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At the beginning of last year (2012), the Sikh Riot Awareness Facebook group posted this video of a Muslim man marrying a Sikh woman in a Gurdwara: https://www.facebook.com/Global.Sikh.Awareness/posts/347505678617592 As you can tell by the comments, most people were not pleased and were angry that this was allowed to take place. (click "view previous comments and go up to the very top). There were even girls that said it was wrong and shouldn't have happened, which surprised me, usually I only hear of men speaking out against this kind of stuff, but a lot of Sikh females were displeased as well. Someone showed me another Muslim-Sikh marriage video yesterday, this also took place in a Gurdwara. The difference? This time, the girl was Muslim and the guy was Sikh (mona). Here it is: I am just interested in seeing if there is as much outrage over this happening as there was over the last one. Ironically, the Muslim girl does a better matha thek than the Sikh girl lol. For the first video, imagine if the girl ran away with the Muslim, what would people say then? They would bash him for not even having the decency to enter a Gurdwara and respect the girl's families wishes. Say what you want, at least he had enough respect to bow down in front of Guru Ji, he might not practice Sikhi, but it does show he is open-minded, and since they got married in a Gurdwara, I doubt he made her convert to Islam. What is the difference between marrying a Muslim and a guy who is only Sikh-by-name? In neither case would that Sikh girl raise her children to practice Sikhi, so does it really make a difference? If a non-practicing member of our community, who probably knows nothing about the religion, doesn't even know how to matha thek properly, wants to marry out, what's the big deal? For the second video, again, is there any outrage? The Sikh guy is obviously not practicing, so does it make a difference if his wife is a Muslim? If he had married a Sikh girl, chances are she herself wouldn't be practicing either, so in neither case would he produce practicing Sikh children. Thoughts?

NEW DELHI: According to a survey conducted by Indian government, among various religious groups, Muslims have the lowest living standard with the average per capita expenditure of just Rs 32.66 in a day. The Press Trust of India (PTI) reported that the survey had shown that at the other end of the spectrum, Sikh community enjoys a much better lifestyle as the average per capita spending among them is Rs 55.30 per day, while the same for Hindus is Rs 37.50. For Christians it is Rs 51.43. "At all-India level, the average monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) of a Sikh household was Rs 1,659 while that for a Muslim household was Rs 980 in 2009-10," said an NSSO study titled 'Employment and Unemployment Situation Among Major Religious Groups in India'. The average household MPCE is a proxy for income and reflects that living standards of a family. According to the study, the average MPCE for Hindus and Christians were Rs1,125 and Rs1,543, respectively. The survey said that average monthly per capita consumption at all-India level was Rs 901 in villages and Rs1,773 in cities. Overall, the average MPCE was Rs 1,128. Muslims were at the bottom in rural areas, with an average MPCE of Rs 833, followed by Hindus at Rs 888, Christians at Rs1,296 and Sikhs 1,498. In urban areas, Muslims' average MPCE was also the lowest at Rs 1,272 followed by Hindus at Rs 1,797, Christians Rs 2,053 and Sikhs at Rs 2,180. http://www.geo.tv/article-114570-Muslims-have-lowest-while-Sikhs-enjoy-highest-living-standard-in-India

Vaheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Vaheguru Ji Ki Fathe, Wanted to raise this topic for some debate and some positive judgements on the above issue. I wanted to know if it is acceptable for a practising sikh, where he is amritdhari or not amritdhari to go to places like Clubs and Bars ie Pubs? This would be on the basis that they are not committing any of the Bujjhar Kareits and just going for a soft drink or some food? I know some people are judgemental and argue that they are disrespecting Sikhi but didn't Maharaaj tell us to represent Sikhi wherever we are? If we have positive morals and can control ourselves in these environments, doesn't that show us to be people of humanity? What is the sangats view on this?

http://video.ak.fbcdn.net/hvideo-ak-prn2/v/1054887_546120578770823_399582270_n.mp4?oh=af0eb89aa4a8df36e28ebf24d135e814&oe=520FA6FC&__gda__=1376849333_0a1c0ce8d7cac0b91f656cec16c15d8b Absolutely disgusted by this video in which this Sikhs Dastar is desecrated by a drunk girl.

Breaking News: 1 Day Before Independence Day, The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the review petition for Professor Devender Pal Singh Bhullar. Read More:http://dailysikhupdates.com/2013/08/14/supreme-court-rejects-prof-bhullars-plea/

Coach trip to Ypres in Belgium and Neuve Chapel in France £90 - inc hotel travel lunch Saturday 12th to Sunday 13th October 2013 From Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Summerset Road, Handsworth Wood Sikh Community and Youth Service UK in association with Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Somerset Road, Handsworth Wood have arranged a remembrance coach trip to Ypres in Belgium and Neuve Chaple in France to pay respects to the Sikh War Veterans of World War 1 and 2. This trip is supported by Birmingham and Sandwell Gurdwaras. contact : Sundeep Singh at the Sikh Community & Youth Service UK, 348 Soho Road, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9QL (Monday – Friday 11am – 5.00pm) as soon as possible with all details completed. Please make sure this is returned before 1st September 2013 at the very latest. Payment must be received before we can issue the tickets. Please book early to avoid disappointment. Sundeep Singh - 0121 523 0147 - 11am-5pm mon to fri Mr Dhesy - 07507 113113 Ranvir Singh Virdi - 07748 323560 --------------------------------------------------------------- ITINERARY Belgium and France Visit from 12th October to 13th October 2013 Lunch from Gurdwara will be provided on the ferry during travel to Calais on Saturday. Refreshments will be provided at Neuve Chapelle on Sunday (Courtesy of Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Paris). You will be responsible for purchasing your own food and drink at all other times. Saturday 12th October 2013 7:00 Pick up from Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Somerset Road, Handsworth Wood (Distance to Dover 205 miles, approx. time of journey 3.5 hours) 11:30 Arrive in Dover 13:00 Ferry sails to Calais (France), Lunch on ferry. Approx 1.5 hours on ferry. 15:30 Arrive in Calais depart for P & J Giftstore Calais, Rue Marcel Dassault, 62100 (Distance 3 miles, approx. 10 minutes) 16:00 Depart for Ypres (Distance 56 miles, 1 hour 10mins) 17:15 Arrive in Ypres. Check in hotel. Rest of the evening at leisure 20:00 Visit the Menin Gate for the Last Post Ceremony (within walking distance of hotel) Sunday 13th October 2013 8:00 Breakfast in hotel 9:00 Visit Hollebeke village and see the Sikh’s first Military Memorial in Europe. This place marks the position where the Sikhs first fought against the Germans in 1914 in Belgium on the Western front. 10:30 Head to Neuve Chapelle in France (Distance 22 miles, 45 minutes) 11:15 Arrive at Neuve Chapelle Memorial. The Indian memorial at Neuve Chapelle commemorates over 4,700 Indian soldiers and labourers who lost their lives on the Western Front during World War 1 and have no known graves. This will be the meeting place with Sikhs from France, Belgium, Holland etc and other important invited guests. A remembrance ceremony will take place and you will have the chance to learn more about this place. 14:00 Leave Neuve Chapelle memorial and depart for P & J Giftstore Calais, Rue Marcel Dassault, 62100, (57miles, 1.5 hours) 15.50 Leave P & J Giftstore for Calais ferry port (Distance 3 miles, approx. 10 minutes) 16:00 Arrive at Calais and catch ferry to Dover 17:00 Arrive at Dover and depart for Birmingham 21:30 Arrival in Birmingham NB : The above are approximate times and maybe subject to change, visit to P&J Gift store will take place if there are no delays Belgium & France Trip Booking Form.pdf Belgium & France Trip Itinerary (2).pdf

There are quite a few threads on this forum about the troubles of dating with a turban and beard. Most of these discussions deteriorate into guys taking their frustrations out by bashing Punjabi girls for not wanting to be with keshdari males. I came across a post on reddit that tackles this issue from a slightly different angle. I will post the relevant bit: "Hey guys and gals, I'm a Sikh guy, wear a turban and have a fully grown beard. I live in Canada and am 20 years old. I have quite a few friends who are also turban-wearing Sikhs, and the one thing I am accustomed to hearing on an almost daily basis is "girls won't go out with me because I am a keshdari". That is all I ever hear, not only from my own friends, but on every Sikh forum online, there are hoards of Sikh guys who complain about not being able to get a girlfriend because they wear a turban and sport a beard. This is for any guy on reddit who complains about this issue, and for anyone who knows a guy like that in real life, I say, you need to slap some sense into him by showing him this post. The turban and the beard are not the reason you can't get girls. It is your lowly perception of yourself. You have no self confidence, you freak out every time you talk to a female because you are worried she doesn't like your turban/beard and you are a social klutz. Most keshdari males in the west spend their time hanging out with other keshdari guys, or other Indian men in general. You have very little experience socializing with members of other races, and especially with members of the opposite sex. That is the problem. You got no game. How do you fix it? Become social, talk to people you normally wouldn't talk to, develop your social skills, and watch your life change for the better. Secondly, most turban + beard guys I know are not physically attractive. No, it is NOT the beard and turban that are responsible for it. Most of you don't work out, and quite a few (maybe even majority) have really let yourselves go, and have developed huge guts. Get your behind into the gym, lose weight if you're fat, build muscle if you're skinny. If I was a girl, I wouldn't want to date most of you either, because you don't take care of yourselves. Sikhi says to treat your body like your temple, how on earth have you allowed your temple to become so desecrated? Stop eating allu de parathai, samosai, gulab jaman, eat good, wholesome, nutritious food, get in the gym, lift, your testosterone will increase, your confidence will increase, and so will your success with the ladies. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, STOP LIMITING YOURSELF TO PUNJABI GIRLS!!!!!!!!!!!!! For Pete's sake, most guys I know who complain about this are the ones who ONLY go for Punjabi kudis. The world is your oyster my friend, there's wonderful girls out there who will accept you for who you are and are not Indian-descent. In fact, from my own experiences and what I have heard from friends, non-Punjabi girls actually respect the turban and beard more than Punjabi girls do. If you are proud to be keshdari, then they will respect you for it. When I ask most guys why they are wearing a turban, they'll tell me "because my parents made me". When pressed further about why their parents made them, they say "because it is a part of the religion". But they don't know WHY Sikhs wear turbans. That is the problem. FFS man, learn your own history! It is legendary what our ancestors went through to protect our dharam. It is teeming with stories of epic battles, sacrifice and determination. No other religion has ever had to face even half the crap we did to survive and preserve our beliefs. It was keshdari Sikhs who destroyed Mughal rule in Punjab, 21 keshdari Sikhs who held off an army of 10,000 Afghans for over 7 hours until reinforcements arrived. Confidence comes from being sure of who you are. Understand why you wear a turban, and the thousands of brave men and women who wore it before you, and you won't give a damn about what any woman thinks. If some immature Punjabi girl has no respect for your turban, that's her loss. A lot of them have forgotten that when Punjabi women were getting kidnapped left, right and center by Persian forces, and being taken to Iran to be sold in the sex-trade industries, it was turbaned Sikh men who went after them, fought enemies umpteenth times larger than themselves, won, and brought the women back safe and sound to their families. Any girl that rejects you solely for your turban isn't worth the time, even if she's Punjabi. Most of them are going to be fat aunties in 20 years time anyways, then they'll be paying guys to give them the time of day. My girlfriend is white, my brother is married to a Chinese lady, who is absolutely wonderful, and has complete respect for Sikhi and the turban. If you respect your turban, others will too. I've got a handful of friends (all keshdari) dating white girls and Asian (Chinese mostly) girls. I've got family in the USA, a few of my cousins are with Latinas. All are socially confident, all work out, none limited themselves to just Punjabi girls. That's my rant. I'm tired of keshdari guys complaining about how girls don't give you the time of day, it makes us all look like insecure, needy, weak boys who do not deserve any woman in the first place. Cutting your hair isn't going to make you a success with the ladies if you are out of shape and socially demented. On the other hand, I have known the most athletic, outgoing keshdari brothers get rejected time and time again by girls just because they had the turban. And each time, the girl was Punjabi. Face it dude, there are girls out there who are not attracted to the look, and there's nothing you can do about it. But there are a lot more girls out there than you think who don't give a damn about how big your facial hair is or what you have on your head, and a lot, if not the majority of these girls, are not Punjabi. STOP LIMITING YOURSELF! I leave you with one last question: If Dwayne The Rock Johnson converted to Sikhi today, grew out his beard and stuck on a turban, would he have any less success with the ladies? I rest my case." Source: http://www.reddit.com/r/Sikh/comments/1ggy25/dating_with_turban_and_beard/ Most respondents agreed with what he said, the support was almost unanimous. My thoughts? I think he hit the nail on the head. I disagree with the bit about Punjabi girls all turning into fat aunties, I think that was uncalled for, but other than that, he makes very valid points (imo). Keshdaris stick with other keshdaris and/or Indian men, so have little experience interacting with people of other races, and because of Punjabi culture, are discouraged from talking to women. I've been to quite a few Gurdwaras in my time, the one thing I noticed over and over again was a lack of aesthetics amongst the more religious members of our community, doesn't matter if they were young or old. Now, this isn't always, the case, I workout, most of my friends (keshdari) workout, a lot of guys posting in the comments section of that post said they do as well, and I'm sure a lot of guys on here do too. But what I have noticed is that, while we are supposed to be saint-soldiers, most of us focus too much on the "saint" aspect and not enough on the "soldier" portion. I also agree with what he said about Punjabi (NOT SIKH) girls, the average Punjabi girl these days doesn't really care much for Sikhi, so dating out of the race is probably a good idea. Thoughts? Yay or nay?

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The political correctness is ruining our Nation. The 'all religion leading to God' mentality is a major cause for inter-faith marriages and conversions of Sikhs. The idea does not find any place in Gurmat, for religious practices of Islam, Hinduism, Jainism were rejected and heavily criticised in Dhur Ki Bani, Guru Granth Sahib. The Gurus and Bhagats rejecting Islam (Hajj, Circumcision and Ramadan) I do not keep fasts, nor do I observe the month of Ramadaan. (M5, 1136, Guru Granth Sahib) Because of the love of woman, circumcision is done; I don't believe in it, O Siblings of Destiny. Devotee Kabir (Bhagat Kabeer, 477, Guru Granth Sahib) The Gurus and Bhagats rejecting Hinduism (Idol Worship, Teerath Yatra, Ekadashi fast amongst others) I have stopped fasting on Ekadashi; why should I bother to go on Teerath to sacred shrines? (Bhagat Naamdev, 718, Guru Granth Sahib) O brother, why worship idols of gods and goddesses, what can you ask of them and what can they give to you? What is the use of washing stones, which themselves drown in water? (M1, 637, Guru Granth Sahib) I have searched many Shastars and Simrtis, they do not show the way to God, but contemplation on God is invaluable. (M5, 264, Guru Granth Sahib) Guru Nanak Sahib's satire of Jainism (about 5 million followers) Shalok, First Mehl: They pluck the hair out of their heads, and drink in filthy water; they beg endlessly and eat the garbage which others have thrown away. They spread manure, they suck in rotting smells, and they are afraid of clean water. Their hands are smeared with ashes, and the hair on their heads is plucked out-they are like sheep! They have renounced the lifestyle of their mothers and fathers, and their families and relatives cry out in distress. ... (M1, 148, Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

Under the course of my study of the sikh religion I happened to come across a startling fact. The sikh gur gaddi after guru Angad Dev was turned in to a hereditary title. Extremely disturbing and as a devout sikh I would like some rational explanation for this and would appreciate any and all help

So, I was checking some of videos from youtube and I found this What guy guys think about that video?

Hello everyone, so let me explain what is going on. I am a keshdari Sikh guy in University. I work out, have friends from every race/religion, I consider myself to be a social and fit guy who also holds Guru Jis teachings very strongly in his heart and I absolutely love Sikhi. Now, I've always had a bunch of female friends, talking to girls has never been a problem for me. Throughout High School, and at the beginning of Uni, I always wanted to start a relationship with a Punjabi girl. Most were friendly with me, but wouldn't go out with me. The few that did always ended it after a few dates, because they wanted short haired guys. Of course it was disappointing, but I never once considered cutting my hair. If a girl didn't respect my hair, she wasn't worth my time, that was my train of thought. Looking back at it now, I can't believe I asked most of them out either, they may have been Punjabi, but they didn't have an ounce of Sikhi or Sikhi knowledge in their bodies, I wouldn't look twice at girls like that today. So despite my experiences, I still maintained hope that I would end up with a Punjabi SIKH girl one day, I didn't pay much attention to girls who were not Punjabi/from Sikh backgrounds (although now that I reflect, most of the non-Punjabi girls I knew were a lot nicer, and I could have dated a lot of them, plus they didn't mind the turban/beard). I live in an area with a very small ethnic population, so since Uni started, it has been harder for me to meet Punjabi girls. Last month, something unexpected happened to me. One of the white girls I have a class with, that I met at the beginning of the semester, asked me out. She is really smart, funny, we clicked the first day we met, plus she is extremely mature for her age, not the kind of girl who drinks or does drugs or goes clubbing and comes back at 3 am. Dare I say it, she acts more "Sikh" than almost all the Punjabi girls I've known throughout my life. Anyways, so she asked me to go see a movie with her, and I said yes. It was a lot of fun and we've been out twice since then, and are going out again this weekend. She's pretty much everything I ever wanted in a girl: mature, does well in school, good morals and actually likes me for my beard and turban. She's been asking me about Sikhi since the beginning of the semester, when we first met (before we started dating), and she has a TON of respect for it, seriously I see her eyes light up when I tell her about Guru Arjan Dev Ji and Guru Tegh Bahadur Jis Shaheedis, the epic story of Vaisakhi 1699, the bravery of Mai Bhago leading an army of men into battle against an enemy of thousands, the sacrifice of Bhai Mani Singh and everything else that is our awesome history. She has been begging me to take her to Gurdwara, and like I said I live in an area with a few Sikhs, but the Gurdwara will be celebrating Miri Piri so that is when I will take her. My question is, am I doing something wrong? I really couldn't ever see myself with a non-Punjabi girl, and this one isn't even from a Sikh background. I feel kind of hypocritical because one of my friends started dating a Muslim girl a few months ago, I was telling him he should stick to Sikh girls, so I feel a bit of guilt about this. On the flip side, she has wonderful morals and seems to really be interested in Sikhi. She has complete respect for the turban and beard and actually regards Guru Gobind Singh Ji as some sort of super hero lol. So do I keep dating her and see what happens? Or would it be best if we part ways now, since I don't know how my parents will react (I've kind been doing it in secret).

http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/fashion-blog/2013/jul/11/turban-sikh-men-fashion-streets Whats your views on this?

WJKK WJKF I'm 15 years old, I've grown up in a non-amritdhari family and my dad cuts his hair. I've kept my kesh my entire life and so has my younger brother. I've been doing kirtan and path for most of my life, my dad has no problems with that. But I wear a dhamalla/gol pagh and my parents don't like that. I don't want to wear the other type of "regular" pagh that he wants me to wear ...my dad tells me dhamlla's make people look uneducated. He also makes me use fixo for my beard, while I want to keep it open. Another problem that I'm facing is my masee (aunt)... wants me to trim my beard! And I've told her I don't want to and never will, but she keeps on annoying me about it. What can I do to get my aunt and my dad to just let me do what I want? Any help would be great. Thanks. WJKK WJKF

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

We always hear about the role of the Budha Dal in it's capacity as a parallel component of Akal Takhat and Shahidan misl, but whatever happened to the Tarna Dal during the Anglo-Sikh wars???? What actions did it undertake along with it's parallel budha dal contemporaries in order to prevent British encroachment of Punjab, and what did it do in the aftermath??? What of it's sub-battalions, what were their roles during this conjuncture????? Has their been a decisive re-writing of history under our very noses concerning Akali Singhs and their history?????

Gay marriage is legalized in California. How should Sikhs feel about this? I am confused. I feel happy for them that they are getting equal rights.After all, we as Sikhs have to see everyone equally. On the other hand, what if a gay couple wants to do Anand Karaj? It is not allowed in Sikhi.. Share your views P.S.. I don't want to offend anyone. If this post does not belong this forum, please advise so. Thank you

Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki Fateh "eh muslim priwaar har mahene ik war darbar sahib de darshan karan jroor aunda hai galbaat de dauran enha dasea k 1984 vich jdo ik sikh (nishan singh na dasea ena os sikh veer da) hindua to bachdea hoyea ena de ghar aa wadeaa ta ena ne apne ik put de sir te pag ban k jis de dhadi rakhi hoie c nu onha de havale kr dita te onha ne enha de samne agg jiode nu la diti .galbaat daoran eh sab futt futt k ro paye ate kendhe asi ethe allha da sukar krn aunde ha par asi apne dharm vich parpakk ha ate kehnde saanu etho di rohaaniat sanu khich leaodi hai." "This Muslim family come to Darbar Sahib every month for darshan. While talking to them, they told that in 1984, a sikh ( his name was Nishan Singh) running from Hindus came to their house for shelter. They tied turban to one of their son's head, who has beard, and gave him to the Hindu mob. Their son was burnt alive in front of their eyes. They started crying during this conversation. They said that they come to Darbar Sahib to thank Allah but they are devout Muslims. The roohaniat of Darbar Sahib brings them here" Before bashing other religions, please understand that TRUTH exists in every religion. At the end, God will not judge us based on our religion, but on our actions.Lets improve our actions and be what our Gurus want us to be. Consider all human race as one!!

News link from punjab spectrum http://www.punjabspectrum.com/2013/06/12832 Local News Channel Coverage http://www.news10.net/video/2507199376001/1/Sikh-couple-kicked-out-of-theater-due-to-religious-item Link to Petition http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50846/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=11324

My family were originally Hindus who had shardha in Sikhi. But they officially became Sikhs during the Singh Sabha movement.

I was just wondering, do any of you have any idea when your family first became Sikhs? Mine became Sikhs at the time of the 7th guru. Guru Har Rai Sahib came to my pind. He stopped off with an army before heading off to Kartarpur Sahib. I don't know how accurate this story is but I was told my some old people, they said that the Guru came to the pind and wanted to stay there. Some villagers refused and turned them away. Then some villagers went after the Guru and asked them to come back. Then the Guru is said "those who came back will stay and the ones who didn't will go away from this pind". Don't know if this story is true, but its the one I was told. So I was just wondering if anyone else knew how their family became Sikh.

Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh I know this Gursikh couple who went to watch movie at AMC theatre in Emeryville, CA. While the Singh was waiting in line, he was racially profiled and pulled out by the security guards. He was the only one who was searched as he was wearing a Dumalla. His kirpan was not visible at that point. He was searched and his turban was patted down. They saw the kirpan and asked him to leave the theater. When he tried to give them reasonable explanation, the security personal did not listen and said ," I know about Sikhs". They had to leave and their evening was ruined :-( Now they have started this petition, please sign it https://www.change.org/petitions/amc-bay-street-16-theaters-in-emeryville-stop-banning-sikhs?utm_campaign=share_button_mobile&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition United Sikhs traceable petition http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/50846/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=11324 Thank you

Waheguru History of the Sikh Misals Book Ramgarhia Misal Faizullapuria Misal Kanaihya Misal Sukarchakia Misal Dallewalia Misal Shahid or Nihang Misal Nakkai Misal Nishanwalia Misal Karorsinghia Misal Phulkian Misal Ahluwalia Misal Bhangi Misal Waheguru

Gurfateh Parkash 2013 is coming up 12, 13, 14th July at Guru Nanak Sikh Academy Hayes, Kirtan lineup is on website www.parkash.org Please see attached poster and come along, reap the benefits of amazing Kirtan and Sewa, with lots of extra projects and stalls this year, Sikhi camp, jobs fair, fab food and more...don't miss it!!! sangat from all over Europe expected... YouTube advert video link GNSA Singh channel...subscribe now for updates and recordings!!!See you there! Fateh!!!