Freed

Gurfateh ! Go to D S Talafair & Sons 228/236 Albert Rd Handsworth B21 9JT (0121 554 0006) I think they are still trading (I aint a Brummie - so haven't been for a while !) - They are an aladin's cave full of stuff (Mostly wedding and catering stuff) - but they also sell Sarb loh stuff (Batay etc.) and a big selection of reasonably priced Mal Mal and other Dastar material. Give them a ring

Dearest Bhai Sahib, Kucha Singh - I didn't write the article, it came from an earlier version of a certain website - I did give the source but it has been removed by the admin (which they are totally entitled to do and I will respect their wishes). With regard to your question - the article has been edited (by me) hence the ...... gaps. This was done so as not to cast any aspersions (imagined or real) on any individual or group. In the original website, under this picture; the following was written ; "Hola Mohalla 1999, Sukhi Singhs preparing Shaheedi Degh at Tarna Dal Haria Vela Chhouni Anandpur Sahib. Even within Jathedar Akali Baba Nihal Singh's Tarna Dal, Shaheedi Degh is still prepared twice a day.If this maryada was abandoned then Buddha Dal could reclaim the Dals Nagara (Battle Drum) and Nishaan Sahib." As I am not in a postion to confirm that assertion, I did not include that passage - but I did include the part about the Nagara and Nishaan Sahib as that has been confirmed by a number of sources. I apologise for the typo - it should of read 'Could reclaim' not 'Would reclaim' - that is my sloppy typing. In your post you have said " Tarna Dal Nihungs may drink Sukha but at Harianbela this has been stopped and therefore i'm assuming Shaheedi Degh in not prepared there" as I have said I am not in a postion to confirm or deny that. As I have said I have no hidden agenda or intention to offend - as I think most of you know I am not a Nihang - just a very enthusiastic admirer and have been one for at least a couple of decades, if not more ! Gurfateh Parvaan ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! Here is an article from the original <edit> - I copied it - old stylee - yes I typed it out ! - It's from I think around 2000 The pictures are from various sources - the 'fuzzy' ones are from <edit> - yes we have ways and means of capturing pictures even if you don't want us to !!! :D It gives a description of the preparation of Shaheedi Degh - The Pictures at the end give examples of the preparation of Shardaai from paintings. Enjoy ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed' Shaheedi Degh - 'The Drink of Martyrs' The first step of preparing Shaheedi Degh is obtaining five ingredients, Badaam (Almonds),Cuss Cuss (dried Poppy Seeds), Kali Mirch (Black Pepper), Green Ilechi (green Cardamon) and hand picked marijuana leaves. Within the Akali Nihang Dals they will not use almonds cracked by anybody else. They must be cracked fresh by the 'Sukhi Singh' - (The bringer of Happiness Singh, The Nihang that prepares the Sukha)................The Sukhi Singhs must take an Ishnaan before they commence the preparation of Shaheedi Degh. More Satkaar is given to Shaheedi Degh than is given to the Karah Prashaad in any Western Gurdwara Sahib. Water from taps is never used. The roots for this Maryada can be traced back to the arrival of the British in India. Before the British came there were no taps, the Akali Nihangs were at war with the British and out of principle refused to drink from the water system that they had created. Other Bibeki Akali Nihangs state the pipes that carry water are punctured in many places consequently the water maybe infected with some impurity. Fresh water is raised from the well in an iron bucket. This way the Sukhi Singhs can be sure that the water they use has not been tampered with. All five ingredients are placed into the Snheri (Golden Vessels, refers to the stone mortar), the Sukhi Singh adds a little fresh water and begins to perform ragrha ( circling movement) with the Slotr (heavy wooden club). This is done until all the ingredients have been reduced to a green thick paste. Throughout the preparation of Shaheedi Degh the Sukhi Singhs must have their mouths covered and their minds on Gurbani or the Gurmantar. This is vital to the preparation of Shaheedi Degh, only when Gurbani is on the lips of the Singhs preparing it does it become true Shaheehi Degha. Only then is it blessed by Shaheed Singhs. Only vessels of sarbloh are used to prepare Shaheedi Degh. The use of Shaheedi Degh is vital to Satguru Khalsa Panth Singh Sahib Ji, during the darkest hour of the Gurpanth's history, Sukha was a great friend to the Akali Nihangs. The warrior who had many horrific wounds would be able to continue to fight in one last battle thanks to the aid of Sukh Nidhaan. It's use as part of a whole system of medicine is also talked about within Akali Nihang Singh tradition. After the paste has been completely ground down it is placed on top of the Sher Kan (Ears of a Lion, Cloth used to extract the moisture from the paste). Water is poured over the paste through the Sher Kan, thus all of the nourishment and flavouring is removed from the paste. This process is repeated many times. The Sher Kan are squeezed until all the goodness has been removed from the paste........ ..............................The consumption of Shaheedi Degh is not compulsory for any Nihang Singh. There are many Nihang Singhs that do not drink Sukha. Within the Dal Panth diversity is a strength not a weakness ........................Shaheedi Degh is prepared twice a day. If this maryada was abandoned then Buddha Dal could reclaim the Dals Nagara (Battle Drum) and Nishaan Sahib. In this picture we can see the Nugda, this is the dried paste after all the essence has been removed. This Nugda is said to represent the heads of the enemy, after offering Ardas to Akaal Purakh, SatGur Nanak jee and all of the Shaheed Singhs this nugda is thrown against something hard, this represents the smashing of the enemies head. A battle song is sung before the Nugda is thrown this is known as Nugda Charn. Nugda Charn ; "Grinding Sukha, black pepper and almonds. We make ready a court fit for kings. Whatever Nugda is left we strike at the heads of our enemies. Oh enemy here comes a Nugda picking off your children. Your enmity with the Guru's House will not last long. Today live your life to the fullest. Tommorrow the Khalsaa is attacking. Holding swords in their hands. You would not be able to run and save yourself. Breaking your castle. Grabbing your moustache. Sitting on your chest. Smashing your face. Colouring your face black. Tying you and bringing you into the presence of the Nihnag Singhs. Nihang Singhs are going to take their revenge from you in the fullest. Here comes a ball leaving not walls or trenches. Oh filthy evil foreighn scum where can you run and hide? . Death comes ahead of you Death comes behind you Crying the Battle Cry KAAAAAL !!!!!!! (Text from <edit>) (Pictures from various sources) ******************************************************* Some depiction of Shardai from paintings Circa AD 1850 Mid 19th Century Unknown age <Image removed - by member request>

Wouldn't mind the charge if you could see a change - but the congestion is still just as bad if not worse. You're right about the box junction scam - the lights are timed to catch people out and if you get cut up (usually by a black cab) or the bus decides to just stop for no reason - you get caught ! The joys of London eh ? Talking of buses - yesterday in Camden I saw a 'Bendy' bus and it was driven by a Singh wearing the most Glorious towering Kesri Dumalla - his Daahra was blowing in the breeze - made my day !. Even though bendy buses are a nightmare - a disaster waiting to happen ! - I Tried to catch his eye to say Fateh but couldn't get his attention.

Gurfateh ! Here is an excellent resource on the History of the 'Gadree Babey' - The Gadr Party http://www.sikhpioneers.org/gadar.html Fantastic pictures - if you go to the home page you will also find some fascinating pictures and articles about the 'Sikh Pioneers' - and the Sikh presence in the USA, particularly on the Pacific Coast. A truly 'must view' site - if somewhat hard to read/view (perhaps a techno savvy person could add some 'bells and whistles' - to make it more attractive ??)

Pictures from flickr.com of this years Sikh Parade in New York

Natty - Cold Town have any of you listened to this ? What do you think of the lyrics ? - some would say they are spot on. "Take what u can from the English man and build yourself palace back in Pakistan" Natty - Cold Town This Cold Town is too hot for man like I n I Its No place for I n I No place for I n I Mama said you were a serial killer But I did not believe her Until I saw your face in the paper Look just like my next door neighbour When they say about brotherly love Come on and give a hoodie a hug No don’ be shy Don’t be shy They don’t bite They don’t bite Dreadlocks moving in around the corner Put the kettle on and invite him over And anything you wanna borrow Please don’t bother Be good to him today And he’ll be good to you tomorrow Singin Saying oh oh oh see how we live our lives Oh oh oh oh oh living on different sides This Cold Town is too hot for man like I n I Its No place for I n I No place for I n I This Cold Town is too hot for man like I n I Its No place for I n I No place for I n I Maybe mama was afraid of the unknown So we only ever tasted the homegrown No sticks no seeds No Blacks no Irish please See these, illegal African taxis Got to dial up my call centres overseas Take what you can from the English man Then you build yourself a palace back in Pakistan Saying oh oh oh thank you your majesty Saying woah oh oh come out and visit me This Cold Town is too hot for man like I n I Its No place for I n I No place for I n I This Cold Town is too hot for man like I n I Its No place for I n I No place for I n I Gonna tell my mum I wanna quit my job I wanna move to the countryside Dont know what my mama gonna say But I’ma tell her it will be alright Cos this town a lick you down down A lick you down down Man a man I need to survive Next time you gonna see me I’ll be chilling on a hill side Right This Cold Town is too hot for man like I n I Its No place for I n I No place for I n I This Cold Town is too hot for man like I n I Its No place for I n I No place for I n I This Cold Town is too hot for man like I n I Its No place for I n I No place for I n I This Cold Town is too hot for man like I n I Its No place for I n I No place for I n I

Gurfateh ! A picture of the Sakhi posted by Bhai Sahib; from Sikh Heritage in Paintings - From the Collection of the Punjab & Sind Bank 1995, page 76

ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕਾ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਵਾਹਿਗੁਰੂ ਜੀ ਕੀ ਫਤਿਹ ਰੋਮ ਰੋਮ ਰਸਨਾ ਜੳ ਪਾਵਹੁੰ | ਤਦਪਿ ਨ ਖਾਲਸ ਜਸਹਿ ਤ ਗਾਵਹੂੰ | ਹੌਂ ਖਾਲਸੇ ਕਉ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਮੇਰੋ | ਓਤ ਪੋਤ ਸਾਗਰ ਬੂੰਦੇਰੋ | ਖਾਲਸਾ ਅਕਾਲ ਪੁਰਖ ਕੀ ਫੌਜ | ਪ੍ਰਗਟਯੋ ਖਾਲਸਾ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਤਮ ਕੀ ਮੌਜ |੫੨੭| If one had as many tongues as the hairs on one's body, yet they would still be insufficient to sing the praises of the Khalsa. I am the Khalsa, the Khalsa is mine; the relationship is as the ocean and it's individual drops of water. The Khalsa is the army of Akaal Purakh; The Khalsa emerged as the joy of God (Paramatam) ! Guru Gobind Singh - Khalsa Mehma - Sri Sarb Loh Granth.

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fateh ! Warm Greetings to all on this Vaisakhi Weekend ! To mark the occasion I am posting a Kabitt Swaiya of Bhai Gurdas Ji , Kabitt Swaiya number 673. (page 655 in Amrit Keertan) The video is around twenty years old (apologies for the poor quality) and features Bhai Harbans Singh (Jagadhri ) at Gurdwara Nanak Piaoo, Delhi in around 1988. This Kabitt - 'Panch Baar Gang Jaey' has always been a favourite of mine - a celebration of selfless Sewa. This rendition includes beautiful Sakhis including some relating episodes from the lifes and Sewa of Guru Nanak Sahib , Guru Angad Sahib, Guru Arjan Sahib and Keertani Bhai Sham Singh Sewapanthi. Click link to see video ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...03&hl=en-GB Here are 3 interpretations of this Kabitt * from 'Kabitt Bhai Gurdas - Steek' - Bhai Vir Singh - Bhai Vir Singh Sadan - 2000 edition - page 210 * from 'Kabitt Swaiye Bhai Gurdas Ji - Steek - Bhai Sewa Singh - Singh Bros - 1996 - page 392 * from Kabitt Swayye Bhai Gurdas Ji - Shamsher Singh Puri - Singh Bros - 2007 - page 701 Enjoy this beautiful Kabitt Hope you all have a Wonderful Vaisakhi ! Pyar Naal, Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! Here are the shabads as printed in Chapter 6 of Dr Jasprit Singh's excellent book

Yep that's what it is Surinderjit - you beat me too it ! Here's what I was gonna write ! The Singhs are 'Tent Pegging' - the target is usually made of straw. 'Tent pegging' involves galloping at full speed with a Lance/spear to spear a target fixed in the ground. It involves great skill both as a rider and user of a weapon - it basically is a training exercise but shows off the prowess of the individual rider. Tent pegging gets it's name from warriors launching a surprise attack on a sleeping enemy - the mounted warriors would launch an attack at dawn or at night while the enemy were asleep in their tents - spearing and pulling out the tent pegs - thereby collapsing the tent on top of the sleeping enemy - disorientating them. I have also heard that it is an ancient Indian technique to fight against 'Fighting elephants' - a mounted warrior would use a spear and charge at an elephant - and stab at it's feet ( a particularly vunerable area) or forehead - areas not protected - thereby causing the elephant to run amok , dismounting its rider and trampling the foot soldiers. - Like Bhai Bachittar Singh using the 'Nagni Barccha' against the Elephant whilst defending Lohgarh Killa. Bhai Bachittar Singh A Close up of the 'Peg' Hope that was of some use , Freed

Great Pictures - Here are a couple more from this years Hola And an extra one - it's not from Anandpur but I just love it ! Freed

Bringing things up to date - Here is some 21st century Sikh Armour - the so called 'Bullet Proof Patka' as worn by Sikh Soldiers in the Indian Army (and non Sikh non turbanned soldiers due to its lightness and ease of use) The 'halo' like 'patka' is worn over a Patka some info ; BULLET PROOF PATKA has an Armour strip made of Die Pressed PHANTOM STEEL. The Helmet Patka being breathable, does not cause any fatigue or headache during prolong wear to the user. TECHNICAL FEATURES: PROTECTION : The Armour Steel strip in the front protects the forehead by defeating fire of 7.62x39mm (AK-47 family of weapons) from a distance of 10 metres. The remaining circumference of the head is protected against fire of 9mm family of weapons from distance of 10 metres. The trauma pads provided can absorb the shock/trauma in the event of bullet hit. SIZE : It comes in three different sizes i.e. small, medium and large or as per user's requirement. COLOR : Helmet Patka can be made in various colour, depending on the specific requirement of the users. The chin strap and specially designed straps at the rear ensure a perfect head grip. Weight 1.4Kg to 1.5Kg. Freed

Here is Sher Singh's standard bearer wearing armour In this image we see Raja Lal Singh in European style armour. Here are some examples of the Indian art of Amour Collection at Rambagh Museum Amritsar Chain Mail Suit - National Museum Delhi Bazuband with attached dastaney - National Museum Delhi - with heavy koftgiri . Note the 'Kara' like raised part on the wrist. A 'Chilta Hazaar Masha' - coat of a thousand nails. in this case fabric armour reinforced with plate armour studded with small rivets. - from the Wallace Collection London. A Rajput 'Chilta Hazaar Masha' - velvet with floral plates. 18th century Horse armour Hope you enjoyed the images and they we of some use ,or were in some way what you were looking for. GurFateh ! Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Gurfateh ! and Thank you 'Gurbar Akaal' Bhai Sahib - you are a fount of knowledge as always. Yes That's my dining room - or 'mama ji's Armoury' as my nephews call it ! I'm beginning to run out of space ! I am in the process of photographing and cataloging my collection - when I have finished I will post the pictures - as I would like some help from you in correctly identifying some items. Wicked Warrior ji here are a few pictures of Armour that you may find interesting. This is the Char Aina - Body Armour of Guru Gobind Singh - given to the Phul Family of Patiala and now kept at the Moti Bagh Museum. It is very similar to the one due to be auctioned at Sotheby's in 2008. It has verses from Jaap and Japji Sahib These 19th century breast plates from the Howard Ricketts Collection are decorated in 'koftgiri' with images of Guru Nanak Sahib and Bhai Mardana This full suit of armour also from the Howard Ricketts Collection, shows the chain mail/ dastane/ Bazuband mentioned by 'Gurbar Akaal' Ji These images show a 'Sikh Helmet' examples of which are in the Royal Armouries and the Smithsonian. The helmet has an area to accomodate the 'Jura' or top knot of a Sikh. While the existence and use of such a helmet is a contentious issue in some Sikh circles, we find evidence for their use in Rattan Singh Bhangoo's Pracheen Panth Prakash, were he states that Sukha Singh Marhi Kambo Ki and Charhat Singh Sukerchakiya (Grandfather of Maharaja Ranjit Singh ) both wore helmets that they captured from Afghan adversaries, proudly as trophies. (I will try to dig out the reference- I have forgotten the page reference - sorry !). This confirms Gurbar Akaal ji's statement, above, about the availability and 'sourcing' of armour. Here is the armour display at the Smithsonian, Washington. It includes the 'Sikh Helmet' with chain mail hanging at the back , char aina and bazuband with dastanay. These images of Hari Singh Nalwa shows him with helmet and full armour In the last image note how 'Nalwa Sardar' has chain mail hanging at the back of his helmet - this is then covered with a turban. These next group of images show various Sikh Heroes, all wearing types of armour. The images adorn the walls of Gurdwara Baba Atal Rai , Amritsar. These Images show Maharaja Sher Singh , the son of Ranjit Singh. He is shown wearing full armour and helmet. He wears a full suit of chain mail on top of a quilted silk jama. Note how the horse in the first image is also protected by armour.

Great question ! - gives me the opportunity to ask 'Gurbar Akaal' Bhai Sahib a question I've been wanting to ask for a while. If you look at these pictures you will see the Nihang Singh Sahibs are wearing chain mail in their Dastaars - I believe it is called a 'Sanjoi' (????) I have a friend at work who is into 'War Re- enactment' - re enacting battles with full armour etc. - He has got loads of the 'split washers' needed to make chainmail. I want to make a 'Sanjoi'. However I need to know what shape it is - Is it a 'chevron' or V shaped flat piece of mail or is it like a 'hood' - that covers the top of the head as well . is it a bit like a Khula helmet like 'Aftaab Sahib' is wearing ( Aftaab is a repro set of armour- engraved with verses from the Koran - given to me by the wife as a birthday present - naming , making the model and dressing him up was a joint 'Blue Peter' moment !) heres a pic ; How is it attached - is it just placed on the dastar and kept in place with tora ? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated - it will give me and the wife another 'Blue Peter' project to do !!!! Cheers !

Gurfateh ! Was that of any use Surinderjit ji ? Here is another vid it shows a 'Gora Sikh' - I don't like that term, very divisive - but I guess you have used it so I will just this once. It shows the Singh wearing a kacchera - it proves my point about getting them made to your size - the 'Pauncha' or leghole is too big - it should sit comfortably with the V on the thigh and the front just touching the knee. It also seems as though the waistband is elasticated not with a nala. I am not in any way dissing the Singh in the video - just using him as an example because I couldn't find any other pictures - as I have said it takes a while to get used to wearing kaccherey particularly if you are used to regular underwear. Wear them how you like - the reason for the tighter leghole is so you can wear them 'in Public' with a chola and not have any 'decency' issues . Hope that helps

Dear Surinderjit Bhai Sahib, I guess you are asking how to tie a knot in the Nala (Drawstring) of your kacchera ? Here are a couple of videos that show how to tie 2 simple knots - and probably more importantly how to untie the knot !!!. Simple knot 1 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...97&hl=en-GB Simple knot 2 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...11&hl=en-GB There are a number of ways of tying - as 'sitargirl' has mentioned there is a method of tying a very secure knot , where after tying a knot the extra length of nala goes around the waist and is tied. This needs a very long 'nala'. The videos show just simple easy knots. If you are asking how to actually wear a kacchera - you basically have the 'V' shaped end of the leg hole on your thigh - ie. move it so the 'v' is in the centre of the thigh and then gather the front (probably the folds you were thinking about) pull the nala and tie it. It basically comes together by itself - but it will take a while to get used to wearing . If your Kacchera isn't 'made to measure' - you may have some trouble as the 'V' also known as 'Brakan' won't stay in one place ( It may be too big (will give people an eyeful !!!) or too small (Be too tight to bend your knee or sit down) It pays to have them made to measure - more comfortable (They don't move around ) and definately more decent as 'nothing' is on 'show' - if you get what I mean. Anyway I've rambled on for too long now - I hope it made some sense and the vids are of some use. I know people will be wetting themselves laughing at this description - but Hey not everyone knows how to tie a kacchera or even seen one ! Take Care Freed

Waheguru ji ka Khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh ! Here are the Salok Dumalley Da *from Khalsa Sundar Gutka - published by Singh Sahib Jathedar Baba Santa Singh Ji , Shromani Panth Akali Buddha Dal, Panjwan Takht Chalda Vahir Punjab (Hindustan) -- pages 338 - 342

Please Feel free to use and post them wherever you like Bhai Sahib !

GurFateh ! Try This link - you will find a number of versions - 'Taksali Singh' or the Giani Sant Singh Maskeen version are probably the slowest . http://www.sikhnet.com/Sikhnet/music.nsf/S...ry=jaap%20sahib Hope That helps Freed

Gurfateh ! In reply to 'B4ND4' Bhai Sahib's post - those type of beards are 'allowed' - in fact some argue they are to be encouraged as they are a manifestation of 'Kshatria' warrior traditions - Curled 'Koondian' Mucchan/ Moustache and Fanned out beard are all Warrior traditions - traditions bestowed on the Khalsa by Dashmesh Pita Ji. Here is a picture from around 1983/4 of Baba Santa Singh Ji - Sultan-e -Quam, with a 'fanned out' beard in Rajput / Kshatri style *from Khalsa Panth - Khushwant Singh Raghu Rai - Tricolour - 1984 Enjoy ! Freed

Gurfateh ! Here is a simple method that doesn't use 'Fixo'( Simco Hair Fixer) or gel - but if you wanted to you can use gel. If you don't want the 'stuck to your face' look , don't use the 'Thaati / Thaata' Experiment to see what suits you - people use all sorts of stuff hairspray, gels, brylcreem etc I 've even heard of some US guy who used that clear stationery glue because they ran out of 'Fixo' It's up to you - I don't like 'fixo' it has a funny smell and flakes - use what works for you. BUT as someone has mentioned don't tie the rubber band or the beard too tight - you won't be able to open your mouth and you will damage your beard - it will fall out in clumps. Open flowing beard is always best - but like I said do what suits you and your situation. anyway here some pictures of Dr Jasprit Singh of Ann Arbor, Michigan *From Style of the Lion - Jasprit Singh Teresa Singh - Akal Publications - 1998. pg 59 The rubber band method will work if you don't have a very heavy beard - My Dad uses a plaited string (Rasi) to tie his beard - military style. The String is placed under the chin at the start of the neck and tied at the top of the head - then using a silai the beard is tucked over the string. With this method again you can use gel or fixo - but it can take a while to get used to having that string around your chin ! Here is an illustration From Pavan is a Sikh - Sean Lyle - A & C Black - 1977 Hope that helps Freed

Gurfateh ! Here is an English translation and Punjabi 'Arth' of this Sawaiya. The sawaiya comes from 'Krishna Avtaar' Sri Dasam Granth Sahib. * From Sri Dasam Granth Sahib. Dr Surindar Singh Kohli. SNHT. 2003. Vol 2 page 1261 * From Sri Dasam Granth Sahib Ji Steek. Pandit Narain Singh Ji Giani (Vidya Maartand, Mujanga vale). Vol 4 page 367 Hope that helps in some way. Ranjit Singh 'Freed'