For all of you who thought 12 o Clock is a joke for Sardar

For all of you who thought 12 o Clock is a joke for Sardar.

I was standing at railway Station (New Delhi) when my attention went towards a Sikh youth standing near me wearing a Black turban having a long beard and wearing a kirpan over his shirt looking similar to a terrorist.

After a while, one local train arrived, which was totally packed. The Sikh youth tried to alight the train but failed to do so. Just then a voice was heard from the back coach 'Sardarji Barah Baj gaye' (Sir it's 12 o'clock!)

The Sikh youth looked over at that voice maker who was a young mischievous type of person and instead of showing any anger made a smile towards him.

The smile made was so enigmatic that it seemed as if some type of truth lies behind it. Not able to resist my temptation, I walked towards him and asked why did he smile at that person who teased him. The Sikh youth replied, 'He was not teasing me but was asking for my Help'.

I was surprised with these words and he told me that there was a big history behind that which one should know. I was eager to know the History and the Sikh youth narrated:

During 17th Century, when Hindustan was ruled by Mughals, all the Hindu people were humiliated and were treated like animals. Mughals treated the Hindu women as there own property and were forcing all Hindus to accept Islam and even used to kill the people if they were refusing to accept. That time, our ninth Guru, Sri Guru Teg Bhadarji came forward, in response to a request of some Kashmir Pandits to fight against all these cruel activities.

Guruji told the Mughal emperor that if he could succeed in converting him to Islam, all the Hindus would accept the same. But, if he failed, he should stop all those activities . The Mughal emperor happily agreed to that but even after lots of torture to Guruji and his fellow members he failed to convert him to Islam and Guruji along with his other four fellow members, were tortured and sacrificed their lives in Chandni Chowk. Since the Mughals were unable to convert them to Islam they were assassinated.

Thus Guruji sacrificed his life for the protection of Hindu religion. Can anybody lay down his life and that too for the protection of another religion? This is the reason he is still remembered as "Hind Ki Chaddar", shield of India. For the sake of whom he had sacrificed his life, none of the them came forward to lift his body, fearing that they would also be assassinated.

Seeing this incident our 10th Guruji, Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji (Son of Guru Teg Bahadarji) made a resolution that he would convert his followers to such human beings who would not be able to hide themselves and could be easily located in thousands.

At the start, the Sikhs were very few in numbers as they were fighting against the Mughal emperors. At that time, Nadir Shah raided Delhi in the year 1739 and looted Hindustan and was carrying lot of Hindustan treasures and nearly 2200 Hindu women along with him. The news spread like a fire and was heard by Sardar Jassa Singh who was the Commander of the Sikh army at that time . He decided to attack Nadir Shah's Kafila on the same midnight.

He did so and rescued all the Hindu women and they were safely sent to their homes. It didn't happen only once but thereafter whenever any Abdaalis or Iranis had attacked and looted Hindustan and were trying to carry the treasures and Hindu women along with them for selling them in Abdal markets, the Sikh army although fewer in numbers but were brave hearted and attacked them at midnight,12 O'clock and rescued women.

After that time when there occurred a similar incidence, people started to contact the Sikh army for their help and Sikhs used to attack the raider's at Midnight, 12 O'clock. It continued and became a known fact that at midnight, nearly at 12 O'clock, it is very difficult to fight against Sikhs as the Sikhs get some Extra Power to save Religion, Nation and Humanity.

Nobody can fight and win against them at midnight; this continues till now. Nowadays, these "smart people" and some Sikh enemies who are afraid of Sikhs, have spread these words that at 12 O'clock, the Sikhs go out of their senses. This historic fact was the reason which made me smile over that person as I thought that his Mother or Sister would be in trouble and wants my help and was reminding me by saying off 'Sardarji Barah Baj Gaye'

As he was narrating the incident I was feeling ashamed of myself as I used to click and enjoy the jokes on Sikhs and too made fun of them. But now I have got the truth that these Sikhs are born for others and they are real patriotic to Humanity and Religion. What are we all doing to these great Saints and Soldiers ???? Instead of thanking them, we all are making fun.

Earlier the Sikh youth appeared as a Terrorist but now I could see the reflection of real Patriotic person in him.

Story of 21 Sikh Soldire Fight 10000 pastuns

Saragarhi is a small village in the border district of Kohat , in present day Pakistan. On the 20th April 1894, the 36th Sikh Regiment of the British Army was created, under the command of Colonel J. Cook. In August 1897, five companies of the 36th Sikhs under Lt. Col. John Haughton, were sent to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, stationed at Samana Hills, Kurag, Sangar, Sahtop Dhar and Saragarhi.

The British had partially succeeded in getting control of this volatile area, however tribal Pastuns attacked British personnel from time to time. Thus a series of forts, originally constructed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Ruler of the Sikh Empire, were consolidated. Two of the forts were Fort Lockhart, (on the Samana Range of the Hindu Kush mountains), and Fort Gulistan, situated a few miles apart. Due to the forts not being visible to each other, Saragarhi was created midway, as a heliographic communication post. The Saragarhi post, situated on a rocky ridge, consisted of a small block house with loop-holed ramparts and a signalling tower.

A general uprising by the Afghans began there in 1897, and between 27 August - 11 September, many vigorous efforts by Pashtuns to capture the Forts were thwarted by 36th Sikh regiment. In 1897, insurgent and inimical activities had increased, and on 3rd and 9 September Afridi tribes, with allegiance to Afghans, attacked Fort Gulistan. Both the attacks were repulsed, and a relief column from Fort Lockhart, on its return trip, reinforced the signaling detachment positioned at Saragarhi, increasing its strength to one Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and twenty troops of Other Ranks (ORs).

On September 12, 1897, 10,000 Pashtuns attacked the signalling post at Saragarhi, so that communication would be lost between the two forts.

• Around 9:00am, around 10,000 Afghans reach the signaling post at Saragarhi.
• Sardar Gurmukh Singh signals to Col. Haughton, situated in Fort Lockhart, that they are under attack.
• Colonel Haughton states he cannot send immediate help to Saragarhi.
• The soldiers decide to fight to the last to prevent the enemy from reaching the forts.
• Bhagwan Singh becomes the first injured and Lal Singh is seriously wounded.
• Soldiers Lal Singh and Jiwa Singh reportedly carry the dead body of Bhagwan Singh back to the inner layer of the post.
• The enemy breaks a portion of the wall of the picket.
• Colonel Haughton signals that he has estimated between 10,000 and 14,000 Pashtuns attacking Saragarhi.
• The leaders of the Afghan forces reportedly make promises to the soldiers to entice them to surrender.
• Reportedly two determined attempts are made to rush the open gate, but are unsuccessful.
• Later, Fort Lockhart is breached.
• Thereafter, some of the fiercest hand-to-hand fighting occurs.
• In an act of outstanding bravery, Ishar Singh orders his men to fall back into the inner layer, whilst he remains to fight. However, this is breached and all but one of the defending soldiers are killed, along with many of the Pashtuns.
• Gurmukh Singh, who communicated the battle with Col. Haughton, was the last Sikh defender. He is stated to have killed 20 Afghans, the Pashtuns having to set fire to the post to kill him. As he was dying he was said to have yelled repeatedly the regimental battle-cry "Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal (He who cries God is Truth, is ever victorious).

Having destroyed Saragarhi, the Afghans turned their attention to Fort Gulistan, but they had been delayed too long, and reinforcements arrived there in the night of 13–14 September, before the fort could be conquered. The Pashtuns later admitted that they had lost about 180 killed and many more woundedduring the engagement against the 21 Sikh soldiers, but some 600 bodiesare said to have been seen around the ruined post when the relief party arrived (however, the fort had been retaken, on 14 September, by the use of intensive artillery fire, which may have caused many casualties). The total casualties in the entire campaign, including the Battle of Saragarhi, numbered at around 4,800.

Sikhs have from years been facing the humiliation

Sikhs have from years been facing the humiliation in various countries due to their Turbans. France is one among such nations where tying turban is still not accepted, said Basant Singh Panjhattha, France Sikh Council President.

Basant Singh expressed these views during his visit to Samana, Patiala, on Thursday, in an address to the media persons. He said that Sikhs were facing a lot of discrimination and ill- treatment in France. He also condemned the false statements of certain national leaders of India to find out solutions to the problems faced by the Sikhs. The statements could only earn them a false name and nothing more, said Basant Singh.

Basant Singh told that, since 2004, the Sikhs in France have been forced to put up a bare-head photograph on their identity cards and other governmental documents. The entry of Sikh students with turbans in the schools is strictly banned which is very humiliating, he added.

He also told that the France Sikh Council has many times approached the France Government regarding this issue but the government every time told them that they have not been permitted by the Indian Home Ministry to take up the issue and so they should better approach the home ministry in this regard.

Basant Singh lamented that despite the good relations shared by both the countries; Indian government has not yet taken up the issue seriously and behaving in an irresponsible manner. He further said that it is fateful that Indian Prime Minister himself being a turban- tying Sikh did not do anything to ease other Sikhs in France. He blamed the non-seriousness of the government to cause an embarrassment to many religious leaders from Punjab and India due to turban-frisking at the international airports.

He also told that the Sikhs, who sought a political asylum in France during the black days of ’84 in Punjab, were neither being issued new passports nor were their old passports being renewed. He showed concerns that if the Sikhs in France along with their families were not issued passports, they won’t be able to go to their homeland.

The France Sikh Council has appealed the Govt. of India, Govt. of Punjab and the Union Home Ministry to consider and sort out the matter of ‘Turban tying’ with utmost seriousness. He also demanded that the black list of the Sikhs should be shunned so that they may come back to their native land and add to the economy of the nation.

Basant Singh was welcomed by writer Gurnam Singh Chauhan and Balkar Singh Bhullar at Samana.

Sikh Festival Calender 2011

Sikh Festivals - Sikhism is one of the important religions in not only in India but worldwisde and there are many festivals celebrated by Sikh/Punjabi community in India. Most of the Sikh festivals are events to commensurate the birth and teachings of 10 gurus of Sikhs and their teachings. The birthdays of all Gurus especially the first and last Sikh Guru is celebrated on a grand level. The other festivals that hold significant importance in Sikh festival calendar are

Baisakhi, Hola Mohalla and Diwali. Know more on famous Sikh holidays and festivals celebrated by Sikhs and Punjabis all over India and worldwide.

Sikh Festival Calender 2011

Gurudwaras and Sikh Monumnents in Pakistan

Gurudwara Panja Sahib, Hasan Abdal, Rawalpindi : Some 45 km from Rawalpindi on the main G.T road is the Attock District in which Hasan Abdal is a small flourishing town. Hasan Abdal's running waters and springs have always helped it stay as a cultural nucleus in a populous region. The Gurudwara of Panja Sahib at Hasan Abdal is the famous Sikh pilgrimage center and Sikh pilgrims from all over the world flocked here every year in the month of April for the Baisakhi Festival. The temple situated in the center of the town depicts typical Sikh architecture and stands in the middle of a large stone water tank beside the huge stone with the large hand print of Guru Nanak.

The dera had a specific significance for giving boon to the man of the faith and punishing the non-believers. Guru Nanak along with Bhai Mardana reached Hasan Abdal in Baisakh Samwat 1578 B.K. corresponding to 1521 A.D. in the summer season. Under a shady cool tree, Guru Nanak and Bhai Mardana started reciting Kirtan, the devotees gathered together which annoyed Wali Qandhari but he was helpless. According to a legend, Bhai Mardana was sent three times to Wali Qandhari so that the former might quench his thirst. Wali Qandhari refused and even used harsh words for him. Despite all of this, Mardana still very politely stuck to his demand. The Wali ironically remarked : Why don't you ask your Master whom you serve? Mardana reached the holy presence of Guru in a miserable state and qouthed. "Oh lord ! I prefer to death to thirst but will not approach the Wali, the egoist." The true Lord said smilingly," Oh Bhai Mardana ! Repeat the Name of God, the Almighty; and drink the water to your heart's content." The Guru put aside a big piece of stone lying nearby, Where a pure fountain of water sprang up and began to flow endlessly. Bhai Mardana quenched his thirst and felt grateful to the Creater. On the other hand, the fountain of Wali Qandhari got dried up like vanishing of comforts and conveniences of an unfortunate fellow. On witnessing the wondrous act, the Wali in rage, threw a part of a mountain towards the Guru from the top of the hill. The true Lord halted the hurled stone with his hand. An indelibe mark of Guru's hand was inserted in the stone. Observing that miracle, the ego of Wali vanished and he became the Guru's fast devotee. Several attempts were made to deface the impression of the hand of the Guru but all of non avial and the mark remained for ever and ever. This holy and revered place is now known as Panja Sahib.

Gurudwara Dera Sahib Panjvin Patshahi - Shrine of Guru Arjan Dev (1563- 1606 A.D) Lahore : Gurudwara Dera Sahib is situated opposite Lahore Fort near Badshahi Mosque. This is the place where Sat Gur Arjun Dev Ji was martyred in the River Ravi facing the tortures inflicted by Chandu on 30th May 1606 AD.

The Gurudwara was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh in the memory of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh Guru who complied the Adi Granth, the principal part of Sikh scriptures. This shrine has a highly gilded attractive dome. The followers of Guru Arjan Singh assert that it is the same spot where Guru Arjan Dev miraculously disappeared in 1606 A.D. in the waters of river Ravi. The site where Guru Arjun Dev was martyred a Thara (platform) Sahib was built at by Guru Hargobind Ji in Samvat 1919 when he came to Lahore visiting Gur Asthans.

Gurudwara Sri Nankana Sahib Ji - (Gurudwara Birth Place of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji) : Nankana Sahib is a holy place where the founder of Sikh religion, the dispeller of darkness, the most enlightened global Guru, Guru Nanak Dev ji was born early in the morning to Mata Tripta Ji and Mehta Kalu Ji on 15th April, 1469 (Baisakh sudi 3, Samwat 1526). The township of Nankana Sahib was earlier known as Raipur and later on as Rai-Bhoi-di-Talwandi but after the birth of Guru Nanak, it began to be known as Nankian Sahib/Nankana Sahib. It is situated at a distance 48 miles on the west from Lahore. Guru Nanak dev ji passed his whole childhood and young age in Nankana Sahib.

After this partition, a mention of Nankana Sahib Gurudwara in the daily ardasa or prayer has become a regular feature. These Sikh shrines in Pakistan are managed by a Waqf Board and every year, Sikh Jathas visit these shrines on four different occasions. At present there are 25-30 Sikh families residing in Nankana Sahib and as a result of this, daily service is performed and bani is recited. At the occassion of Guru Nanak's anniversary, about three thousand Sikh devotees from India visit Nankana Sahib. Sikhs from all over the world come there too.

Samadh of Maharaja Ranjit Singh: (1780-1839) Lahore : This mausoleum of the powerful ruler of the Sikh dynasty is situated just opposite the Lahore Fort. His Samadh occupies the spot where he was cremated. The architecture is mixture of Mughal and Hindu styles. This building was built in 1848 A.D by Kharak Singh son of Ranjit Singh. The square roof with a central fluted dome is crowded around with Naga hood designs. The interior of the chamber is elaborately decorated with fresco pertaining to Sikh gurus etc. In the center of the sepulchral chamber is a small four column domed marble pavilion beautifully decorated with pietra aura work. In this pavilion is a marble urn in the form of lotus containing ashes of the Maharaja. Eleven smaller knobs hold ashes of four queen and seven slave girls. Kharak Singh, the successor of Ranjit Singh, died in 1840 and their ashes rest side by side with his son Naunihal Singh in the domes of Ranjit Singh's mausoleum

There are around 150 Historical & important Gurudwaras in Pakistan and a tour could be organized as per the requirements and depending upon Pakistan VISA, Time duration and permission of the Pakistan areas.

GOLDEN TEMPLE - AMRITSAR CITY PACKAGE TOUR 1(One) Night / 2 (Two) Days

Sri Harimandir Sahib, Amritsar : The Harimandir Sahib (meaning Temple of God) is also commonly known as the Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib (Divine Court). It is situated in the city of Amritsar in Punjab. The Golden Temple is a living symbol of the spiritual and historical traditions of the Sikhs. It is a source of inspiration for all Sikhs and their chief place of pilgrimage.

Amritsar Tour Option A :

Day 1 : Pickup from Railway station/Airport, Darshan of Golden Temple and local Amritsar Gurudwaras, Dinner & night at hotel Day 2 : Breakfast, Morning Tour of Tarn Taran Sahib - Goindwal Sahib - Sultanpur Lodhi Gurudwaras, drop at Railway station/Airport Amritsar.

Budget Package For 2 Persons : Rs 2550 Per Person. For 4 Persons : Rs 1800 Per Person. AC Budget Hotel for 1 night on Double sharing basis. Only Breakfast & Veg Fixed Menu Dinner. AC Indica Car for Sight seeing. Special Package For 2 persons : Rs 3550 Per Person. For 4 persons : Rs 3050 Per Person. AC 3 Star Hotel for 1 night on Double sharing basis. Only Breakfast & Buffet Dinner. AC Innova Car for Sight seeing.

Amritsar Tour Option B :
Day 1 : Pickup from Railway station/Airport, Darshan of Golden Temple and visit of Wagah Border, Dinner & night at hotel. Day 2 : Breakfast, Morning tour of Amritsar - Jallianwala Bagh, Local Gurudwaras / Durgiana Temple, Amritsar Bazar and afternoon drop at Railway station/Airport Amritsar.
Budget Package For 2 Persons : Rs 2150 Per Person. For 4 Persons : Rs1700 Per Person. AC Budget Hotel for 1 night on Double sharing basis. Only Breakfast & Veg Fixed Menu Dinner. AC Indica Car for Sight seeing.	Special Package For 2 persons : Rs 4150 Per Person. For 4 persons : Rs 3650 Per Person. AC 3 Star Hotel for 1 night on Double sharing basis. Only Breakfast & Buffet Dinner. AC Innova Car for Sight seeing.

Above Costs do not Include :
	Entrance fee to monuments.
	Any meals except specified in the itinerary.
	Tips, Beverages, Laundry, Telephone Calls, etc.
	Medical and Insurance.

Hola Mahalla Sikh festival which begins on the first day of the lunar month

Hola Mahalla (also Hola Mohalla or simply Hola) is a Sikh festival which begins on the first day of the lunar month of Chet in the Nanakshahi calendar.

"Hola is derived from the word halla (a military charge) and the term mohalla stands for an organized procession or an army column. The words 'Hola Mohalla' would thus stand for 'the charge of an army.

It most often falls in March,and sometimes coincides with the Sikh New Year.The festival lasts for a week,and consists of camping out and enjoying various displays of fighting prowess and bravery, followed by Prayers or kirtans, music, and poetry. For meals, visitors sit on the ground in neat rows called pangats and eat vegetarian food (Langars) provided by volunteers. The festival concludes with a long, military-style procession near Takht Sri Keshgarh Sahib one of the five most sacred places in Sikhism.

The event was originated by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru. The Guru was in the midst of fighting both Aurangzeb of the Mughal Empire and the Hill Rajputs, and had recently established the Khalsa Panth fighting force. On February 22, 1701, Guru Gobind Singh started a new tradition by over seeing a day of mock battles and poetry contests at Holgarh Fort. The tradition has since spread from the town of Anandpur Sahib to nearby Kiratpur sahib and the foothills of the Shivaliks and to other Gurdwaras around the world.

Hola falls on

• 2009 11 Mar
• 2010 1 Mar
• 2011 20 Mar
• 2012 9 Mar
• 2013 28 Mar
• 2014 17 Mar
• 2015 6 Mar
• 2016 24 Mar
• 2017 13 Mar
• 2018 2 Mar
• 2019 21 Mar
• 2020 10 Mar

Golden Temple "Harimandir Sahib" Real Gold and Truthness

Golden Temple Most sacred temple of Sikhism doesn't need any introduction. It is named after God Hari the 'Temple of God'. The foundation stone of this temple was laid by the Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mirji of Lahore in December 1588. But the construction of the Temple was completed by Guru Arjun Dev, the son of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Raam Das. The construction of the sacred place was completed by the year 1604. Guru Arjun Dev also compiled the sacred Adi Granth and installed it in the Temple.

The shrine is the most popular and sacred place not only for the Sikhs all over the world but also for the people of other faiths. It has also become one of the popular tourist destinations for the people across the world. It is considered to be the most 'Tangible Sacred Place' in the country. The most pious place of the Golden Temple Complex is 'The Hari Mandir', located in the center of the large water body. The gold-plated building walls are encrusted with precious stones, and are arranged in the Islamic style floral patterns. The entire structure of the Temple is decorated inside and outside with the verses from the Granth Sahib (the Sikh holy book). The water that surrounds the Mandir is very pure and pious, and is known as Amrit Sarovar (The Pool of Nectar).

Another major highlight of the sacred temple is Guru-ka-Langar, a dining area, where more than 35,000 people eat food every day. The devotees irrespective of the caste, creed, status or wealth sit on the floor and it's the food also called Prasad. This symbolizes Unity. Every night, the Granth Sahib is carried in procession along the bridge to its "bed" in the Akal Takhat, the seat of the Sikh parliament built-in the year 1609.

Apart from The Golden Temple, there are some other places one should visit including Akal Takhat, Baba Atal, Shri Guru Raam Das Niwas and some more spots. It's a place one should visit, for the rejuvenation of the mind, body and soul.