Happy Bandi Chor Divas

Diwali – Keeping the flame of freedom alight

Sikhs throughout the globe will celebrate Divali on 28th October. Divas/lamps will be alight; a jovial festival atmosphere will prevail. Sweets and samosas will be enjoyed; fireworks will set alight the moonlit sky. But why do we really celebrate? Apart from the annual calendar significance? What does Divali mean for us as Sikhs?

The sixth Guru, Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee was falsely imprisoned for spurious reasons by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. After some months it was declared that Guru Jee could walk free. Like Guru Jee there were other prisoners of conscience in Gwalior Fort (the prison), specifically 52 Hindu Kings who made a heartfelt plea to Guru Jee begging him to negotiate their release also. The ocean of mercy Guru Jee listened attentively to their plea and showered his grace upon them and told them not to worry and that he would negotiate their release.

Guru Jee told the Emperor he would only leave the prison on the condition that the 52 Hindu Kings are freed also. The Emperor being a man entangled in his own ego and pride of intelligence replied that Guru Jee could walk free with as many Kings who could hold onto his clothing on the day of his release. Guru the fountain of knowledge easily got around the condition by getting a robe tailored with 52 tassels on it. On the day of His release Guru Jee walked out of Gwalior Fort with all 52 Hindu Kings holding onto one tassel each, this auspicious occasion is referred to as “Bandi Shorr Divas – the day of emancipation.” Guru Jee did not only free the 52 Hindu Kings from prison, He also showered His grace upon them and freed them from the transmigration of the soul, freeing them from the cycle of births and deaths. Each and everyone of us also begs for this freedom:

Forsaking all other doors I have come to your door. Preserve my honour by offering the support of your arm, liberate me, I am your humble servant. (Sri Guru Gobind Singh Jee)

I have come to the sanctuary of the formless and emancipating Lord, who destroys all sufferings. (Sri Guru Arjan Dev Jee, Limb 624 – Sri Guru Granth Sahib Jee)

May Guru Jee bless us with spiritual and physical liberation also.

Bandhi Chor Divas was months prior to Divali. Upon release from Gwalior Fort Sri Guru Hargobind Sahib Jee made a tour of Delhi and other regions, then arrangements to go to Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Amritsar were made. When he reached Amritsar Sahib it was Divali and the Sikhs celebrated the release of Guru Jee with fireworks and festivities.

Relevance today

The world over there are countless prisoners of consciousness, held under false fabricated charges and/or those held for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. Please light a candle for these prisoners, non-Sikhs and Sikhs, don’t forget Guru Jee’s example of freeing Hindu Kings. He was benevolent, humane and had a profound love for one and all, may we develop such divine virtues. May we all endeavour to assist and support such prisoners and at the very least we can all make a heartfelt prayer that Guru Jee blesses all prisoners with Chardi Kala/High Spirits.

One cannot begin to imagine losing freedom of movement and action; we can only try to empathise with such prisoners. Regardless of the regime and its tyranny, no man-made authority can imprison the Sikh Spirit and Sikhs still happily go to the gallows for standing up for justice, freedom and righteousness. The Sikh Spirit cannot be imprisoned. Prominent Sikhs currently imprisoned include Dr. Davinderpal Singh Bhullar, Bhai Deya Singh Lahoria, Bhai Balwant Singh, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Bheora, Bhai Jagtar Singh Hawara, Bhai Paramjeet Singh Dhadhi and the list goes on and on. Just imagine being the parent of a child who entered militancy or quite simply ‘disappeared’ in the 80’s and 90’s in Punjab. Many of these parents light a candle at Divali, praying and wishing that the light of hope may still bless them with a vision of a fit and well son or daughter. Or they pray in despair that may God nurture their offspring wherever they may be. So when you light a candle and eat a sweet at Divali, please spare a thought, that you are free and are not bound by the restraints of prison life. Lest we forget, let’s light a lamp to ensure the rays of freedom shine through all of humanity.

Gurdwara Bandi Chor

Jail were Guru ji was kept

What Is Seva?

Seva is a fundamental and important characteristic of the Sikh nation. Seva is when you help others and expect nothing in return. The Guru Sahibs all partook in seva and famous Sikhs have also based their life upon serving the creation of god. There is countless type’s of seva; there is no seva too big and no seva too small for a true Sikh. A Sikh of the Guru will serve humanity with humility and will even die fighting for the better of humanity. Thousands and thousands of Sikhs have died on the battlefields fighting against evil-doers and tyrants. In the past, even death has not altered Sikhs from doing seva, one example of this is Shaheed Bhai Taru Singh Ji who was told by the government that he must stop serving Sikh warrior clangs, langar (food). Bhai Taru Singh Ji said you can cut me to pieces but I cannot stop serving the needy and my warrior brothers who are fighting for a just cause against your government. He was martyred due to his unwillingness to stop his seva.

Centre your awareness on seva- and focus your consciousness on the word of the shabad. (Ang 110, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji)

Blessed are that mortal beings, who share the Teachings with others and engages in altruistic services of doing good to others. (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 311)

Worthless is the body that does not do good deeds to others. (Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Ang 69)

Every one does different seva’s but as long as you are serving others and benefiting their life for the better and expect nothing back that is seva. Join a charity or simply just go clean the dishes or toilets in the Gurdwara.

How many times have you cleaned the Gurdwara toilets?
How many times have you cleaned the shoes in the Gurdwara?
Toilet and shoe seva get rid of alot of ego!

The Story of Bhai Kanhaiya

It was the year 1704, there was a battle at Anandpur between the Khalsa and combined Hindu hill rajas and Mughals. The Khalsa was defending the Anandpur fort as the enemies launched a heavy attack.

Bhai Kanhaiya was given the duty of giving water to the injured Singh’s during the battle. When Bhai Kanhaiya got on the battle field, all he could see was the face of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in everyone and God dwelling in everyone, there fore neither seeing anyone as friend or foe, he severed indiscriminately. Bhai Kanhaiya was seen by other Singh’s giving water to the enemy, some of which saw Bhai Kanhiaya went and told Guru Ji, We have a traitor in the camp, he is helping the enemies heal so that they can get up and attack the khalsa again.

Guru Ji, Bring Bhai Kanhaiya to me

When the Singh’s got back, to where Bhai Kanhaiya ji was, he was giving water to a mughal. The Singh’s gripped him and took him to Guru Ji

Bhai Kanhaiya bowed to Guru Ji,

Guru Ji, your sikh brothers tell me you are helping heal the enemy so that the enemy may get up and attack your brothers, they call you a traitor.

The Singhs: Guru Ji he eats and lives with us, but gives water to the enemy, he shows he is a sikh but has friendship with the enemy.

Bhai Kanhaiya: I never gave any water to the enemy.

When hearing this some of the singhs got angry and went for their swords and asked Guru jis permission to punish bhai sahib. But Guru ji told the singhs to look into bhai sahibs eyes . When they gazed closely into his eyes they saw Guru jis reflection instead of their own. This proofed to the singhs that bhai sahib saw Guru ji’s face everywhere, he was in deep meditation.

Guru Ji gave Bhai Kanhaiya a hug and said, Khalsa Ji, he is not a traitor, but has a pure heart and see’s God in all. He is innocent (he wasn’t wishing no harm on the khalsa), he is in Chardi Kala. We are all children of Waheguru, we are the creation of the same creator, and just as bhai Kanhaiya saw me in all, in the same way God, dwells in all. God dwells in the good and evil. We don’t fight with hate; we only fight for truth, justice and humanity. Our fight isn’t due to racism it is to uphold righteousness in the world.

“Recongnise the Human Race as one”
Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji - Dasam Granth.

Bhai Kanhaiya ji left us an example, that Sikhs should never have hate (not be a racist.)

I see the Supreme Lord God in all beings, and I am the dust of all.
Ang 616 - Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

Translation Of Ardas

A devout Sikh performs the ardass at least twice a day, once after their early morning prayers and once after their evening prayers. Ardass is also performed at the start of important tasks, in order to receive Gods blessing, ardass is to be performed standing with hands folded together.



Below is an English translation of a very brief ardass:

God is one, all victory is of God.
May the respected sword, god in the form of destroyer of evil-doers help us, recited by the tenth Guru!
First remember the sword, then remember Guru Nanak, then remember Guru Angad, Guru Amar Das and Guru Ram Das, may they help us!
Remember Guru Arjan, Guru Hargobind and respected Guru Har Rai! Remember Guru Har Krishan, by having the sight of, all pains vanish. Remember Guru Teg Bahadur, and then the nine sources of wealth will come hastening to your home!
Oh respected Gurus please help us everywhere, May the kind and respected tenth Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji assist us everywhere!
Think and meditate upon the divine light of the ten Kings contained in the respected Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and turn your thoughts to the divine teachings and get pleasure by the sight of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji! Utter Waheguru.

Think and remember the deeds of the five beloved ones, of the four sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, of the forty Martyrs (redeemed ones), of the brave Sikhs of indomitable determination, of the devotees steeped in the colour of the naam, of those absorbed in the naam, of those who remembered the naam and shared their food in companionship, of those who started free kitchens, of those who wielded their swords for truth and justice, of those who overlooked others short-comings, and all the pure and truly devoted ones! Utter Waheguru.

Think of remember the service of the brave Sikhs, who sacrificed their heads but did not surrender their Sikhi, who got themselves cut to pieces from the joints of their body, who got their scalps removed, who were tied and rotated on the spiked wheels and were crashed into pieces, who were cut by saws, who were flayed alive, who sacrificed themselves to upkeep the dignity of the gurdwaras, and who did not abandon their sikhi, who kept their hair until their last breath! Utter Waheguru

Turn your thoughts to the five seats of the Sikh religion and all other Gurdwaras, Utter Waheguru! First the entire respected khalsa make this supplication that may they meditate on your name, may all pleasures and comfort comes through such meditation, where-ever respected Khalsa is present, give your protection and grace, may the free kitchen and sword never fail, maintain the honour of your devotees, confer victory on the panth, may the respected sword come to our assistance, may the khalsa always get honours, Utter Waheguru! Kindly confer upon the Sikhs the gift of Sikhi, the gift of long hair, the gift of observing Sikh laws, the gift of divine knowledge, the gift of firm faith, the gift of belief and the biggest gift of naam and of having bath in the respected tank of nectar, O God! May the choirs, mansions and the banners exist forever, May the truth forever triumph, Utter Waheguru! May the minds of all the Sikhs remain Humble and their wisdom exalted, O God! You are the protector of wisdom, O immortal God the constant helper of his Sikhs, kindly confer the gift of visiting, maintaining, controlling and worshipping without any restrictions, the Gurdwara of Nankana sahib Ji and other Gurdwaras which the Khalsa has been deprived of. O true Father Waheguru, you are the shelter of the shelter- less, the honour of the meek, the power of the helpless ones, we humbly make a prayer in your presence.

Kindly pardon our errors and shortcomings, kindly fulfil the objectives of all, kindly cause us to meet the true devotees, by meeting whom , we remember your name, o God threw Guru Nanak may your name be exalted and may all prosper according to your will.

Waheguru Ji Ka, Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh!
The Khalsa belongs to God, the Victory is Gods.

Your Sikh Remain Distinct!

In Kaljug (the dark age), God has put the fire of Sin in our bodies, the objective of this game is to extinguish this fire and be content. The fire contains dark energies as such as greed, lust, ego, anger and attachment. These Dark energies keep us trapped in Sin and falsehood. They cause the destruction of our soul and body. Gurbani tells us that by reading Gurbani, doing Sangat, doing our Nitnem, asking Guru Ji for help, meditating on Waheguru at Amrit-vela, and by doing Kirtan we can extinguish this fire (of dark passions). Only with the Guru’s grace can we get liberated from this fire. Once we are liberated the false desires and world pleasure no longer bother us. One feels a soothing and poise peace, which brings contentment. But this test that God created is not easy, as temptations and evilness is all around us in society.

As a Sikh we may see and hear of our friends and family having boyfriends, girlfriends and sex before marriage. But we must remain distinct as Guru Ji said:

Without having Anand Karaj those who have sexual relationships. Listen O' Sikh the Guru states, he is not my Sikh.

Rehatnama Mukhthnama

Our friends may go KFC and eat chicken, wear a baseball hat and take all types of drugs. But a Sikh must stay vegetarian, drug free and wear a turban.

Meat, opium, drugs and tobacco. Ganja, wearing hats, another's woman and alcohol. He who never even gazes at these evils. Recognize them as my disciplined Singh.

Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh

While your friends are coming back from clubbing at 3am, you must awake and worship the lord in order to destroy all the negative energies within us. In this way we will not be corrupted by falsehood and reach the true destination (Merging back with waheguru).

They are the Khalsa who destroy the five evils. They are the Khalsa who burn away delusion.

Thankhaanama Bhai Nand Laal Jee

With the sword of spiritual wisdom, kill the five demons. Remain awake and aware to the Guru's Teachings.

Ang 1413 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

As your friends earn money by credit card frauds, selling intoxicants or whatever corrupted deeds they do. You must have a respectful (honest) job and give to charity.

Those who do not give one tenth of their earning to the Guru and earn a living of deceit and corruption. Listen carefully Nand Lal as Guru Gobind Singh speaks, they will suffer thousands of hells at death.

Rehatnama Bhai Nand Laal Jee

Sikhs should not be selfish and greedy and must share with others. People spend thousands on luxuries while next man hasn’t even got a sack of rice (Keep that in mind, the next time you go shopping). A flash car will get you a speeding ticket, a 100 bags of rice sent to the deprived will get you closer to Waheguru.

Do not just eat on your own; always try to share with others.

Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh
Adultery, gambling, dishonesty, stealing and intoxicants; these are five sins of the world which the Singh abandons.

Rehatnama Bhai Desa Singh

Those who praise the Lord in the early hours of the morning and meditate on Him single-mindedly are the perfect kings; at the right time, they die fighting.

Ang 145 Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji

The 5k's

The following five K's are the mark of Sikhi. These five can never be parted from the body. Kara, Kirpan, Kachera, Kanga, recognize these as four of them. The fifth is Kesh, without which the other four are useless. There are also four H's which must be avoided. Understand this without any doubt, no lies have been told. Hukka, taking tobacco (including any other type of intoxicants). Hajamat, removing of hair. Halalo, eating meat. Haram, adultery (sexual relationships outside of marriage). These are the four H's. Dyeing of beards (including any other body hair), and the wearing of mehndi (including other types of make up) are strictly forbidden.
Dasam Granth - Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

KESH: Uncut hair is regarded as a symbol of saintliness as one accepts and lives in harmony with the lords will. Removing of the hair is seen as acting against the lords will. Shaving and cutting of the hair is a major taboo, as one will live in disharmony with the lords will. Sikhs believe hair have particular functions and were given to us by the lord for a purpose.

KANGA: a special wooden comb. This is necessary to maintain the hair in a neat and tidy form. A Sikh must comb their hair twice a day and cover them with a dastar (turban). The dastar protects the hair and is an essential part of the Sikh uniform.

KARA: an iron bracelet, which is worn on the predominant arm of the Sikh. It reminds the Sikh of the vows taken by them, it is a constant reminder that they aren’t to take part in any activity that will bring shame and disgrace on them (for example stealing).

KACHERA: A special type of shorts to be worn at all times. It reminds the Sikh of the need of self-restraint over corrupt desires. Apart from its moral aspect it is ideal as practical martial underwear.

KIRPAN: the sword is worn solely for protection of righteousness, humanity and justice. It is a sign of readiness to confront injustices, it symbolizes dignity and self-reliance. One is capable to defend themselves, and the innocent-weak person from oppressors. It is the minimal protection that a khalsa soldier must carry at all times.

The usage of drugs for intoxication: the Guru’s encouraged healthy activity and a healthy lifestyle which keeps the body in good condition. Drugs make one lose their sense and weakens the body and creates mental diseases. However Sikhs are allowed to take narcotics for medicational purposes.

The eating of meat: this includes all flesh, like fish, eggs and any animal fats. Guru Har Rai Ji opened up hospitals for injured animals. Murdering of gods creatures, cruelty towards animals and other humans is forbidden in Sikhism. All creatures have a natural instinct to remain alive; killing of animas for food is a barbaric crime and against gods will.

Adultery: A Sikh is not allowed to have sexual relations out of marriage. A Sikh must have morals and commit in a marriage ceremony in front of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji before having a sexual relation with anyone. Marriage is a moralful and respectful way of showing dignity.

Unshorn hair: A Sikh believes that the lord is a perfect creator and created hair for a purpose, so for a Sikh cutting their hair is devil like.

Bibi Deep Kaur (The Brave Kaur)

A contingent of Turkish soldiers is on active patrol. The area rulers have specifically assigned this contingent to keep a watch over the Sikh jatha that had gathered in Majha and would surely proceed to Anandpur Sahib for participating in Dashmesh father's (Guru Gobind Singh) Dharam Yudh. Additional responsibilities assigned to this contingent included, instilling fear among people who either express sympathy with the Sikh jatha or welcome it or serve it any way. For this reason, the Turkish contingent always moved ahead of the Sikh Jatha. Three miles from the road leading to Anandpur Sahib in Hoshiarpur District, is a village, named Talban. Bibi Deep Kaur, the subject of our story, was resident of this village. There was only one Sikh house in this village -- Bibi Deep Kaur's residence. Today her husband wasn't home. He had already left for participating in Dashmesh father's Dharam Yudh. When Bibi ji heard of Jatha's arrival. She was filled with emotions of self-service. She explained her emotions and desire to other women in her neighbourhood. But the Turkish soldiers had successfully frightened the residence of this village. Thus no one was willing to accompany her. "Let them not proceed, if someone doesn't want to" Deep Kaur told herself”. For how could one stay behind if they have even the slightest love for the Guru in their heart. Holding onto the quest of love and a glimpse of the Sikh Jatha, Deep Kaur proceeded alone and awaited the arrival of Sant-Sipahis. Suddenly dust arose from afar. Her face brightened with joy. Her quest for Jatha's sight grew stronger. Now she started walking on the road toward the rising dust storm. Soon she realised that this was not the Jatha of Sant- Sipahis. Rather it was the contingent of evil Turkish soldiers. Surprised, she quickly moved off the road and tried to hide herself by sitting next to a tree.

As the Turkish contingent got closer, its commander caught sight of Deep Kaur. Seeing the youthful beauty, he lost all self-control.

He commandingly asked. "Who are you?"

"Whoever I am. Why does it matter to you?" She answered fearlessly.

Commander's attraction grew stronger with her challenge.

He remarked softly, "By Shehansha's (ruler's) orders, I have been deputed to keep a watch on Sikhs in this area. Since the Sikh Jatha is heading this way, I need to ascertain whether you are a Sikh."

"If I were to be a Sikh, then?"

"Then we will have to arrest and sent you to Lahore." Deep Kaur heard his response.

Fearlessly, she announced, "I am Sikh."

The Turk Commander was astonished by her fearlessness. But as captive of her beauty, by now, he was aroused beyond any self-control. He spoke softly and said, "Beautiful, I am responsible for capturing Sikhs. You are a Sikh. I should arrest you, but I cannot do that. I cannot fulfil my responsibilities. For I have a heart that worships beauty and it is yours now. I am your captive."

Deep Kaur's face reddened with anger. She lashed out saying, "You should be ashamed of yourself talking to me like this."

"What is there to be ashamed of where hearts have met? I am yours. Accept me and I shall keep you as my Begum (wife)." He said.

"I am a Sikh and married. If you ever uttered anything like this again I will snatch your tongue." Deep Kaur responded. By now she was shaking with anger.

"What kind of a beauty it would be that doesn't exhibit enticing or alluring behaviour? I am impressed by your behaviour. Now don't delay anymore and let's go. What are you going to get from these wild Sikhs?" Saying this, the commander dismounted from his horse and moved towards Deep Kaur while his contingent waited on the opposite side of the road.

As he dismounted, Deep Kaur stood up. Seeing him approach her, she challengingly said "Beware, if you touch my body I will not spare you."

Insane under arousal, the commander ignored her warning and instead proceeded to hug her. Deep Kaur pulled back with lightening speed. By now she had her small kirpan in her hand. As the commander approached, she struck him in his stomach with the kirpan. A blood spring burst opened. With painful cries, he simply dropped to the ground.

By now Deshmesh's daughter had jumped into the war. As the wounded Commander sat on the ground, she viciously attacked him once again, sending his evil soul to burn in hell. Before, the Turkish soldiers could advance; she moved swiftly to take control of the commander's sword and was well-prepared for self-defence. Seeing their dying commander, the soldiers advanced shaking in anger and simultaneously attacked her. However, Deshmesh pitas daughter wasn't scared being out-numbered. Like a lioness, she stood fast for the challenge. She used the sword courageously (with guru ji’s kirpa) and soon the two soldiers fell to the ground while several others were severely wounded. Deep Kaur too sustained deep wounds on her face and neck. Although her wounds were profusely bleeding, she kept her courage and continued fighting like a lioness. Turkish soldiers were shown resistance by the warrior princess. Far on the road, the sound of horses could be heard once again. This time the Sant-Sipahi's Jatha was approaching. As the Turkish soldiers saw the Sikh Jatha, they got scared, immediately mounted their horses and ran for their lives. The bodies of the Commander and five of his associates were left behind, lying cold on the ground. The sight of approaching Sikh brothers filled Deep Kaur with joy. She quickly tried to move towards the road but couldn't. She had lost too much blood and thus was unable to walk. She simply fell unconscious to the ground. The Sikh Jatha saw unconscious Deep Kaur and 6 dead bodies of Turkish soldier, upon reaching the location. It did not take them long to comprehend the situation. Immediately, they spread a bed for Dashmesh's daughter, dressed her wounds and gave her medication. Then carrying her along, the Jatha proceeded to Anandpur Sahib for participating in the Dashmesh father's Dharam Yudh. Fully aware of the situation, our Dashmesh father Guru Gobind Singh Ji was strolling outside his court awaiting the arrival of this Jatha. Seeing them arrive, he joyfully advanced to receive them and asked

"Where is my daughter?"

Jatha members were confused. They did not understand the meaning of this question, since there were many Sikh women among the Jatha. Who did Guru Sahib honour with daughter's address? They could not understand.

In the meantime, Guru Sahib quickly moved towards the palki (palanquin) carrying the wounded Deep Kaur. Raising the palki curtain, he said "This is my daughter Deep Kaur. Because of such daughters my Panth shall remain in Chardi Kala

The Nishan Sahib (The Sikh Flag)

The Sikh Flag is a saffron coloured triangular shaped cloth, in the middle is of the triangle is the Sikh insignia usually in blue or black. This flag is mounted on a long steel pole (which is also covered with a saffron cloth) headed with a Khanda. The Sikh flag is always seen near the entrance to a Gurdwara, standing firmly overlooking the whole building. Sikhs show great respect to the Nishan sahib as it is a symbol of their freedom and separate identity.
Sri Guru Hargobind Ji introduced the Nishan Sahib into Sikhi. The Sikhs used to take it to battle and wave it in times of victory as a salutation to Waheguru and his Army (the khalsa). The Nishan is high up at the sight of a Gurdwara this is so that the location of the Gurdwara can be seen from far. We ask Waheguru in our ardas everyday to forever keep the Nishan sahib fluttering high; this is because the Nishan Sahib represents the Sikhs sovereignty, the principles of fighting against injustice and feeding the poor. The colour saffron also represents sacrifice in Sikhi, therefore when a Sikh pays respects to the Nishan sahib they are reminded of all the sacrifices made by past Sikhs. Therefore a Sikh also asks Guru Ji to give them the same strength as past warriors who gave their lives for preserving truth and justice. The Khanda (double edged sword) on top Signifies divine justice and also reminds the Sikh of death. The Khanda therefore helps remind the Sikh to fight against oppression, help the weak and needy and makes them aware of death so they don’t get stuck in duality.

Increasing Trend amongst youth

Sikhi teaches us certain principles and lays out rules that we must live by. Sikhi rejects all intoxications as they delude the mind and destroy health. Sikhi guides us mortals to live a pure life of righteousness and honour. All Sikh Symbols and Gurbani must be respected as they represent Sikh values and principles which Sikh Gurus taught us. However it is worrying to see an increase in the number of people smoking when they have a Khanda or ek-onkaar symbol in their cars. This is totally disgraceful and slanderous as it portrays the Sikh people in the wrong way. People will start thinking that Sikhs are allowed to smoke, also the people that are carrying out this deed need to think about the respect that they have for their religion. Do what you’re doing but keep Sikhi out of it!



What do you do with your Sikhi tops?



Personally I think Gurbani on tops etc is wrong because no matter how much care you take, you are bound to cause some sort of disrespect. But the most common one is when you put your clothes for the wash; we mix them with our underwear or put the Sikhi tops with other dirty laundry!