Freed

This sakhi brings to mind Guru Arjan Sahib Ji's beautiful shabad ਰਾਜੁ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲਾਰੇ ॥ (I do not seek power, and I do not seek liberation. My mind is in love with Your Lotus Feet.) From Ang 534 Here is the complete shabad ਦੇਵਗੰਧਾਰੀ ੫ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤਾ ਪ੍ਰਿਅ ਬਚਨ ਤੁਹਾਰੇ ॥ ਅਤਿ ਸੁੰਦਰ ਮਨਮੋਹਨ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਸਭਹੂ ਮਧਿ ਨਿਰਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਰਾਜੁ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਚਾਹਉ ਮਨਿ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਚਰਨ ਕਮਲਾਰੇ ॥ ਬ੍ਰਹਮ ਮਹੇਸ ਸਿਧ ਮੁਨਿ ਇੰਦ੍ਰਾ ਮੋਹਿ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਹੀ ਦਰਸਾਰੇ ॥੧॥ ਦੀਨੁ ਦੁਆਰੈ ਆਇਓ ਠਾਕੁਰ ਸਰਨਿ ਪਰਿਓ ਸੰਤ ਹਾਰੇ ॥ ਕਹੁ ਨਾਨਕ ਪ੍ਰਭ ਮਿਲੇ ਮਨੋਹਰ ਮਨੁ ਸੀਤਲ ਬਿਗਸਾਰੇ ॥੨॥੩॥੨੯॥ dhaevaga(n)dhhaaree 5 || a(n)mrithaa pria bachan thuhaarae || ath su(n)dhar manamohan piaarae sabhehoo madhh niraarae ||1|| rehaao || raaj n chaaho mukath n chaaho man preeth charan kamalaarae || breham mehaes sidhh mun ei(n)dhraa mohi t(h)aakur hee dharasaarae ||1|| dheen dhuaarai aaeiou t(h)aakur saran pariou sa(n)th haarae || kahu naanak prabh milae manohar man seethal bigasaarae ||2||3||29|| Dayv-Gandhaaree, Fifth Mehla: O Beloved, Your Words are Ambrosial Nectar. O supremely beautiful Enticer, O Beloved, You are among all, and yet distinct from all. ||1||Pause|| I do not seek power, and I do not seek liberation. My mind is in love with Your Lotus Feet. Brahma, Shiva, the Siddhas, the silent sages and Indra - I seek only the Blessed Vision of my Lord and Master's Darshan. ||1|| I have come, helpless, to Your Door, O Lord Master; I am exhausted - I seek the Sanctuary of the Saints. Says Nanak, I have met my Enticing Lord God; my mind is cooled and soothed - it blossoms forth in joy. ||2||3||29|| Gurfateh ! Freed

Gurfateh ! Here are a few pictures - I picked some unusual ones - unfortunately only a couple are of good enough quality that they could be enlarged to A0 - if you want higher resolution images , PM me your email and I'll email you higher resolution (3MB) ones. Freed

Gurfateh ! Here are some pictures Rajastani musician Keher Singh painting of 'Allahditta' (sarangi) and 'Ghulam Ali' (ektara) followers of Baba Farid c. 1875 Sufi Dhadis Sharif Idu Des Raj Lachkane Pritam Singh - Sarangi maker Village Boparai From wood to instrument Hope they are of some use - if you want higher resolution,PM me your email adress and I'll email you higher res images (3MB)- most of the above pictures come from books. Freed

Gurfateh ! A glorious shabad ! In this shabad Bhai Gurdas Ji shows us two things, the supreme power of Simran and the way a Gursikh should live their life. Raja Janak was a powerful and Great King, the father of Sita - but amidst all this wealth and power he remained unattached to worldly things and was devoted to 'Bhagati' and simran. On one occasion Sahdev came to learn from Janak - he saw all Raja Janak's wealth and said how can you be a true Bhagat? what can I learn from you , you are devoted to this world and all your wealth , look at your palaces, horses, servants. Janak said nothing but caused all the palaces and wealth to catch fire and be destroyed - he did not raise an eyebrow or was disturbed - but when the fire threatened to burn Sahdev's 'Kamandal' (A wooden pot), all he possesed, Sahdev jumped up to save it. Raja Janak said see it is not me who is attached to maya but you - see how you jumped to save your 'kamandal' As Bhai Gurdas has said Raja Janak, even while surrounded by 'Maya' was not affected by it - 'Maya Vich Udasi' A Gursikh should live their life like that - work honestly for their living , look after their family and give to and support others. Wealth and possessions are not 'bad' per se it is the 'attachment' or importance given to them, that is. Maya is there to be controlled and used - a Gursikh is not controlled or used by Maya - and by Maya I mean all that takes you away from Guru Sahib. In Gurbani this concept is called Raj Jog - the balance between the spiritual and the temporal - more commonly called 'Miri Peeri' The sakhi also shows us the Power of Simran - as Guru Gobind Singh has written in Benti Chaupai - 'Ek Baar jin Tummey Sanbharo - Kaal Faas Te Tanhe Ubaara- Jin Nar Naam Tihaaro Kaha - Darid Dusht Dokh Te Raha' Those who remember You once, Are freed from the snare of death Those who say Your Name, Are freed from poverty, enemy and misery. The Simran of a Bhagat can remove all obstacles - in Bhai Gurdas' vaar the Bhagati of Raja Janak cannot be measured - the power of Simran is such that when all of Raja Janak's 'Bhagti' is placed on a scale, all the 'sins' of the poor souls in 'Jamapur' cannot even bring the scales upto a balance point. So the 'moral' of the sakhi is the basic and only commandment of Gurbani - 'Jap' 'Bhai Prapat Manukh Dehuria Gobind Milan ki Eh Teri Baria Avar Kaaj Tere Kite N Kam Mil Sadh Sangat Bhaj Keval NAAM' (asa M5) You have obtained this human body Now is your chance to meet the Sustainer. No other deed avails us, But to join the faithful and recite the NAME' All mistakes and shortcomings are mine. Bhul Chuk Maaf

Some more oldies Here are 'The Sahotas' with their reggae inflected 'Akia Smaal' The eagle eyed will see the video is from 'Our' Cilla's 'Surprise Surprise !'. The Sunday night show/Blub Fest, where she made people's 'dreams come true' or reunited families. In this case the lad wanted to play Dholki with a Bhangra band. It's from around 1989. http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...01&hl=en-GB Here are Apna Sangeet with 'The First ever Bhangra Video' - as you can tell they haven't really got any better. As if they don't say 'Balle Shera Chak de Phattey' enough times. they've got someone dressed up as a lion carrying a plank of wood - Just to bang home the point ! From around 1989 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...16&hl=en-GB In case anyone thinks I'm taking the mick and just posting 'cheesy' videos - here are 3 of my all time favourite UK TV Punjabi performances - I never get tired of watching these ; Gurdas Maan - Challa http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...40&hl=en-GB Great Indian Dancers - http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...03&hl=en-GB Jagmohan Kaur - Bulle Shah - http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...89&hl=en-GB Enjoy !

As you all liked the Heera tracks - here is another - this one is from the Asian Pop Awards 1986/7 held at The Dome, Birmingham. Heera won best band. Dhami & Kumar are really working the 'Borat' look and those 'Tom Jones' dance moves ! click to view ; http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...57&hl=en-GB enjoy !

Gurfateh ! Here is what I think is the moral of the sakhi ; Sudama and Krishna were the disciples of the same Guru - and great childhood friends. In Gurmat terms the sakhi is trying to tell us the importance of Naam ,Sangat, Kirtan and Katha . The two friends have not met for a long time , Krishna becomes the King of Dwarka and Sudama a poor Brahmin. Sudama's wife tauts him that Krishna is your childhood friend he can help us. Sudama reluctantly goes to see Krishna for help - he wonders if Krishna will remember him. When he reaches Dwarka , Krishna sees him from afar , he leaves his throne comes to Sudama, does 'Parkarma' of him and bows to him. Bhai Gurdas is saying that to have the darshan of the true disciple of Guru Sahib is to have darshan of Guru Sahib - Sadh Sangat is Guru Roop - you gain the darshan of Guru Sahib through his devoted Sikhs and their 'charan dhoor'. Krishna asks Sudama to recite 'sakhis' and 'Guru Katha' to remember their Guru. Here Bhai Gurdas is showing the importance of Simran and Sangat - Krishna asks Sudama to recite 'Guru Sewa di Katha' to remember Guru Sahib - to recite the 'Naam' given by Guru Sahib - in other words Naam Simran . According to Gurmat, Krishan seats Sudama on the throne and Sudama's 'Dasm Dwaar' is opened by Naam Simran. This shows the importance of Simran - Krishna gives Sudama the 'Chaar Padarath' - the 4 bounties - righteousness, wealth, fulfillment of desire and liberation. Sudama and Krishna are disciples of the same Guru - they are one - Sudama doesn't ask for anything and Krishna doesn't mention Sudama's obvious poverty - everything is unsaid - but everything is known as they are disciples of One Guru. I believe the sakhi is telling us the importance of remembering Guru Sahib - through Naam Simran and Sangat all your needs are fulfilled as Guru Sahib knows all. I hope that made some sense. All mistakes and shortcomings are mine. Bhul Chuk Maaf Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

I found this article in The Observer http://music.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,,2188069,00.html It's a potted history of 'UK Bhangra' - it reminded me of these two short films from some old videos I re- discovered recently. The videos are cringe making in the extreme - showing the 'pioneers' of 'Daytime gigs' - 'X-Zecutive Soundz' The Clothes - The Music - The Moves !!!!!!! ALL Shocking ! The Videos are from around 1986 - so many of the people in them are now in their late 40s - and probably have kids of their own - I wonder what their relationship with their kids is like ? Do they give their kids the "freedom" they craved ? HMMMM I wonder ? I know many people on some forums believe the 'Daytime gig' is responsible for all that is wrong in the world today I don't wish to censor anybody BUT Please keep any responses Clean - No death threats - calling people 'Outside' - NO misogynistic replies - namecalling - sweeping statements - and please no 'Ma/Bhen diyan Gaahlan' Ok here goes (I just know I'm gonna regret this) here are the links Chasing Rainbows (Daytimes and Southall Gangs) from Channel 4 c.1986 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...68&hl=en-GB Sunday East (Bhangra Funk disco) channel 4 c.1986 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=...27&hl=en-GB Whistle posse MAKE SOME NOISE !!!!!!

Opening the Memorial Gate to Indian soldiers outside the Brighton pavilion. Imperial War Conference, 1917. In London with his son Yadwinder Singh, father of Amarinder Singh. With the King of Spain, Madrid 1928. An informal shot - without his trademark beautiful turban - surrounded by his daughters. A pocket watch made for the maharaja. The Maharaja's travel watch and wrist watch made by Cartier. A 'chand mang-tika' - worn on the forehead - platinum diamond and pearls with a portrait of the maharaja - made by Cartier. I could go on forever , so I think I'll stop there ! Hope you enjoyed the pictures, Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Bhupinder Singh captained the Indian cricket team on their first ever tour of England in 1911. The Patiala XI - at Chail cricket ground, built by the Maharaja, the world's highest cricket ground, at 7500 feet above sea level. The MCC England presented the Maharaja (president of the Board of Cricket Control of India) with this cartoon in 1935. Hunting with the Prince of Wales (Later to abdicate the throne). Inspecting his troops. Charge.... Viceregal Party Vandyk portraits On the roof of the Savoy Hotel, London. At 'the front' during World War 1.

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/6865/sherld3.png The English signature of Sher Singh - showing his Anglophile tendencies. Jarau Cchattar given by Sher Singh to Darbar Sahib Amritsar. Sher Singh and his son Partap Singh were murdered by the Sindhanwalia Sardars on 15 September 1843. A persian poet wrote of this treachery as; "Ba shauq sagan shikar-i-sheran kardand" - 'For their sport, worthless dogs had hunted lions'. (Qadir 1917) Maharaja Bhupinder Singh - or to give him his full title ; His Highness Farzand-i-Khas-i-Daulat-i-Inglishia, Mansur-i-Zaman, Amir ul-Umara, Maharajadhiraja Raj Rajeshwar 108 Sri Maharaja-i-Rajgan, Maharaja Bhupendra Singh, Mahendra Bahadur, Yadu Vansha Vatans Bhatti Kul Bushan, Maharaja of Patiala. Farzand-i-Khas-i-Daulat-i-Inglishia: Favoured son of the English nation. Mansur-i-Zaman: Victorious of the Age. Amir ul-Umara: commander/prince of the nobility. Maharajadhiraja: great prince of princes. Raj Rajeshwar: superior prince. Yadu Vansha Vatans Bhatti Kul Bushan: ornament of the Bhatti clan. Maharaja-i-Rajgan: Great Prince amongst Princes.

Gurfateh ! Whether we like to admit it or not all Singhs are 'peacocks' - we all take time to perfect our Turbans and are known to take a number of tying attempts to get the right look and won't leave the house unless we 'get it right'. Whether you tie a small and graceful Dastar or a large flamboyant ਰੋਹਬਦਾਰ (Rohbdaar) Patiala or 'Ludhiana' style, or a smart smooth Dumala or the 'without the use of a mirror' more organic dumala - we all are particular about our Dastars which give us a Royal Bearing - Sardaari - a Blessing from Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The punjabi peacock comes in many forms; the village Jatt peacock - with a high ਤੁਰ੍ਹਲਾ (turla) on his turban, a kentha around his neck, waxed moustache, and a tattoo on his thigh to show his 'Physique'; and the more sophisticated 'Sardaar' - dressed in tight Aichan/Sherwani with Churidar pajama, usually astride a horse to show off his shapely legs ! (Before you think I'm making this up, examples of all these 'peacocks' exist in my family ! ) You also get the modern variety in Punjab; who have to match their turbans with their shirts and 'Diesel' jeans; and their western counterparts with smart Dumallas worn with hoodies and sportswear. The zenith of 'Punjabi Peacocks' was probably the time of the Maharajas - of all the Punjabi Maharajas two stand out as 'Textbook' examples of the Punjabi Peacock - Maharaja Sher Singh and Maharaja Bhupinder Singh - "The Flower of Oriental aristocracy". They were both larger than life, handsome, robust characters - aesthetes very fond of the finer things in life. Speaking about Bhupinder Singh, Louis Cartier (brother of Jacques Cartier, the Jeweller) wrote; " The doorway seemed ablaze; people gasped as the Maharaja of Patiala entered....on his neck,amidst the diamond rivers bedecking his shoulders, shone the necklace of the Empress Eugenie.....across his turban he wore diamond drops, sparkling like fireworks, which bedewed his eyes. The chandeliers focussed upon him. He held the light and diffused it. He was immense and as he held the stage, he epitomized the India of the Maharaja. " The Maharaja of Patiala was known for his beautiful turban - the Patiala Shahi style and it is said he spent two hours on his bath and care of his beard - "being a Sikh and first among the Sikh Princes, it was necessary that every hair should be oiled till it shone like silk before being neatly rolled over a cord and tied round the chin." (R Forbes 1939) Here is a collection of images showing the two Maharajas - Punjabi Peacocks in all their glory ; Maharaja dhiraj Sher Singh Bahadur, Maharaja of the Punjab. Born at Batala, December 1807. The August Schoefft painting of Sher Singh. He is wearing the koh-i-noor on his arm, a belt of emeralds , the Timur Ruby (actually a spinel) and he is seated on the Golden Throne. The original setting of the Koh-i-noor. now set with paste replicas. the enamel work on the rear. The Timur ruby - reset by Garrard - now in the collection of the Queen. The emerald belt - also in the Queen's collection. The Throne Sher Singh - from the A. Schoefft painting of the Lahore Darbar. In the Shish Mahal of the Lahore Fort. Prince Soltykoff described Sher Singh as, "a big stoutish man of forty, covered with the most beautiful jewels in the world". Portrayed after a bath.

Really Sad A song that highlights the problem and the attempts by many (usually NRIs and Singers) to say 'everythings OK' - 'Punjab is the most prosperous state' - when we all know things are not OK The day is not too far away when our Beloved 'Majha, Malva and Doaba' may become a desert - full of Large NRI mansions, Marriage Palaces & Pubs and Clubs but not much else. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuQU89xM68M

'While the brass band plays tiddleyompompom!' You'll probably only get the song reference if you're from England ! Here's a great picture of 'Blaity Babay' enjoying the Great British tradition of freezing your bits off at the seaside in Blackpool ! Aw Bless! Here's another 'aw bless' image probably from California judging by the Palm trees Baba giving his grandson a ride on his BMX / low rider - depending on where you're from (In England) known as a 'Saddler' or a 'Backy' or if you're from Leicester a 'Croggy' Balle Baba Tere !!! Freed

At the risk of sounding like a grandad here goes ... As Dizzee Rascal would say " blud don't make me GET OLD SKOOL" fordcapri - I mean what a classic name ! a serious blast from the past Wedges !! Sergio Tacchini tracksuits - classic Adidas / Diadora trainers with fat laces - a Fila BJ if you had serious money (or Rich parents or 'taxed' some rich kid) - awful golf jumpers (Gabicci /Pringle) worn with hopsack Farahs and white white trainers ! - wearing your choicest 'casual' 'Garms' while 'yarding out' / cruising around in a souped up Capri or attempting to breakdance on a piece of lino outside Woolworths or trying to beatbox like Doug E Fresh ! - that 'failed' attempt at Graffitti on the railway line (didn't become the next 'Banksy') - Talking in the most stupid way - vocabulary consisting of 'Safe' 'Yard' and 'Churpsing' !!!! Brings it all back ! OK - memory lane trip over I'll go away now before I embarrass myself anymore than I already have Laters - I gotta chip

Gurfateh ! Before I say anything I must say I don't know Niddar Singh Nihang (I've just seen him a few times in the days when he did gatka displays, usually with Uptej Singh et al, in the days before the 'websites') I don't know Bhai Amritpal Singh either and I don't know anything about the 'backstairs intrigue' that appears to be going on in the Dal Panth . What I would like to say is that if you look at the situation purely through the lens of 'Punjabi Tradition' - all I can see is a 'Pugree da Rasm' or 'Dastarbandi' . Balbir Singh Nihang lost his father I believe in the recent shootings ?. It is customary at the 'Bhog' after a Father has died for a turban to be tied on the head of the eldest son, to show he is now the 'head of the family' - the turban is usually tied by the boy's Mama ji (Mother's brother) or if he is married by his wife's father. Perhaps that is all that is happening here - sometimes if no family members are present or if the family decide, a Respected member of the Sangat or family will tie the turban. As Balbir Singh is a Nihang - the most important person would be his Jathedar ie. Baba Santa Singh. I believe no one has said or claimed this is a 'Dastar bandi' for the 'Jathedari' - perhaps it is purely a family dastarbandi that has been portrayed or misconstrued as something else ? Bhul Chuk Maaf freed

Gurfateh ! For some wonderful pictures of Harian Belan Nihangs try Nick Fleming's site - He has spent considerable time at Harian Belan with his wife Guru Kaur . His pictures are stunning - and are available to buy (and some free downloads) Click link to see them http://www.nickfleming.com/photography/Nih...Punjab/pageno1/ Enjoy Freed

Gurfateh ! A few pictures 1970s with a young Gurumustak Singh 1980s With Sant Ji Emotional Meeting with Yogi Bhajan after the events of 1984 With Yogi Ji and Bhai Jeevan Singh Freed

Gurfateh ! Been doing some more detective work / reading and found this ; *From History of the Sikhs, Vol 5 ,The Sikh Lion of Lahore - Hari Ram Gupta - Munshiram Manoharlal - 1991. pp 418 This might explain who 'Bastee Ram' or Wasti Ram is , - mentioned a number of times in the hand written notes - as well as Gobind Ram and Ram Singh - all of whom are pictured under the Guru Sahiban along with their sons. The bestowing of jagirs and money explains the hand written note - "Offspring and horses of Bastee Ram" - he was a 'Bhai' of some standing and wealth - that also explains why Ranjit Singh is pictured. I think the Namdhari theory may have been a little hasty ! - but then again I did say they were 'forerunners' - so there maybe something there ??

Gurfateh ! I have received a higher resolution image of the last image I posted in this thread In this image you can read the writing - however this doesn't make things much clearer - I have put on my 'Sherlock Holmes' cape and come up with some conclusions - all pure conjecture. So feel free to make and add your own conclusions. The higher resolution image - (the image is around 3MB - if you would like the big image, PM me your email address and I will send it to you) In these details you can see the Ten Guru Sahiban - with the sons of Guru Nanak, Baba Sri Chand is on the right On the left of Guru Gobind Singh you can see "Bhai Bolaka Sing , Chela G. Govind Sing" - I believe this could be a depiction of Baba Balakh Singh - the mentor of Baba Ram Singh Namdhari What adds weight to this being Balakh Singh is the group of Disciples shown below - they include "B. Kahan Sing" - Kahn Singh was the nephew of Balakh Singh and occupied the 'Gaddi' of Balakh Singh at Hazro - these disciples could be some of the 22 'Subas' or deputies that looked after Kuka missionary work as set up by Baba Ram Singh. Under the Guru Sahiban on the right is a group of elders described as " This whole class belong to the house Sodee ??" - like I said before I believe this to be the Sodhi Family - not sure if they are the Kartarpur or 'Mina' line. The word Sodee could be Sodoo it's not very clear. In this detail you can see the English Lieutenant Governor arriving on a canopied boat and below him Maharaja Ranjit Singh. In this detail you can see Langar being made - " cooking house for the poor" and the "Daig of sardai and water" - 'Ragra' performed and 'Shardai' being made. In this detail langar is served We can see Lepers and Blind men in the sangat This is a very interesting painting from an interesting period in History - It appears to show the forerunners of the Namdhari Movement - though it appears to not show Baba Ram Singh - though it is said Ram Singh met Balakh Singh in around 1860 - so maybe this painting is from before then - again pure conjecture. The painting shows Maharaja Ranjit Singh and the British - it also appears to show the 'Sodhis'. It could be argued the painting shows all those with influence in Punjab at the time - those in 'power' and with considerable influence. A point to note is that Guru Nanak Sahib and Ranjit Singh are the only figures with a Nimbus / Halo - and the Lt Governor has a canopy over his head. The painting is titled "Kings and devotee Sikhs paying homage to Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh religion." - regardless of who the individuals are they are all paying homage to the Guru Sahiban - even if the painting maybe an attempt to overplay any influence or bolster an individual's standing - or an attempt to give credence to a particular 'lineage' or 'prophecy'. Please fell free to add your comments - they are greatly appreciated Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Dear 'Gurbar Akaal' ji , This is the address of the wellcome collection http://medphoto.wellcome.ac.uk/ put Sikh or Amritsar in the search box If you want Hi Res images click on the order option and they can send you hi res scans (About £2.50 via email) or photographic prints (More expensive around £5 -£10 by post) I have sent a request for a clearer version of the last image - so I can read the writing - I will post it here when I get it Take Care Ranjit

Gurbar Akaal Bhai Sahib you are a fount of knowledge as always. With this reply I have got the answer to my original question. I would like to thank all the members who posted pictures. I request the mods to now close the thread as it has become something which I did not originally envisage. I do not have any 'hidden' agenda , just a love for art and imagery. I believe the two bronzes I posted are masterpieces - exquisite examples of the art of metallurgy. Surely Sarpanch Sahib you can see that ? I understand and share your passion for the Punjab - The fact the second bronze was made in the Punjab in the 5th century must have some impact on you ? Can you show me any other Punjabi artefact - that has a date and full provenance from the 5th century - that is as beautiful ? The bronzes are fifth century Punjabi devotion wrought in metal - it is that which makes them outstanding not just that they are of Lord Shiva. I sincerely apologise if I have hurt or upset any member of SikhSangat Bhul Chuk Maaf Pyaar Bhari Sat Sri Akaal Ranjit Singh 'Freed'

Flattered ? - Oh you are such lovely tyres ! What do you mean I can't take my 'Gadda' out during rush hour - I just got the 'Bhaiya' to polish the Bull's horns ! Indian Ronald McDonald - complete with turban - McCurry A couple of UK ones Sukhmani Kaur spares the blushes of the ragi Singhs - by turning Glassy to Lassy Southall railway station - this sign has now been replaced One from Canada - say the 6 in Punjabi Yes - I know I've got way too much time on my hands !

Here is a light hearted post - my last post seemed to arouse some heated emotions - this one is just for fun ! One of the joys of visiting India is the full onslaught on the senses - the wild colours, the non stop horns, the crowds - and of course the MAD painted signs The unique spelling, the awkward grammar and the fact some are just plain indecipherable. Here is a collection of funny signs - well I think they are funny - there is preponderance of 'Toilet' signs - as we all know there is always an eternal struggle to find an acceptable clean toilet - that search usually goes out the window if you are struck down with Delhi Belly and then anyone - no matter how basic - will do ! SGPC gobbledegook signs - what are they on about ? A Wonderful sign at Hasan Abdal Railway station - the station for Panja Sahib - Pakistan 'Toilet humour' Sick bag on Nepal's 'Yeti Airlines' Classic spelling I think they meant - Shaving - Special Shaving -Face Massage - All body massage - facial mask - buffing and threading In the old Jewish quarter of Cochin - Swastik Spices Indians use the word 'Backside' rather than 'rear'

Dear Kam Ooh that's a tricky one ! There is some debate as to whether the symbol is a trident or a Shivling and Chand - but in essence I believe they are the same thing The trident has a deep significance "The trident, Shiva's prime attribute, serves his as a weapon in feats of cosmic destruction, but, in addition, it is invested with deep philosophical meaning. It is this layer of meaning that led to the production of tridents and to the ritual of ayudha puja or weapon worship that is a regular feature of temple rites. A variety of Shaiva texts instruct worshipers to think of the trident and other ayudhas not as everyday tools of violence but rather as weapons of grace, whereby, Shiva destroys the bonds that ensnare the human soul. For instance, the text of the eleventh century Kamika Agama states that the trident's three prongs stand for the three gunas, or qualities, of purity (sattva), activity (rajas) and lethargy (tamas)." *from the Sensuous and the Sacred, Chola bronzes of South India If we take Nihang oral traditon they argue that the Chand they wear on their Dumala is the chand and shivling - as they are -'Shiv-Swaroop' (the very form of Shiva) and the Farla represents the 'ganga' - in their words they are the image of Maha kaal (Death) - having conquered Death itself - as they are protected by that which is greater than Maha Kaal I am not very well versed in Nihang Oral History - SS member 'Gurbar Akal' is probably the best man to ask This does upset some people - but as Nihangs tend to be the only ones who wear the Chand - they have their traditions and history which should be respected. It is argued by some that the Chand on dumalla came into vogue after Nihangs went/were forced to South India - and somehow picked up on local customs and 'Devi worship' and the 'Real' symbol is the Chakar bhagauti - which then became the modern day 'Khanda' All that can be said with some certainty is that the Chand is an ancient symbol - used by many warriors hope that is of some help