Gurdwara visit shocks me !!!

Blogging after a real long break, I know I've been nearly absent for 9 months on this blog that's because I've been updating my other t-shirt blog. But there is nothing to worry, I'm back to blog about new experiences with Sikh people in this country (U.S.A) and also a dramatic shift in the way Sikhs behave at their own Gurudwara's (temple / church).

3 Months ago, I went to the Gurdwara. It is a great experience every time I visit because I get to learn something new from the Guru Granth Sahib (holy book). But lately my visits are bothering me, Why ? well lets see after the ardas, I ate the langar (food),

Here is what shocked me:

• The Lady who was serving the Langar was not wearing a Chunni (scarf) on her head while serving.
  
• The person receiving was also not covering his head, although he considers himself a jatt*, but that does not give him any special reason to not cover his head. At least wear a scarf, what a shame. (*after I spoke to him).
  

Hopefully, this stops as our Sikh Gurus have told us to cover our heads during langar. If the parents don't do anything to respect their religion then Why will their children ?

Things I've been noticing thereafter,

• Many people were not wearing Kara (mainly youth).
  
• They were speaking in English even in the Gurdwara. I sort of came up with a solution to this problem.
  

Solution:



Have the youth wear The Punjabi Alphabets t-shirts which are available on our site, the punjabi youth seem to be very interested in wearing punjabi clothing so why not use this method to teach them the Punjabi Language. I'm not saying that they will learn punjabi this way, but it will at least get them a step closer to speaking our very own language.

Just my little effort to make these problems go away, as it seems Sikhism is fading away from its existence in this world.

If you want to do something about the issues / problems mentioned in this blog, observe and complain this to your local Gurdwara head, or the Babaji who takes care of the Gurdwara in your neighborhood. I did, and you should too.

Powered by KHALSA.

I'm powered by Khalsa. Are you ?

From SikhiWiki:

Khalsa which means 'pure' is the name given by Guru Gobind Singh to all Sikhs who have been baptised or initiated by taking Amrit in a ceremony called Amrit Sanchar. The first time that this ceremony took place was on Baisakhi, which fell on 30 March 1699 at Anandpur Sahib in India.

After 1699, the Khalsa was established as a Saint-soldier and was ordained to carry the five symbols, Panj Kakka, or the Five Ks:

Kesh – uncut hair to represent the natural appearance of sainthood. It is argued by some that the requirement is Keski instead, a small turban to be worn underneath a bigger turban. However the latter idea is not contradictory to the former, since the purpose of the Keski is to preserve the kesh.

Kanga – a small comb.

Kaccha – warrior short trousers, also denotes chastity.

Kara – steel bangle as a sign of restraint and bondage, and a symbol of dedication to the Guru. Guru Gobind Singh proclaimed that by wearing Kara all fears will be removed.

Kirpan – a sword for defence. The Kirpan is a symbol of dignity, power and courage. Kirpan is from Kirpa (act of kindness, Sanskrit) + Aan (self respect, Persian language).

...

(Powered by Khalsa) respects the beliefs and tradition by placing the Khanda in a shield fashion to show power and courage. Also included in this design is the establishment date of Khalsa (1699).

This design was uniquely created to focus on Sikh Youth who wear trendy clothing with brands they don't even know; but they think its cool to wear them. Most of these brands incorporate skulls, violence, money, and drugs.

Here are some examples of trendy BAD clothing in the market today which spoil our youth and even adults:



These products encourage violence and make you think that its cool. Make sure you don't fall into the trap.

Get Powered by Khalsa instead. This not just for Sikhs, but for everyone who is reading this blog. I hope I made sense...I wrote this blog without proof reading..

What is PROUDSIKH?

I have been asked this question many times...to all those who ask me...
here is the answer....

PROUDSIKH.us is a site dedicated to exhibiting Sikhi spirit. It's products are respectful, tasteful, and whimsical. There are products for EVERY, and we do mean EVERY member of the family - mums, dads, the kids, even the baby and family pet.

Take special notice to the spelling of 'Vaheguru' instead of simply 'Waheguru', as fellow Sikhs will note that it is actually the 'correct' way of spelling our Lord's name. Here in the west, and with the increases in technology worldwide, we face extra elements of ignorance that leave us forgetting who we are, and leaving our religion behind. We tend to become afraid to admit we are Sikh. Some Sikhs may feel that such items exploit our faith, but rather they show that we are proud of who we are in a society so afraid to stand up for its values. (At least they aren't selling Yogi tees!) This store proudly and ethically displays who we are in a fun way with appeal to all ages.

T-Shirt products come in various colours (my fav is the bright neon green and the light tees). Also very interesting and cheerful are the 'Fateh' series, with the stylized gothic F. (Fateh means victory.) Another favorite is the ringer T with the Khanda, and Khanda postal products. I find the pet shirts absolutely adorable and delightful....even your pet wants to show their Sikh pride! Your baby can show their Sikh pride from young on up, you can even carry your Sikh pride to the office in a coffee mug, clock, tote bag or mouse pad, or deck out your car so that all passing traffic knows you're Sikh and proud to be so! The designs in general are classic, clean, and very enduring. They are not overly 'trendy' which reflects echos of Sikh belief to not be concerned with egotistical asthetics over respect and love for others.

Show your pyaar for Sikhi.
PROUDSIKH.us is run with utmost tact.
Gur Fateh, Rab Rakha!

Sikhs - Legacy of the Punjab.

Sikhs - Legacy of the Punjab.
T-Shirts, Hoodies, Posters, etc..

are all available at Sikh Religion Shop.

Proud (SIKH)

PROUDSIKH.us

Proud (SIKH) now has its own website (url) now...

WWW.PROUDSIKH.US

PROUDSIKH - on YouTube and MySpace





Proud (SIKH) - Are you proud ?

Add to My Profile | More Videos