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib (more usually called just the 'Granth'). Further chapters explore Sikh ethics, art and architecture, and matters of gender and the place of women in the tradition. The book attractively combines the warm empathy of a Sikh with the objective insights and acute perspectives of a prominent scholar of religion.”

Source: https://www.amazon.com/Sikhism-Introductions-Nikky-Guninder-Kaur-Singh/dp/1848853211

Dr. Nikky-Guninder Kaur Singh is a Crawford Professor and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Colby College in the United States. Her interests are centered around poetics and feminist issues. Sourse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q88FKNBhoY

[xtremeroads]

“Wahe Guruji da Khalsa Wahe Guruji di Fateh...” Let’s raise the weapon for humanity... The message was conveyed whenever two Sikhs meet each other. Guru Gobind Singh Ji had said, “My face will be towards that person who says it first. My back will be towards that person who says it afterwards. I will be in between both of them, if both of them says it together.” Hence, in order to spread the message of brotherhood, we should say Fateh together. Sadly we have completely forgotten the tradition of meeting each other by saying “Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ke Fateh”. Instead of that we have started the tradition of meeting each other by saying “Sat Sri Akal” and some people say hi and hello. Actually, Sat Sri Akal is the ending word of the slogan, “Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal”. Wahe means great and greatness, as in wow. Must for sikhs: Kesh (uncut hair), Kangha (a wooden comb for the hair), Kara (an iron bracelet), Kachera (100% cotton tieable undergarment) (not an elastic one) and Kirpan (an iron dagger large enough to defend oneself Are all part of Sikh rituals and every Sikh has to keep it with them, I also saw kirpan in Nepal even they keep it with them, Gurkhas. It is holy weapon and one who takes oath of Sikh religion has to always follow the rules abide and believe me, they are so much close to humanity. Discipline comes with great responsibility and I have experienced that during my visit to shri Gurugonbinsinghji’s shatabdi both in Bihar Patna and Shri Gurunanak Ji’s 550th parv in Punjab, Sultanpur ... even my vlog will speak in volumes where I visited almost all the places related to Holy saint of Sikh, Shri Gurunanak Devji...was my soulfully heart filling experience. Well image is symbolic...although was taken in Nepal but I wish to dedicate it to the warriors who fought for humanity in their Holy Spirit. Vlogs link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX1_gNSqPFqmOmIqppp2nKVdaNSqjO5Qv&feature=share #gurugobindsinghji #sikhism #indianreligion #khanjar #sikhreligion #gurunanakdevji #prakashparv https://www.instagram.com/p/CE3gUPnH7Hw/?igshid=1lx6iiec5dmc0

[onlinesikhstore]

Stunning Stainless Steel BRASS Line Smooth Plain Sikh Singh Kaur KARA Bangle N5

Stunning Stainless Steel BRASS Line Smooth & Plain Gold affect Sikh KARA Sikh Bracelet 

Design: N5 or SBF1

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These kara are from the Holy/Pious Land of Shiri Amritsar Sahib ji (The City of Golden Temple/Harmandir Sahib/Darbar Sahib Ji)

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SIKH KARA (stainless steel, with Brass/Golden Colour Edge line Kara, width is 6mm, thick 6mm) BRAND NEW .  Popular design in market right now - very famous in youngsters and we are the only seller who has this exclusive design for sale in UK

Weight is approx 45-65 grams (Variable due to size of Karas).

Size listed in the variation list is the internal diameter of Karas measured in centimetres.

These are smooth Kara design. 

Design No. is SBF1 

Please note its not a real Gold/Fine Gold line. It is a replica and Gold edge is actually a Brass Line polished to give 22ct. Gold Look.

Please read below more Information about Sikh Kara:

A kara (Punjabi: ਕੜਾ (Gurmukhi), کڑا (Shahmukhi) कड़ा (Devanagari)), is a steel or iron (sarb loh) bracelet, worn by all initiated Sikhs. It is one of the five kakars or 5Ks — external articles of faith — that identify a Sikh as dedicated to their religious order. The kara was instituted by the tenth Sikh guru Gobind Singh at the Baisakhi Amrit Sanskar in 1699. Guru Gobind Singh Ji explained:

He does not recognize anyone else except me, not even the bestowal of charities, performance of merciful acts, austerities and restraint on pilgrim-stations; the perfect light of the Lord illuminates his heart, then consider him as the immaculate Khalsa.

The kara is to constantly remind the Sikh disciple to do God's work, a constant reminder of the Sikh's mission on this earth and that he or she must carry out righteous and true deeds and actions, keeping with the advice given by the Guru. The Kara is a symbol of unbreakable attachment and commitment to God.[2] It is in the shape of a circle which has no beginning and no end, like the eternal nature of God. It is also a symbol of the Sikh brotherhood. As the Sikhs' holy text the Guru Granth Sahib says "In the tenth month, you were made into a human being, O my merchant friend, and you were given your allotted time to perform good deeds." Similarly, Bhagat Kabir reminds the Sikh to always keep one's consciousness with God: "With your hands and feet, do all your work, but let your consciousness remain with the Immaculate Lord."

The basic kara is a simple unadorned steel bracelet, but other forms exist. It was historically used like a knuckle-duster for hand-to-hand combat. Battlefield variations include kara with spikes or sharp edges. Sikh soldiers of the British Indian army would settle disputes by competing in a form of boxing known as loh-musti (lit. iron fist) with a kara on one hand.

Brilliant finish and very decorative. Ideal gift item for loved ones on all occasions.

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We have 100% positive feedback. Please bid with confidence and check our other fantastic listings. If you are not happy with your purchase we will give you 100% refund on return of item. No hard and fast rules for refunds and returns. For more information please Contact us. We will try our best to reply all messages on the same day.

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Any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

P.S. Colour of item may slightly vary due to camera flash and light conditions. Some karas may have negligible small black grinding mark on the kara joint. This is always seen on all karas as most of the Kara making/shaping work is done by hands. However, this do not affect the qualty/look of karas.

Gender: Unisex

Design Number: SBF1

Country/Region of Manufacture: India

Main Material/ Metal: Stainless Steel/Brass

Type: Bracelets

Main Colour: Silver-Gold

Main Stone: No Stone

Ethnic & Regional Style: Asian

[irunevenus]

Sikhismo: A Religião da Unidade e Coragem – Uma Jornada de Espiritualidade e Justiça

O Sikhismo, uma das religiões mais recentes do mundo, nasceu no século XV no Punjab, uma região que hoje se divide entre a Índia e o Paquistão. Fundado por Guru Nanak, o Sikhismo rejeita o sistema de castas, idolatria e ritualismos, promovendo em vez disso a igualdade, a justiça social e a devoção direta a um único Deus. Com aproximadamente 25 milhões de seguidores, é a quinta maior religião do mundo. Este artigo explora as origens do Sikhismo, suas principais doutrinas e práticas, e como ele continua a inspirar seus seguidores em todo o mundo.

As Origens do Sikhismo: O Ensinamento de Guru Nanak

O Sikhismo foi fundado por Guru Nanak (1469-1539), que nasceu em uma época de grandes tumultos sociais e religiosos no subcontinente indiano, onde o Hinduísmo e o Islamismo coexistiam, muitas vezes de forma conflituosa. Guru Nanak foi um pensador espiritual profundamente influenciado por essas tradições, mas ele acreditava em uma nova abordagem espiritual que transcendesse as divisões religiosas.

Aos 30 anos, após uma experiência mística enquanto se banhava no rio Kali Bein, Nanak emergiu com uma mensagem clara: "Não há hindu, não há muçulmano", enfatizando a unidade de todos os seres humanos e a devoção a um Deus único. Ele passou o resto de sua vida viajando pelo subcontinente indiano, pregando uma mensagem de amor, igualdade e serviço desinteressado, atraindo seguidores que se tornariam os primeiros sikhs (discípulos).

Os Dez Gurus e o Estabelecimento do Sikhismo

Após Guru Nanak, o Sikhismo foi guiado por uma sucessão de nove Gurus, que consolidaram e expandiram os ensinamentos da fé. Cada Guru desempenhou um papel crucial no desenvolvimento espiritual, social e militar da comunidade sikh:

Guru Angad (1504-1552): Criou a escrita Gurmukhi, usada para registrar os ensinamentos sagrados.

Guru Amar Das (1479-1574): Instituiu a prática de "Langar", a cozinha comunitária que oferece refeições gratuitas para todos, independentemente de sua religião ou status social.

Guru Ram Das (1534-1581): Fundou a cidade sagrada de Amritsar, que se tornou o centro espiritual dos sikhs.

Guru Arjan (1563-1606): Compilou o Adi Granth, o texto sagrado do Sikhismo, e supervisionou a construção do Templo Dourado em Amritsar.

Guru Hargobind (1595-1644): Introduziu o conceito de Miri e Piri, representando a autoridade temporal e espiritual, e militarizou a comunidade sikh para se defender de perseguições.

Guru Har Rai (1630-1661) e Guru Har Krishan (1656-1664): Continuaram a missão de paz e serviço, mesmo em tempos de conflitos crescentes.

Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675): Defendeu a liberdade religiosa contra a opressão mogol, sacrificando sua vida para proteger o direito de todos à prática de sua fé.

Guru Gobind Singh (1666-1708): Fundou a Khalsa, uma irmandade de guerreiros sikhs batizados que defendiam a justiça e a igualdade. Ele declarou que após ele, o Guru Granth Sahib, o livro sagrado, seria o guia espiritual eterno dos sikhs.

Doutrinas Fundamentais e Práticas do Sikhismo

O Sikhismo é baseado na crença em um único Deus, conhecido como Waheguru, que é sem forma, onisciente e acessível a todos. Os ensinamentos centrais do Sikhismo podem ser resumidos em três princípios:

Naam Japna (Meditação no Nome de Deus): Sikhs são encorajados a meditar e lembrar-se constantemente de Deus em suas ações diárias.

Kirat Karni (Trabalho Honesto): Ganhar a vida honestamente e contribuir para o bem-estar da sociedade.

Vand Chakna (Compartilhar com os Outros): Praticar a caridade e compartilhar seus recursos com aqueles que precisam.

Além desses princípios, os sikhs seguem os Cinco Ks, símbolos de identidade e compromisso espiritual:

Kesh (Cabelo não cortado): Representa a aceitação da forma natural dada por Deus.

Kara (Bracelete de aço): Simboliza a eternidade e o compromisso com as boas ações.

Kanga (Pente de madeira): Denota limpeza e ordem.

Kachera (Calções de algodão): Um símbolo de modéstia e autocontrole.

Kirpan (Espada pequena): Representa a luta pela justiça e a defesa dos oprimidos.

A Khalsa e o Espírito Guerreiro do Sikhismo

A fundação da Khalsa por Guru Gobind Singh em 1699 foi um momento decisivo para o Sikhismo. Guru Gobind Singh instituiu um ritual de iniciação onde os seguidores assumiram o compromisso de defender a justiça, proteger os fracos e viver uma vida de pureza e disciplina espiritual. Os membros da Khalsa adotaram o nome "Singh" (leão) para os homens e "Kaur" (princesa) para as mulheres, refletindo a igualdade e a dignidade que a fé preconiza.

A Khalsa desempenhou um papel fundamental na resistência contra a opressão mogol e mais tarde, contra as invasões afegãs, estabelecendo os sikhs como uma força militar poderosa no norte da Índia. Esse espírito de luta pela justiça permanece vivo nos sikhs modernos, que continuam a defender os ideais de igualdade, liberdade e coragem.

O Guru Granth Sahib: A Escritura Viva

O Guru Granth Sahib, o livro sagrado dos sikhs, é mais do que uma coleção de escrituras; é considerado o guru eterno dos sikhs. Compilado inicialmente por Guru Arjan, o texto contém hinos e poesias de vários Gurus, bem como de santos hindus e muçulmanos, refletindo a natureza inclusiva e universalista do Sikhismo.

O Guru Granth Sahib é recitado, cantado e reverenciado em gurdwaras (templos sikhs) em todo o mundo, onde também se pratica o Langar, o refeitório comunitário que oferece refeições gratuitas a todos, simbolizando a igualdade e o serviço desinteressado.

Sikhismo Hoje: Um Legado de Fé e Serviço

O Sikhismo continua a ser uma força poderosa na vida de milhões de pessoas, particularmente na região do Punjab, mas também em comunidades significativas na América do Norte, Europa e outros lugares. Sikhs são conhecidos pelo seu espírito de serviço comunitário, compaixão e defesa dos direitos humanos.

Em tempos modernos, os sikhs continuam a enfrentar desafios, incluindo discriminação e mal-entendidos sobre sua fé e identidade. No entanto, o compromisso dos sikhs com a justiça social, a igualdade e o serviço permanece inabalável, refletindo os ensinamentos atemporais de seus Gurus.

O Sikhismo oferece ao mundo um modelo de espiritualidade prática e ativismo social, defendendo um caminho de vida que une devoção espiritual com a responsabilidade moral de lutar contra a injustiça. A mensagem do Sikhismo de unidade, coragem e compaixão continua a ressoar, oferecendo um farol de esperança em um mundo frequentemente dividido.

O Sikhismo, com suas raízes em um período de grande agitação religiosa, transcendeu o tempo como uma fé vibrante que prega a igualdade, a defesa da justiça e a devoção a um único Deus. À medida que enfrentam os desafios do mundo moderno, os sikhs permanecem fiéis aos valores de seus Gurus, inspirando milhões com sua devoção, coragem e compromisso com o bem comum.

[indiatouristhelpdesk-blog]

Things you must shop for from Amritsar for a memory to cherish

Amritsar is famous for lot of things besides Golden temple and Amritsari Kulcha. The city has got a number of indigenous items that makes shopping fun and unforgettable. The Amritsar markets are distinguished by their busy narrow lanes where you will find its culture and art in their truest forms. Here are few things you must absolutely buy to have an ultimate shopping experience.

Amritsari Paapad, Wadi: 

Situated in the state of Punjab, the immense love for food in the city is obvious.  Food here is absolutely finger licking. One way to take this flavor along with you is through its condiments. Paapad, a great munching with food and drinks, is available in huge varieties and spice levels. Wadiyan are sun dried nuggets made of pulses and spices, a delicious condiment to enhance taste to your curries. Pickles are yet another famous condiment. The best things you can bring back to distribute in your family and friends.

Phulkari:

 It is a beautiful flower embroidery art that is only found in Punjab and has been an integral part of its culture ever since. Shawls, suits, saris, jackets, you can find the embroidery on any garment. It is trendy and traditional at the same time. The price range is from Rs 500 to Rs 25,000 depending upon the intricacy and finesse of the design. One good thing about phulkari is it never goes out of fashion. The phulkari dupattas are passed on as heirlooms in Punjabi families.

Amritsari Jutti: 

There are Rajasthani juttis and then, there are Amritsari juttis. The traditional footwear, an integral part of the Punjabi attire, reflects the swag of the community. This is why it is an absolute purchase. Amritsari juttis, available in leather and all sorts of colorful designs, pairs well with either your suits or jeans. Both men and women have huge varieties to choose from. Don one of these and get a guaranteed ‘Lions of Punjab’ feeling.

Souvenirs from Golden Temple: 

Since you are on spiritual tour, it is only necessary that you take back something holy with you. Not only it will instill your belief in Guru, but it will also make you feel closer to him. Guru Granth Sahib and its various versions have beautiful teachings within and are translated into many languages. Khanda, the famous sikh shrine symbol and Kada, steel or iron bracelet, are other things to soak up Sikhism. Photos, paintings and holy bandanas are other things in the list of souvenirs.

Your trip is incomplete if you don’t bring back these souvenirs with you. And, while you are at it, a little bargain will definitely go easy on your pocket. Happy Shopping!

Chess sets: 

Yes, chess sets are another thing Amritsar is peculiarly famous for. Wooden, ivory and burnt, there are number of artistic varieties to choose from. The beautiful carvings of chess sets make it a novelty item. This can be the perfect gift for your grandfather or for someone who enjoys the game. Even if you don’t play, it is a souvenir to hold on to.

[clemencecolliou]

Juillet 2018 : weekend à Amritsar !

Nous voilà à Amritsar, dans la région du Punjab au nord ouest de l’Inde, à la frontière avec le Pakistan.

Amritsar est une ville sacrée pour la communauté religieuse des Sikhs pour son temple doré, un haut lieu de pèlerinage pour eux.Tout bon Sikh qui se respecte doit donc un jour venir voir le Golden Temple. A nous les turbans colorés !

Parce que oui, la première chose que l’on remarque en sortant de l’aéroport : c’est les turbans partout ! C’est le principal élément pour reconnaitre une personne de religion Sikh, tout du moins pour les hommes. Leurs turbans cachent des cheveux qu’ils ne doivent pas couper, leurs barbes sont roulées serrées sous leurs mentons, ils ont un couteau à porter constamment à la hanche, et un bracelet en argent. On peut aussi les reconnaitre par leur extrême gentillesse, qui fait parti des préceptes à respecter. Nous avons été très bien accueilli par les gens partout sur notre chemin, des personnes nous arrêtant régulièrement pour savoir si on avait besoin d’aide.

Revenons à la ville : l’attraction principale d’Amritsar est le Golden Temple, un temple tout en or entouré d’une enceinte blanche immaculée et placé au milieu d’un petit lac. Une vision surprenante en arrivant sur le lieu ! Quelle beauté, si brillante sous la lumière du soleil. Tous les turbans et saris colorés apportent la touche de couleur à la blancheur ambiante.

Petit fichu sur la tête en place pour se couvrir les cheveux, on se balade autour du temple accompagné par une musique religieuse qui sort des enceintes disposées sur tout le parcours. Il fait extrêmement chaud, presque 40 degrés. Beaucoup de monde se repose à l’ombre des arcades, les autres entrent dans le lac pour faire les rituels religieux. Les hommes dehors en petits slips, les femmes à l’abri des regards dans des sortes de cabines.

C’est vraiment un très beau lieu, qui devient plus magique encore quand la nuit arrive. Les lumières font vraiment honneur au temple et à l’ensemble de l’enceinte. Un vrai palais doré qui continue de briller dans la nuit. La foule, elle non plus, ne s’arrête jamais. Le temple est encore plus bondé le soir, car à notre surprise, tout le monde vient pour dormir dans le temple. Sous les arcades, sur les petites places, partout où un bout de sol est disponible. C’est réellement impressionnant cette foule amassée ici pour y passer la nuit. Imaginez une place de ville recouverte de plusieurs milliers de personnes en train de dormir !

Un très bel endroit, un des plus beaux d’Inde sans aucun doute.

[surinascas]

THE MAGICAL ADVENTURES OF SPITI AKA DUKE OF EDINBURGH GOLD EXPEDITION [23 June - 13 July 2017]

disclaimer: this post contains a schmidt-ton of photos and babbling

omg

The end of June saw 30-something of us set off on one of the most incredible journeys in the world ever. It took 4 days just for travelling, starting with a plane from Brunei to Singapore, then Singapore to Delhi. 

Then came an 18 hour bus ride from Delhi all the way up to Manali, Himachal Pradesh. Although I was asleep for a vast majority of this part of the journey (the bus seats fully recline), I was awake for the moment we passed through Punjab - my home state. The last time I went to India was when I was 2, so I don’t remember much, but it felt almost homely seeing so many Punjabis and Sikhs. This was also the case in Manali, where there were many tourists from Punjab. As we were a big group, many people were interested in why we were there, and I even got to test out my Punjabi with some of them. It was at this point where I realised my Punjabi is not as good as I had originally thought, so that’s something I should probably work on...

See how we all have the same bracelet? That’s bc we’re secretly one big family

Anyways! After the 18 hour journey, we had what should have been a 10 hour trip over the Rohtang pass (one of the most dangerous roads in the world, dontcha know), but actually turned out to be 16. This meant spending 16 hours with the same 8 people in a confined space. And it was C O L D. Luckily, I had prepared us with 15 hours’ worth of absolute bangers, which you can listen to in the link below.

Click Here for the Best Playlist You Ever Did Hear

Fast-forward to our Residential Project! The main reason we came to Spiti Valley was because, due to its geography and location, it has an extreme climate and is cut off from the world for 6 months of the year simply due to snow. As such, the Spitian people need to be self-sufficient for these months, and so we came to help the village of Sagnam build two greenhouses. 

The two biggest challenges in the residential were hygiene and exhaustion. Hygiene was a struggle simply because we relied on wet wipe showers to clean ourselves, which never fully got rid of the dirt. As we were over 3000m above sea level, many of us also had issues with altitude sickness, which ranged from headaches to vomiting to hallucinating. Although I only mildly felt the altitude in occasional headaches, none of us were fully prepared for how it would affect our stamina. Because of the lower oxygen levels, every action required much more effort. At one point, we saw what must have been at least a hundred cows, sheep, goats and donkeys being herded back to the village; being stupid, a bunch of us decided to run from our campsite and up the slight hill to the road side. OH MY GOD. We were so out of breath that we had to sit down. This was also true for the actual trek: I’d say that the Silver and Bronze expeditions are actually more physically straining, but simply because of the high altitude our Gold trek took just as long. 

Although our worksite was a 15 minute’s walk from the campsite, it was definitely prettier. 

Once there, we had to work with each other and divide up the jobs - this could be stressful after a while as there were always grumblings that someone wasn’t pulling their weight. We tackled the issue by rotating jobs every day, and trying to look out for each other to see if anyone was struggling from altitude fatigue. I’m really proud of how we did all look out for each other: I think the fact that the experience was all so unfamiliar to all of us meant that we could really empathise with each other, even with people you’d not normally talk to. This could be seen in my homestay, in which I stayed with two girls outside my close friends circle. They were lovely of course, and we had a lot of fun making Momos (think dumplings but with curry flavoured potato in them) with our Homestay dad, and watching their grandchildren play games on our phones. It was such a strange juxtaposition - we were in a very traditional Spitian house with thatched ceilings, dung-fueled stoves and low benches (which you knelt behind and used it as a table), and then the children were using a smartphone. This was probably the biggest reminder I had that our lives differed so vastly.

The challenge at the Homestay was the language barrier, as neither . We had all become well versed in saying “Julley!” (hello!) to anybody we walked past, but that was the extent of our Spitian. I’ve always liked languages and figured that, since my Punjabi was a lost cause, I’d try giving Spitian a go. I took every opportunity I had to note down any signs with Spitian-English on them, and compiled quite a list - here’s a few main things:

Julley - Hello Zansung - Thank you (informal) Thu Ze Che - Thank you (polite) Man Lay - No Thank you Shimbotak - It’s tasty Khamzang Yot Tah? - How are you? Khamzang - I’m well Min Chi Yin Nah? - What’s your name? Mui Minla Surina Serat - My name is Surina Yot Tah [Woma/Khara/Cha/Chu] - Do you have [Milk/Sugar/Tea/Water] Cham Yinna? - How much is it? Dhemo - Surina (beautiful)

The trip was such an eye opener. I remember coming home and looking around my house and thinking about how we have so much. I’ve always thought that I lived a comparatively simple life to some of my friends, but spending 3 weeks in as remote a place as Spiti Valley really put that into perspective. They don’t have much, but they are happy with their lifestyle - but tourism is disrupting that. Land is being used for commercial snow-pea farming instead of subsistence farming for the villagers; plastic bottles are generating huge amounts of waste that they cannot feasibly manage; radio towers are even interrupting sparrow mating calls and affecting their population. We get so caught up in our own issues of not having wifi to tell our families about our experiences that we forget what implementing such infrastructure could do to the Himalayan communities. If I’ve taken anything from this trip, it’s that there’s disparity in lifestyles but that’s okay. Not everywhere needs the same complex systems and technology we’ve come to take for granted. And, actually, it was really refreshing to be able to disconnect for so long.