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1) SRI RAAG

Sri Raag is the Sixth Raag in the in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib ji. Sri Raag means Supreme, exalted; this raag has regal status. Historically, this raag was used for religious functions of the Hindus, this is the only raag in the SGGSJi with its name before the word raag, while all others are raag and then the name.

Ideally, it is to be recited in the late afternoon.

Guru Nanak says…

ANG 17: The Palace of The Lord is so beautiful, in it are rubies, pearls, diamonds and precious gems. A fortress of gold surrounds the source of divine nectar.

For me contemplating on “The palace of The Lord”…. my mind takes me to the entrance of the Golden Temple….The Darshani Deori. With utmost reverence, with abiding faith and humility, I bow and then step over the threshold…. I begin to walk towards the Guru………to seek the blessings.

In the entrance, the Darshani Deori are exquisite works of marble that are the inspiration of this painting of the first Raag…. as I begin my journey.

2) RAAG GAURI:

This is an evening Raag.

The Sukhmani Sahib is composed by Guru Arjan Dev ji in this raag at gurdwara Ramsar Sahib in Amritsar.

Ang 262:
Guru Arjan Dev ji tells us…..
Sukhmani: peace of mind, the nectar of the name of God The minds of the devotees abide is joyful bliss …pause.

Looking at this painting …..I would like you to see the leaves in the lower part of the painting, they are dull, as if withering and falling away, as if having lived without life giving nectar. Or let me say ….. without the blessing of Naam, their lives lived in vain, they wither away.

Now the pair of leaves in the center…they are bright, radiant and so colorful, they are eager to receive the drop of the life giving nectar. These radiant leaves are suggestive of those souls… who are blessed with the
nectar of Naam. Spiritually awakened, they are radiant. These souls are the true devotees whose minds abide in joyful bliss.

3) RAAG AASA.

The ideal time to recite this raag is in the pre-dawn hours.

ASA Di Vaar is composed in this raag….it gives guidance on how to transform our lives.

I would like to share that this painting came together in a space of stillness of mind. My art class was over…I asked to stay on in the studio…I felt in the zone and continued, as if one with the paints and this is how this painting came together…in that quiet space, of being with my paints.

Looking at this painting: At the bottom of the painting are 5 knurly roots….these represent lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego …..that are out of control within. These knurly roots bind me down. Rising above the roots and on each side of the stem are two leaves…not very distinct, in fact melting into the back ground. This is suggestive of surrender…surrendering the sense of separateness….of me and mine, of understanding of being one with the creation. Then rising above that, the pure intent, like a beautiful flower that rises to the divine. This is the process of transformation of a human life.

Guru Nanak Dev Ji: Ang 462 : I am a sacrifice to my Guru a 100 times a day, for he made angles out of men without delay.

From the knurly roots to the flower of pure intention rising to the Divine.

4) RAAG GUJRI.

This is historically an old raaga that was used to sing devotional hymns.

The ideal time to recite this raag is in the rainy season and in the early morning hours.

Guru Arjan Dev ji asks us to reflect:

Ang 495:
I have searched all Shastra’s Vedas and Simritis…they all affirm one thing; without a Guru there is no liberation…..reflect this in your mind. (Vichaaro)

The Guru asks us to reflect upon the guidance given…
How do I reflect? I am surrounded by distractions all around me.
In order to reflect…(to do Vichaar) I must be able to turn my attention inwards, to be able to find a quiet place within me. The inspiration comes from the shell that is curling upon itself, as if going further inwards, of nature giving inspiration. Inspiring me to turn inwards to reflect upon the words of the Guru.

~ Navjeet Kaur (Navi)

Lost are we, know not where to go.
Wandering in dark, whom to follow.
Where is the lamp, a light to guide.
When will it be day, stars go hide.

Many a decade, in ignorance gone by.
Days and months, years appear to fly.
Where we meet, the one who knows.
Help and guide, the path he shows.

Struggling striving, hoping to meet.
The angel guide, to fall on his feet.
Cheery springs and summers of rain.
Dismal falls, and cold winters again.

When this long trek, coming to end.
Hoping looking, for a savior’s hand.
Carry us across, this desolate trail.
When finally we rest, in a green vale.

Moment of happiness, but grief a lot.
Trail each other, like a designed plot.
Who is doing this, for pain and hurt.
Make us go down and bite the dust.

A thinly glimmer, in the eastern sky.
Will it be dawn, after gloomy night.
Hopes arise, gathers every one close.
Wintry pale turning, pink like rose.

There is twilight, soon will it be light.
Dark and dreary, be looking bright.
Come ye all smile, it is end of doom.
Sunshine is blessing, after eerie gloom.

Cheerful melodies and the bells ring.
Welcome jingles and the birds sing.
For you we waited, stood here stalled.
Come ride with us, some one called.

Greeted by light and sounds of horn.
Hugged by the Lord we were reborn.
Peace and quiet, contentment around.
Nothing but Love and bliss surround.

”Shine your armor, sharpen your sword.
World wait for you, erase enemy hoard.’
We got prepared, as command came.
Khalsa on march, in Almighty’s Name.

‘For justice for truth, you will ever fight.
You are powerful , you have My might.
You My Khalsa , My distinctive face.
My Light shines, within your pure case.’

With you forever am I, My Khalsa Panth.
Your only Master, ever is Guru Granth.
If ever you fall, for thy self and falsehood.
Hesitate will not I, take My Grace’s good.’

~ Source: www.panthic.org

Art has been a passion for Navi since youth. As a child Navjeet (Navi) learned to express herself through paint at the prestigious SG Thakur Singh School of Fine Arts in Amritsar, India. After a pause of three decades for motherhood and career, her brushes beckoned once again. So for the last fifteen years Navi has honed her artistic skills at the Woodmere, Cheltenham as well as the Abington Art Centers.

Navi’s first exhibit titled “My Sikh Heritage” was based on the parables of the Sikh Gurus. In 2006 she was invited to exhibit this collection. The series was on show at the Elkins Park Public Library near Philadelphia. It was well received and written up in the local paper as well as art press. For two months, the public was invited to view and discuss these pieces of art, and to learn about Sikhism at two special events held in the library.

Her present series is inspired by the Raagas of the Sri Guru Granth Sahb ji. This is a collection of 31 paintings each representing one Raag of the SGGS ji. Navi says “it has been an eight year journey into my faith, to try to find greater meaning for myself, to feel within and then express with paints”. Navi added “this process has been a very dynamic one …one that has continued to evolve along the way. In some ways it feels as if this journey has only just begun”. She noted that she shares these works “with a great sense of humility as well as gratitude to the Guru”,

Navi shared some thoughts about the making of this series: The medium used is water mixable oil paints. There is no physical appearance of the Gurus as a mark of her respect. In each painting the effort was to depict what moved her about the Raag, whether it was a group of Shabads or a line from a Shabad …a message received. In addition, while composing these paintings, attention was given to the ideal time of day or season for reciting each Raag or any particular association of the raag. There is no recurring pattern that flows through the series, each piece is unique unto itself.

Over the last many years Navi has given of herself through her art to several charities including The Epilepsy Foundation, The Red Cross, Philadelphia Children’s Hospital and Habitat for Humanity.madditionally, for two years her paintings were selected to be the annual holiday cards/fundraiser for The Committee to end Homelessness in Philadelphia. Navi says, “I feel very gratified to be able to give of myself in this way, and while the art work donated over the years in these auctions was not related to the Sikh faith, it was deeply linked to the Sikh spirit of “Sewa”. Her goal is to spread awareness of the rich Sikh heritage and continue to express herself through the medium of art….as is willed by the Divine.

~ Navjeet (Navi)

[button color=”color” size=”medium” url=”http://barusahib.org/general/series-paintings-raagas-i-inspired-raagas-sggs/” icon=”picture” iconcolor=”white” ] Watch the Series of Paintings Here [/button]

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