Hola Mahalla begins on the first day of the lunar month of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar. One of the organisers, Simran Singh, said: “The festival dates back to the 1700s. This is the first time we’ve ever held this event at Guru Nanak Gurdwara.

“We had a few hundred people come along to celebrate throughout the day. There was something for the kids and something for the adults. “It’s a chance for everyone to get together and learn more about Sikhism.”At the event there were also poetry readings and music from children. The weekend celebration attracted people from Walsall, Wolverhampton and Birmingham, with up to 400 guests coming along. Mr Singh continued: “Everyone here helping to run the event has given their time up for free.

“The younger members of the management committee helped to organise it. We’re hoping it will become an annual event in future. It is the first time we have done it. “We had Sikhs from most of the surrounding areas; Walsall, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton and Birmingham. We were really lucky with the weather.”

A range of vegetarian foods were available during the event, while there was also an ice cream van. During Hola Mohalla, which stands for ‘mock fight’, processions are organised, accompanied by war-drums and standard-bearers.

The custom originated in the time of Guru Gobind Singh, who held the first such mock fight event at Anandpur in India in February 1701. The popularity can be judged from the fact that out of five Sikh public holidays requested by the Khalsa Diwan, of Lahore in 1889, the Government approved only two – Hola Mahalla and the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. Hola Mahalla is presently the biggest festival at Anandpur.

This annual festival in Punjab is now replicated at other Gurdwaras worldwide. It reminds the people of valour and defence preparedness, concepts dear to the Tenth Guru who was at that time defending the Sikhs from the attacks of the Mughal empire and the hill kings. On April 5, the Sikh community in Willenhall will be celebrating Vaisakhi with a procession from Wednesfield to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara. Thousands of people usually take part and they will be setting off from 10am. The celebrations will continue until 2pm. Mr Singh added: “That day the community will be coming together from all walks of life. Sikhism is for all people. ”Vaisakhi is one of the most important dates in the Sikh calendar. It is the Sikh New Year festival and marks the creation of the Khalsa Order and making of Saint-Solider by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!

~ Source: expressandstar.com

Anandgarh Fort was also known as fort of bliss. Anandgarh is one from five Kilas Built By Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji for the protection of sikhs from Hill rulers. In Gurdwara Sahib also there is Sacred Baoli Sahib. It is situated in the middle of Shri Anandpur Sahib on another spur, about 800 metres southeast of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.

Guru Gobind Singh spent 25 years at Anandpur Sahib. To protect the Sikhs from the hill Rajas or Mughals, Guru Gobind Singh began the construction of five defensive forts all around the town. Keshgarh at the center (now a Takht), Anandgarh (fort of bliss), Lohgarh (fort of steel), Holgarh (fort of colour) and Fatehgarh (fort of victory). All the forts were joined together with earthworks and underground tunnels. The construction began in 1689 and took over ten years to complete.

The neighboring hill Rajas and their Mughal allies became increasingly hostile towards the success of the Sikh community and their associates thriving in their midst in this region. Seeing the need to protect Anandpur from its hostile neighbors the Guru ordered the construction of a series of defensive forts.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

~ Source: Sikhiwiki

Sikhs around the world would be taking pledge to protect the environment and follow the principle of “Pawan Guru, Pani Pita, Mata Dharat Mahat” as enshrined in Gurbani aiming to create awareness about nature conservation. Guru Har Rai is remembered in Sikh history for his deep sensitivity to nature and its preservation. Today is also the Gurgaddi Diwas (enthronement day) of Guru Har Rai ji, the 7th Guru of the Sikh who became Guru in 1644: he was a great humanitarian who inspired Sikhs to preserve nature and promote the well-being of animals.

“It’s our moral duty to protect mother nature from the pollutants and not to let anyone plunder the natural resources, besides we should teach others to do the same,” said Baba Sewa Singh Karsewawale and an environmentalist. He said every Sikh should take the initiative to keep surroundings clean and green.

Notably, all the five Sikh Takhts had in March 2013 endorsed and passed a resolution that Gurgaddi Diwas (coronation day) of the seventh Sikh Guru Har Rai should be celebrated as Sikh Environment Day every year, especially “in light of the rising global environmental crisis.”

On Sikh Environment Day, hundreds of Gurdwaras across India, United States, Canada, England and Australia would take part in celebrations by reciting Shabads focused on the environment, holding ceremonial tree plantings and encouraging children to share reflections on the environment and Sikhism with the Sangat.

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

~ Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

After eight years at Google developing products like Google News and launching new phones while an exec at Motorola, Punit Singh is moving to India to be the chief product officer at e-commerce company Flipkart.
As e-commerce explodes in India, Flipkart is its largest online marketplace in terms of sales. It has 33,000 employees, and 10 million daily visits.

But, it has some big competitors too. Local startup Snapdeal is close behind it, and another giant company is trying to move in fast, too: Amazon.

Amazon and Flipkart have an interesting history: Flipkart’s founders actually both worked at Amazon before leaving in 2007. Amazon opened its official India website in June 2014. The next month, Flipkart raised a mammoth $1 billion funding round. Exactly one day later, Amazon said it planned to pour $2 billion into its Indian operations.

“You can throw a lot of money at something – and in areas like e-commerce where on-the-ground infrastructure matters, throwing money is absolutely going to help,” he says. “But I’d be more nervous if somebody had assembled a team of 100 world-class people who were building five or six new world-class ideas, that when I heard of, I thought, ‘Oh my god, I’ve never thought of that. That’s amazing.'”

He’s not worried about that from Amazon. “That’s the kind of work that I think we do,” he adds.

Singh believes that one of Amazon’s biggest disadvantages in India comes straight from its core. Amazon was built in a “desktop era” where people bought stuff online using their computers. In India, 70-80% of online transactions could come from mobile by 2017.

“The inherent being of the company can’t just change – it’s very hard for it just to suddenly become mobile-centric,” he says. “Of course, I have to understand everything Amazon has done well and then make sure that we are always lapping them. But, more than that, we have to focus on things that Flipkart has that are unique to Flipkart, like understanding what the best mobile experience should be.”

He also believes that Flipkart has a unique view on ways to make shopping a more social experience and plans on building out new ways for buyers and sellers to communicate in real time (Flipkart only sells products through third-parties).

“It’s about understanding where the future is going to be,” Singh says.

“The significance of mobile is much higher in India than anywhere else as most of first time internet users will come on the mobile,” Agarwal told India Times last fall. “The mobile will be the first point of contact for customers here.”

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh

~ Source: www.ibtimes.com

Sikhs gather in the town of Anandpur Sahib during Hola Mohalla, where some show off their martial prowess. Pictures of fire-breathers who performed during Hola Mohalla celebrations in Anandpur Sahib, were breathtaking. It seemed as if they were literally walking up and putting flammable liquid down in their mouths. Thousands upon thousands of Sikhs flock to the area to celebrate Hola Mohalla.

The devotion & faith dragged the devotees who came to pay obeisance to the Sikh Shrine. Manjot Singh, a 6-year-old training to be a Nihang, has been practicing archery for about two years. “From what I’ve been told, it takes them 15 years to become a full Nihang,” said Daniel Berehulak, who photographed Hola Mohalla celebrations in the town of Anandpur Sahib.

~ Source: New Your Times

Muktsar , literally, means the Pool of Liberation.

Sri Muktsar Sahib has a proud heritage. It is known as the last battlefield of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, in 1705 A.D., which proved to be a most decisive conflict in the military history of the Sikhs. Sri Muktsar Sahib is a city and a municipal council in Sri Muktsar Sahib district in Punjab, India. Its historical/old name was Khidrāna.

The “Chalie Muktey” forty Sikh warriors fought to death here against the Mughals under the leadership of Guru Ji. After the war, the city was renamed as Muktsar in their memory and recently the government has renamed it as Sri Muktsar Sahib due to its religious as well as historical importance. Being a historical heritage, the city has many historical sites, mainly Gurudwaras like Gurudwara Tutti Gandhi Sahib|Sri Darbar Sahib, Gurudwara Tambu Sahib, Gurudwara Taran Taran Sahib, Gurudwara Tibbi Sahib (at the battlefield).

A few years ago, a new monument was built in the shape of Khanda Sahib, near DC office, in the memory of the forty martyrs.

~ Source: Wikipedia

Craigieburn Gurdwara Australia & Gurdwara Sahib West Sacramento set an exemplary by raising funds for Education!

Craigieburn Gurdwara, Melbourne, Australia & Gurdwara Sahib West Sacramento, California, USA set an Exemplary by raising funds for out of school kids & also for Akal University- Guru Ki Kashi. This benevolent act might be one of the first historic remarkable unique things to happen in the Giving world. Many a Gurdwara Committees might be inspired to walk this path after these Gurdwaras have set this example.

We sincerely appreciate the generosity of these Gurdwara Committees in gifting Out of School Kids an opportunity to turn their dreams into Vision. A Vision for a Brighter Future ahead. Their generosity will help them living a dignified life elevated through the platform of value-based Education. These students will be nurtured in the best of Sikhi environments, wherein they will be able to explore the best of their potentials.

A man’s true wealth is the good he does in the world. For these acts go all the way, right up to their last breath. By sponsoring the education of Rural needy kids they share their pious contribution in building a strong edifice for Rural Empowerment & Social Welfare.

‘Share’ & ‘Inspire’!

~ Tapasleen kaur
~ New Delhi, 9th Mar ’15

Researching about ways to improve our own health and fitness, we thought who better to interview for our monthly feature of The Spotlight other than Beant Kaur aka KaurStrength.

She has truly inpsired me to look after my own health, body and general well-being. Last year, I started training and ran my first 5K race for Cancer Research. My target was to complete the race in under 30 minutes but towards the end, I started to lose momentum and slowed down. I needed motivation and it came in the form of KaurStrength and having to remind myself how she constantly pushes her boundaries. Suddenly out of nowhere came this sudden rush of adrenaline and I was on my way again having completed the race in 35 minutes.

KaurStrength offered to be a part of The Spotlight to share her story and unleash the power of the core!

1. Tell us about yourself and the story behind KaurStrength?

My name is Beant Kaur and I am from Vancouver, Canada. I’m a fitness enthusiast and I started Kaur Strength as a way to share my journey in health and fitness. I noticed there was a lack of a female presence in health and fitness within the Sikh community and thought that by starting Kaur Strength I could encourage and help fellow Kaurs around the world with their health and fitness goals. With my passion for health and fitness I decided to put myself “out there” and see where the universe would take. My Instagram page is a natural extension of myself and I hope to use this platform to speak my mind, share my insights and thoughts pertaining to holistic health and benefits of daily exercise.

2. Have you always been into health and fitness and if not, what was the turning point for you?

I have been into health and fitness for as long as I can remember. I would always be playing outside as a child with my brothers or other kids on the street. I took a liking to basketball and played throughout elementary and high school on the school teams. I started focusing on taking my fitness to the next level a few years ago and I am continuing to work on it. With my dedication and discipline, I know I will progress and continue to break boundaries and take my mind, body, and soul to the next level.

3. What were you doing before you started Kaur Strength?

Before I started Kaur Strength I was training at a local Muay Thai gym, lifting weights and trying to improve in all areas of fitness. I was and currently am working as an auditor – finished my BBA degree and almost completed my CA Designation. (Yes- quite surprising that I have a business and accounting background!)

4. What challenges/obstacles do you face on a day-to-day basis in training?

With my job as an auditor, I am required to travel around BC to different cities for weeks at a time. Sometimes the hotel I am staying at does not have an adequate gym facility in which case I have to improvise to get my workout in. Also traveling to small rural towns I sometimes do not get the proper food I need to fit my diet. Despite the fact that I have to travel quite a bit for my job, I will still workout everyday at my hotel and will try my best to source out the best food. I sometimes also pack training equipment and food in my suitcase which I will use throughout the week. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

5. How do you like to unwind after a long day of workouts?

After training I like to stretch, shower (of course haha) and then have a protein shake, eat some clean food and read a good book.

6. What’s your motto (or the alternative way we often like to ask this question is, ‘If you had to, what would you get tattooed on your forehead?!)

“Meditate. Train. Evolve. “- this is the mantra. As Sikhs we are meant to become the best and strongest version of ourselves in every aspect of life. (spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally). If we are not mediating, training and evolving in all aspects of life then we are truly missing out on the essence of this life. Our bodies are intelligent and amazing machines, and I truly believe everything can be found within.

7. What advice would you give to fellow Kaurs (or anyone else!) that finds it difficult to incorporate health and fitness into their life (especially as we live in a fast paced society)?

“Unless you love the body and unless you understand the body, you cannot grow spiritually. The body is the temple of your soul.”-Osho. You will often see me refer to training as my “meditation”. I feel an inner transformation and mental transcendence each time I train. When I train I do not think of anything else except for the task at hand. Its impossible to think of other things while you are deadlifting 100KG or squatting 80 KG. The mental focus required to lift heavy weight and do things your body has not done before along with the inner and outer transformation is what keeps me coming back again and again. The shaheeds and martyrs in our history gave up their lives so we could be here today. They did not intend for us to be lazy and average human being. We are meant to be elite warriors and truly experience this body in its entirety. We cannot do this unless we train our bodies! If we do not have our health then we have nothing. Put your health and fitness as a priority in your life and you will see the positive changes occurring in all aspects of your life. You will be a happier, healthier, and stronger version of you!

8. In your experience, what are the highs and lows since you started Kaur Strength?

The highs of Kaur Strength are when I receive emails and messages from fellow kaurs/singhs telling me how I have encouraged them to start training and how they are so happy to see a Sikh woman training hard. When I was in the UK and India, people constantly come up to me in random places to tell me they follow me on Instagram and are inspired by my journey. Though I feel like I still have a long way to go in terms of reaching my goals and being on an elite level of fitness, I am still humbled by the amount of love people have shown me throughout the year! Another highlight of Kaur Strength was when I was in the UK a few weeks ago I was asked by the local Sikh Coventry community to hold a fitness camp for Kaurs. I took the opportunity immediately and held the first official Kaur Strength Fit Camp in Coventry in February 2015! The turnout was amazing and I had an amazing experience helping the Kaurs and coaching them through their workout. My husband said I was a natural considering it was my first fitness camp! This had always been a goal for me as I dream of holding fitness camps around the world and getting the Sikh Community healthy and strong, one city at a time! ?

Another highlight for Kaur Strength was when my husband and I went to Phuket, Thailand earlier this year in January 2015 and trained with elite level athletes and Muay Thai champions every day for a month!

9. What/who keeps you driven/motivated?

I have to thank Akaal Purakh for giving me such an amazing husband. He has been my rock and strongest supporter during my ups and downs. During hard times and when I feel like giving up or do not feel like working out, he will always be there motivating me and bring out the best in me. Kaur Strength would not have begun or grown as much as it has if it wasn’t for my amazing husband. We work out together, read and grow together and he is truly my inspiration and pushes me to become the best version of myself.

10. What’s on your music playlist when you are training? (or in general the kind of music you listen to on a day-to-day basis)

SticMan and Dead Prez- he has an awesome workout album with tracks about health and fitness. I find these motivating and like to hear them when I go hard in my training. I also listen to Dubtician- The Dub Simran Experience. He is a Sikh artist from London who is extremely talented and his new album is the perfect hybrid between meditation with a modern upbeat twist! I also absolutely LOVE listening to kirtan from Bhai Balbir Singh Hazoori Raagi and Bhai Baljeet singh and Bhai Gurmeet Singh. Their kirtan is sublime and I usually like to listen to their kirtan during yoga sessions and in my car.

12. What’s been your greatest struggle, and how do you generally overcome negative emotions?

Though this may be hard to believe but it is a struggle balancing training with work and everyday married life! However, despite that, I will always make time for training everyday (or 5-6 times per week). I usually have to prepare my meals the night before and pack my gym clothes and take them with me to work. I will generally go straight to train after work no matter how badly I want to go home and see my husband I have built that discipline to go train first and relax later. Negative emotions are overcome by discipline and by forming a habit. I have reached the point that whether my mind feels like training or not, my body just needs it, its basically an addiction.

13. Being female and in the fitness arena, have you received any negativity or criticism from anyone and if so, how have you tackled it?

Overall I have received positivity from just about everyone I have met and talked to whether it be in person or online. There have been a few cases of negativity I have received but I just ignore it and literally use it to add fuel to the burning fire inside of me which no hater or criticiser can put out. Lions do not lose sleep over the opinion of sheep.

15. Who/what inspires you? (In life generally, and/or your field of work)

Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mai Bhago (to name a few), inspire me. When I see the glory of the great warriors that were Guru Gobind Singh Ji and Mai Bhago it truly motivates me to continue to train hard and not give up. I am also motivated by many others in the fitness community, whether it be my fellow Sikh Brothers and sisters, I am always inspired by anyone who is giving it their 100% into training and also giving it their 100% in other aspects of life as well. It takes a lot of time, confidence, countless failures, and perseverance to achieve greatness- anyone who is on this journey is an inspiration!

16. What else can we expect from Kaur Strength in the future?

Kaur Strength will be coming to a community near you! I am in the planning stages of many different avenues I would like to take Kaur Strength into and will be launching my website shortly. From world-wide fitness camps to coaching, I will have all the tools and resources to help Kaurs get healthy and fit! I also plan on making another trip to Thailand within a year to train and take my fitness and Muay Thai to the next level. Stay tuned my fellow Kaurs, as I would like to help each and every one of you achieve your fitness goals and help you become the strongest version of yourselves!

~ Source: thetwindividualdiaries.com

While doing field research on Guru Nanak’s travels in Assam, I was astonished to find a monument (samadh) of Loonia Siddh in Nazira within the periphery of an old temple by the side of Dikhow river. I had been told by the local Sikhs that Guru Nanak had visited Nazira and held discussions with Srimant Sankar Dev in the temple on the river Dikhow opposite Gaushala. This place was being looked after probably by an Udasi (follower of Baba Sri Chand son of Guru Nanak Devji) since most of the places related to Guru Nanak’s travels had been looked after by Udasis only.

While searching for the history of Guru Nanak’s visit to the place and Loonia Siddh’s connection with it, I came across lot of evidence. Visit of Guru Nanak to Nazira is recorded in Twareekh Guru Khalsa: “After visiting Ajmeri Ganj, Karim Ganj, Sylleht etc. of Assam he reached Ghargaon a city which was then the capital and was renamed as Nazira after it was included in Sibsagar district. Meeting the King Sagar Sain and converting him from idol worship (worship of Kamakhaya) to Naam worship he went to an island between Brahmaputra and Barni rivers. Giani Lal Singh Sangrur also mentions of Guru Nanak’s visit to Ghargaon.

‘At Dacca in Bengal …the power of deliverance of Guru Nanak was soon acknowledged around. Smal Nath, Rewa dass, Chander Nath, Narain Dass, Sheikh Ahmed, Nathe Shah, Loonia Siddh etc the saints well known in the area (and are being venerated even till date as seen by the writer) came for discussions with Baba. They showed their numerous talents but finally were swayed by the flow of Gurbani. Seeing no other way out they all became followers of Baba.”

Loonia’s monument at Nazira was venerated by all the locals. I have read Dr Surinder Singh Kohli’s account of Loonia Siddh having met Guru Nanak at Dacca. He wrote, “The prominent among the saints who met the Guru were Loonia Siddha, Samal Nath, Rewa Das, Narain Das, Chandan Das and Shiekh Ahmed. They were highly impressed by Guru’s teachings.”

Earlier while visiting Burhanpur, I visited the Gurdwara on the other bank of river Tapti in memory of Guru Gobind Singh’s visit to Loonia Siddh and having meals with him. I found the record of this visit in Guru Kian Sakhian as the ‘Story of visit of Guru Gobind Singh to the place of Loonia Siddh.’

‘A saint of very old age used to stay on other side of river Tapti (near Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh). Having heard the arrival of Guru (the Tenth Guru) he walked with the help of stick to meet the Guru. He had earlier visited the Guru at Patna while the Guru was in his infancy. Madho Das Bairagi stayed with him for three years after he had left the complex of Augadh Nath Yogi (in Nasik) on his demise. This old man was called Loonia Siddh. He bowed in front of Satiguru (Guru Gobind Singh) Satigur caught him from arm and got him seated along with him and enquired about his well being. They discussed spirituality. Baba Loonia said, “Lord! Please visit my place and purify it”. Guruji laughed and said, “O saint! Where ever great men like you are settled, the place is purified”. Loonia Siddh again requested, “Lord! That is your place as well. Please have whatever simple food I can offer. It will give me peace.” Satigur said, “Siddh Ji! I will be at your place tomorrow morning and will have food with you.” Saying this, the Guru went to see him off up to the River bank. Next day, Satigur along with Bhai Daya Singh and other Sikhs crossed the river and went to the place of Loonia Siddh. Saint Loonia looked after Guruji caringly. Having had food at his place, the Guru returned to Burhanpur”.

Bhai Vir Singh mentioned this in Sri Kalgidhar Chamtkar and in Sri Dasam Guru Chamtkar. The description of event and the place of his offering of meal to Sri Guru Gobind Singh is nearly the same but the name of Siddh Loonia is given as Yogi Jeevan Das. In Kalgidhar Chamtkar, Yogi Jeevan Das gives the details of meeting Guru Tegh Bahadur earlier when requested by Guru Gobind Singh. He said that Guru Tegh Bahadur met him at Dhubri on the bank of Brahmaputra River. “I am the son of rich man who became a mendicant having fell in love with God. I have been roaming from place to place. I practiced Hath Yoga. I read a lot. But this did not give me peace. While roaming, I reached Dacca and met Guru’s Sikh Bulaki Das. He was waiting for Guru Tegh Bahadur with eagerness. He prepared a spacious house and high seat for him. His mother prepared a dress for Guru by spinning and weaving it herself with the hope that he will come and she will offer the dress to the Guru. In their company, I left Hath Yog and got in to meditation. I also developed eagerness to meet the Guru. They kept waiting for Him at Dacca. I guessed that the Guru will first reach Dhubri. Being impatient to meet the Guru, I reached there. Guruji came to Dacca first and redeemed his dedicated Sikhs Bulaki Das and his old mother. He also prayed about me to the Guru. I met the Guru at Dhubri and watched the Guru in the waves of Brahmaputra as I am watching you in the waters of River Tapti. The Guru blessed me with Nam Dan. My intellect was dull, mind dirty and body hard which has now changed by your reviving name in it again. I remained with Guru Tegh Bahadur in Assam till he was there and enjoyed his presence. Before leaving Assam he ordered me to move to South and do meditation in a lonely place. I enquired from the Guru as to why he was sending me to the South while he himself was going to North. The Guruji said, “Do not worry I will meet you there in a different life.” Now you have fulfilled the promise. “When did you meet him in Assam?” Guru Gobind Singh asked the Siddh. I met him in Samwat 1723 (1666 AD). It was the time when news of your birth reached Dhubri. I was present when this news was greeted with a volley of gun fire and beating of drums. All the Sikhs and army of Raja Ram Singh celebrated the event.”

This researcher has visited the place on Tapti in Burhanpur where Loonia Siddh offered food to Guru Gobind Singh and also visited the place at Dhubri where he met Guru Tegh Bahadur and the news of Guru Gobind Singh’s birth was received and celebrated. He recently visited the place near Nazira where Loonia Siddh was laid to rest. Loonia Siddh might have moved to this place, probably close home and looked after the place of Guru’s visit in his last days.

The location of burial place of Loonia Siddh is just by the side of Dikhow river near Nazira Gau-shala.
Nazira is a town and a municipal board in Sivsagar district in the Indian state of Assam. It is located at 26.920N 94.730 E. It has an average elevation of 132 metres (433 feet). It is a historical town on the bank of River Dikhow and is around 18 km from Sivasagar city, 3 km from Simaluguri Jn. and 78 km from Jorhat Airport. It is Sub-divisional Head Office of Nazira Sub-division. The HQ of ONGC, Assam Asset, a Maharatna E&P company is situated in Nazira. Nazira is surrounded by huge tea estates. It was an important place during the regime of Ahom Kingdom. Nearby Gargaon was the capital of Ahom Kingdom over a long period. Nazira is commonly believed to get its name from two Assamese words ‘Naw’ and ‘Jeera’, which means “resting place of boats”. During the regime of Ahom kingdom, boats used to rest in that area after long journey via Dikhow river. The nearby Gargaon was a capital of Ahom kingdom. The historian Sarbananda Rajkumar states that ‘Nazira’ is a Tai (Ahom) word: Na means Land, Zi-Inclined & Ra-Much. So, Nazira means a much inclined land. However Sardar Harpal Singh in his interview attached as appendix 1 mentions that it was originally Nanak zirah meaning Guru Nanak held discussions with Srimanata Sankar Dev and the King Suhungmung (1497-1539) also known as Dahingia Raja at the place. This is the reason that the teachings of the two i.e., Guru Nanak and Srimanta Sankar Dev are nearly the same.

The important places of Nazira were Ganak Village and Nazirahat. Being in the vicinity of the Dikhow river and the capital of Ahom kingdom Gargaon, it is said that boats used to rest in this place after their long journey through the river. The Kareng Ghar a palace from the medieval period build by King Rajeshwar Singha, a ruler of the Ahom kingdom stands as a testimony of the bygone era. During the British rule, tea plantations were started in and around Nazira like the other parts of upper Assam. Nazira was the headquarters of famous Assam Tea Company.

It has a humid subtropical monsoon climate like the rest of Assam. It has a long rainy season starting with pre-monsoon showers in the months of April, which signals the onset of spring. The real deluge starts in June, which continues up to the month of September. As of 2001 India census, Nazira had a population of 12,466. Nazira is mainly inhabited by Ahoms followed by the Assamese Muslims, Brahmins, Koch, Kalitas, Deories and Kaibarta constitute the rest of the portion of the demographic chart. Besides Nazira also has a sizeable population from the tea tribes community, who were brought as labours from central India by British for Tea plantations.

The monument at the place of burial of Loonia Siddh at the bank of river Dikhow points to the place of Guru Nanak’s visit since the Guru’s followers maintained the place of Guru’s visit wherever the Guru went and Nazira was such a place of Guru’s visit.

by Col Dr Dalvinder Singh Grewal
~ dalvinder1945@gmail.com
~ Source: Sikhnet.com