June 2005 is supposed to be a 'R @ R' month for the group before our next big tour overseas to mainly Canada and Kenya but lets see how the month pans out. We are scheduled to do a 'showpiece' concert for the politicians in Canberra at Parliament House on June 22. Meanwhile some interesting commentary ...

Sikh Engagement Ceremony

A friend asked me to write a few words about a Sikh 'engagement' ceremony. I was unable to help him as there is no such thing really, as a 'spiritual' Sikh Engagement ceremony. There are cultural versions of it. You can have one for social upmanship, business networking or just following western trends, but officially there is no 'Sikh' engagement ceremony. And I can't really think of a specific 'shabad' for a Sikh engagement. IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME WITH THAT OR NEEDS TO CORRECT ME, PLEASE WRITE IN.

There used to be a cultural 'thing' called a 'roki' (mengena/mengeni) whereby a marriageable girl's father or official go-between (vichola) used to place a five-pice (old five cents - Indian currency coin of very small denomination) in the hand of the potential husband as an indication that that boy/man was the chosen husband - a kind of 'booking'. In fact 'roki' or mengena means booked or 'spoken for'.

In my earlier lifetime in Malaysia, there was a simple ceremony whereby the potential 'bride-groom' came and sat in front of the Guru Ji. An ardaas (standing prayer) was done, and after that his potential father-in-law presented him with a package which was a brand new 'kachera' (special Sikh undergarment) and wooden 'kanga' (comb). A steel or iron bangle was put on his wrist; a kirpan was draped upon him. He was also presented with a basket full of dates and rock sugar which he then distributed amongst the sangat. A truly 'Sikh' engagement putting the 5 'K's in prominence and acknowledging a 'Sikh', as the potential husband.

The only thing wrong, from a modern perspective, with that ceremony was the fact that it was 'male' orientated. The bride to be did not feature in it publicly, nor any other lady folk except sangat of course.

As time went on I noticed that more often than not, the iron bangle was replaced with a gold bangle; a gold 'engagement' ring crept into the ceremony; I think the kachera and kanga were discarded in place of currency note/s of high denomination and the draping of the kirpan disappeared! I am not even sure what a 'Sikh' 'engagement' ceremony entails these days!

So, I guess today's more 'western influenced' engagement is just that. In today's terms it has become a very elaborate 'ceremony' and I guess the richer one is the more elaborate the ceremony gets. But, in essence, it is like the 'warm-up' before going in to play a match or booking ones seats for an event. It is NOT the match NOR the event but just the preliminaries!

This reminds me of an 'Anand Karaj' (Sikh sacred marriage ceremony) card which I received a few years ago from the old Bombay. It had nine mini-cards in it ranging from pre-nuptials (ceremonies like 'Nayi-dhoyi' where the groom is given a special bath by his family, to Mehndhi - putting henna on the hands and feet of the bride-to be) in both cities from which the potential bride and bride-groom hailed, ending in two elaborate ' after-wedding' parties which included rounds of golf (!) in both cities. I do not recollect one of the mini-cards being for the 'actual' sacred Anand Karaj ceremony - perhaps just a minor detail for them! I wonder what kind of engagement ceremony/ies they had!

So the point is that a Sikh marriage can be a simple affair of a few people getting together for a one-hour long 'sacred' ceremony central of which are the four 'lavan' as prescribed in the Guru Granth Sahib to a long drawn affair which can last months!

Two years ago I went to my nephews 'Anand Karaj' ceremony in Vancouver and I remember vividly that about 75% of the 'people' who came for the evening 'Wedding Dinner' had not come for the actual 'sacred' Anand Karaj ceremony in the morning!

* Note received from the Director of the Queensland Multicultural Arts Network on June 4, about our two hour performance at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane on Friday 27th of last month - a non-Sikh:

"Thankyou very much to yourself and the rest of the group for your inspiring performance - which was a memorable experience for me rather than simply another good concert.

I see many groups come and go, and it is so rare to see such a group of diverse and extremely talented players all allowed to show who they are, yet still retain a clear sense of musical direction, cohesion and family!

I know you have already achieved so much, but I'm sure the potential for you as a world renowned music group and an effective tool for peace and spiritual enrichment is without limit.

I really enjoyed all of your company and dearly hope we can have you back next year - hopefully as a fixture on our calendar!!

Please convey my best wishes and thanks to Harsel, Parvyn, Jamel, Dheeraj, Keith and Andrew

Warmest regards

Sebastian

RECORDING OF ASA DHI VAR

I spent one week (ending June 21) back in Adelaide in studio with my music colleague Quentin further recording and editing the Asa Dhi Var. To date I have the vocal contribution of Harminderpal Singh from Singapore; Balvinder Singh and 'Raja' from Malaysia; Dr. Harbans Singh Gill, S.Charan Singh and S.Gurmukh Singh from Adelaide; and my daughters Harsel and Parvyn ... besides myself. Percussion has been contributed by Tarlochan Singh 'Bobby' of Sydney (tabla) and Dheeraj - tabla, dholki and 'telian'. Of course, my good friend Quentin, has not only shown great professionalism in the recording and editing but also contributed his share with the guitar and mandolin. I have also had new group member, Josh Bennet, play the 'dilruba' on it! My intentions are to create the kind of earthy, traditional Asa Dhi Var I used to hear in childhood, in the old Malaya (now Malaysia). I am even looking for a good 'chimta' player!! I have difficulty in associating with the mellow renditions done by ragis these days. The messages of Asa Dhi Var are pretty hard-hitting and I have difficulty understanding how they can be rendered in mellow tones. From the enthusiasm shown by all that have contributed so far, I think we might have a winner yet!!

Adelaide Gurdwara kirtan on Sunday June 19th. It was Guru Arjan Dev Ji's Martyrdom Day celebration. I also wanted to have new group member Josh Bennett have a go with us. He excelled on the dilruba and slide guitar. I think, Josh is going to be a great asset to the group! Quentin also joined in on the guitar and I had elder statesman of the group Sardar Charan Singh playing tabla. The Adelaide sangat has of course moved into its new premises the Colonial Convention Centre which is at the gateway into Adelaide from the direction of Melbourne - east. The official opening ceremony shall be held sometimes next year.

Parliament House 'showcase' concert schedule for 22nd. organised by the Australian Arts Council has been postponed to September or November ...The purpose of this concert is to demonstrate the ongoing success of Australia's multicultural policies - our group being an example of multiculturalism working through music.

KIRPAN vs. NAIL CLIPPER

Another example of Australia's success in the area of multiculturalism was a story by my good friend Kulbir Singh Malhotra of Sydney. Kulbir is a very dynamic leading light amongst Sikhs in Sydney Australia. He was invited to ... I will let him tell his own story! It has only just come to my notice...

From: Kulbir Singh Malhotra <21kulbir@khalsa.com>
Date: Thu, 26 May 2005 19:32:43 -0700 (PDT)
To: SikhsSydney@yahoogroups.com.au
Subject: [SikhsSydney] Kirpan v/s Nail cutter in NSW Parliament

Dear Guru Pyareo,

I would like to share my recent experience with our Kirpaan in NSW Parliament.

On the evening of wednesday, the 25th May 05, I was invited to attend Vesak day (Buddha Jayanti) celebrations at NSW Parliament which was attended by Governor of NSW, Premier of NSW and at least 5 Ambassadors and Councillor General of various countries including Pakistan and various Ministers and speaker of NSW Parliament.

Of couse there was a tight security arrangements.
But to my great surprise, the security officer knew about the knife legislations and religious exemption. I was asked to go through metal detector as usual. My body was thoroughly checked as is done at the international airport.

With a smile on his face, the security office gladly allowed me to enter the Parliament with Kirpan. However, he politely said that I am not allowed to take the nail cutter which I had in my pocket. He took the nail cutter from me and gave me the receipt.

I collected the nail cutter on my return.

Regards

Kulbir Singh

So, Khalsa Ji, there is hope yet, if we unite and put our 'image' clearly forward and with a high profile in the 'mainstream'. I shall say it quite openly - "Shame on France and in fact greater shame on the Sikhs in France who sat on their behinds while legislation for them to remove their turbans especially in schools and other institutions of learning was going on right under their noses. I know, it does not affect those who are cleanshaven - perhaps this fight is not theirs, but what about the keshadhari's - where were they? In fact when the French minister of home affairs was asked about exemptions for Sikhs with turbans he said that he did not know there were 'Sikhs' in France! I believe there are six to seven thousand 'Sikhs' in France but I wonder how many are at least 'keshadhari'.

Shabash to Kulbir Singh Ji!

UPPERS vs DOWNERS

Interesting title yes? First, I must say that I have heard this - so, those who have problems with heresay, need not read on, but there is always fire where there is smoke ... as was proved by the Melbourne liqour drinking girls netball team in the Riverland!! (see March and April). By the way, I must make it clear that not 'all' the netball girls team members drink alcohol, but the episode did take place as confirmed in writing by one disgruntle parent ! One such girl even retorted - "Who does not drink alcohol these days anyway?" Maybe that is your experience, young lady - but, in the eyes of mainstream Sikhism - that does not make it right!

THIS is about the gurdwara in Brisbane (Aus). The sangat is divided into two groups - the 'uppers' and the 'downers'! Have you guessed it yet? The uppers are those who sit on tables and chairs in langgar hall and the downers .... sit on the floor in pangat. This 'divide' is so great that there are now reportedly 'TWO NISHAN SAHIBS' at the Gurdwara. So Vesakhi is celebrated on separate Sundays by both groups on which day each then proceeds to take down the old Nishan Sahib and place the new one on their separate poles ! Each group does programs on alternate Sundays or as agreed. Though I must comment on the civil way they are carrying this out but ... the farce of it all !!!

SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL IN NEW MEXICO.

My good friend Bicky Singh of sikhpoint.com attended the Summer Solstice Sikh Festival near 'Espanola in New Mexico, USA which is organised yearly by the western dharma Sikhs on the weekend just gone - ending 19th. June. Thousands of Sikhs and yoga students and practitioners gather for an open air festival of sadhana, yoga, kirtan, 'akhand path', simran etc. in the mountains near Espanola. He claims it was like heaven on earth. Well, perhaps some of you folks who like glimpses of heaven should check it out next year! I have been to the site and even when empty, it is magnificent - well chosen for a festival by the late Yogi Bhajan. I am hoping to go for the festival next year. I have a great affinity with my western dharma brothers and sisters and though our group has never officially been invited for this event, I shall go next year just for the experience! I get similar experiences of a slightly different kind when I attend the Woodford Folk Festival in the mountains off the Sunshine Coast of Queensland and we shall be there at the end of this year, BUT, I think, the New Mexico Summer Solstice Sikh festival has a more spiritual feel to it ... for those who like that sort of thing, of course.

Back to Melbourne to celebrate my grandson's third birthday before going on our next tour.

We officially moved into our new 'home' in Melbourne on Tuesday 28th. for no other reason except that it is my grandson's 3rd. birthday and we wished to officially install Baba Ji in the new premises. Minor renovations are still ongoing.

ALAN : A SHOT AT SIKHISM!

Alan is an email-pal who has been writing to me for almost two years now - from Melbourne, Australia. He is discovering an affinity with Sikhi. Due to my hectic schedule we have not yet met though Alan frequents the Blackburn gurdwara in Melbourne.

Yesterday he sent me two pictures ... one cleanshaven and one fully turbanned and bearded. I could not help smiling becaue he explained that he 'took a shot' at Sikhi but then chickened out due to external pressure and now feels very 'naked'! He has promised to give it another go.

The reason why I mention this is because I admire the fact that he recognises the fact that if one wants to be serious about Sikhi then being turbanned and bearded is part and parcel of it. I have a great many cleanshaven friends - great great many, but I think there is a deep set psyche within Sikhism created by Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, that if one is serious about Sikhism then being 'keshadhari' (fully haired) is perhaps a form of committment towards the ideals of Sikhism, otherwise, one is just an 'interested bystander'. I know, I know, some of my very good 'sehajdhari' friends live a life of Sikhism. Some are great luminaries on Sikhism. Some are my mentors. Some do great selfless 'sewa' and some do regular Nitnam and Naam Simran. Some even do great kirtan. They all 'attempt' to believe that long hair and beard and turbans do not make one a better Sikh, it is ones actions that are more important. All very valid arguments. Some I look up to for advice from, because I am always looking for the 'out of the box' explanation and they give me great advice. But, I do wonder sometimes why, with all my supposed broadmindedness and so-called modernity, I cannot help feeling that being 'keshadhari' expresses a 'commitment' towards Sikhism which is important.

Like Alan, I have another very close Australian white 'war veteran' friend who has now become a Sikh. His name is Angadh. I asked him about my quandary about the very very close cleanshaven 'Sikh' friends that I have and some of whom I admire highly. His answer too was quite simple. "Would you consider me, a former 'white' Christian, a Sikh if I come to gurdwara, study about Sikhism, do Nitnam, do sewa etc. etc. but do not keep long hair and beard and tie a turban? No, you wouldn't! You would only consider me serious about Sikhi if I was at least 'keshadhari', because that will indicate that I am serious and not just paying lip service. I am now committed to the ideals as set down by Guru Nanak through to Guru Gobind Singh culminating in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Otherwise, I am only an 'interested bystander'. A 'sahajdhari' must progress into a 'keshadhari' and then into Khalsahood. There is no such thing as a sehajdhari for life! That is crap!" (Crap is Aussie for nonsense).

All the above with no prejudice to all my 'sehajdhari' friends worldwide - some of whom sometimes appear more 'Sikh' than keshadhari and even 'amritdhari' Sikhs! Just a great irony to me that some of my most wonderful and helpful friends are cleanshaven and ardently profess Sikhism!

Anyway, coming back to Alan. "Alan, Waheguru Ji's blessings upon you, my friend! I look forward to you keeping your hair and tying your turban again! Look forward to meeting you soon, too. You look great in a turban and bearded - yes, somewhat of a 'naked' look when you are cleanshaven!"

We left for San Francisco on the last day - June 30 arriving on the same day. The tour starts ...

Cherdhi Kala

Dya Singh