HAPPY VASAKHI

We would like to wish all our Sikh brothers and sisters, near and dear ones close to our hearts a very HAPPY VASAKHI. Thanks for all the Vasakhi sms. VASAKHI DI LAKH LAKH VADAI HOVE.

Love: Kuldip n Sharmila

Baisakhi Day

Baisakhi Day or Vaisakhi Day of March 30th, 1699 is of significant importance for the Sikhs. It was on this day that Guru Gobind Singh - the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs founded the Akal Khalsa (Community of the Pure) at a ceremony organized at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur. The Akal Khalsa played a significant role in resistance against Mughal rule. Every year on April 13 Sikhs celebrate with pomp and gusto the birth of the Khalsa Panth.The Background In the year 1667 Aurungzeb, the Mughal Emperor installed himself as the Emperor of India after annihilating almost all his family opposition. Immediately after gaining power, Aurungzeb embarked on a policy of religious persecution and started the process of Islamization of India. Brahmins became the prime targets of Aurungzeb in this regard as his clerics made him convinced that once the Brahmins accepted Islam the others would follow. Pursuing his agenda, Aurungzeb levied unethical religious taxes against Hindus and shut their temples and places of learning. The Brahmins, particularly those of Kashmir, desperately felt the need for a dynamic leadership to fight this subversion by the Mughal Emperor. They approached Guru Tegh Bahadur (1621-1675), the ninth in the line of Sikh Gurus, who was on the throne of the Sikh religion and asked him for guidance on the issue. During this meeting, Guru Tegh Bahadur's nine-year-old son, Gobind Rai, was sitting beside him. Finding Guru Tegh Bahadur under deep contemplation, the young son asked the reason of his repose. The Guru explained the situation to the child and said the world is aggrieved by oppression and no brave man had yet come forward to willingly sacrifice his life to free the earth from the burden of Aurangzeb's persecution of Hindus. To this young Gobind Rai replied, "For that purpose who is more worthy than thou who art at once generous and brave.” Pleased with his son’s reply, Guru Tegh Bahadur entrusted the Guruship to Gobind Rai and proceeded towards Delhi, the seat of the Mughal Empire. Just as they reached Delhi, the mighty Aurangzeb imprisoned the Guru and his loyal attendants. Foreseeing his ecclesiastic journey during imprisonment, Guru Tegh Bahadur thought of testing his son's courage and capability to carry on the Guru's mission. In a letter to Gobind Rai, the Guru wrote, "My strength is exhausted, I am in chains and I can make not any efforts. Says Nanak, God alone is now my refuge. He will help me as He did his Saints.” In his reply young Guru Gobind Rai wrote, "I have regained my Power, my bonds are broken and all options are open unto me. Nanak, everything is in Thine hands. It is only Thou who can assist Thyself.” Later, Guru Tegh Bahadur was martyred in Delhi in the presence of hundreds of people. The executioner abandoned the Guru's body in the open. But no one dared to come forward to claim the body to perform religious rites. Even the ardent disciples withdrew unrecognized. It was only when the stormy weather occurred, that two persons took advantage of the situation and covertly took the body of Guru Tegh Bahadur for cremation. This cowardice of Sikhs incited in Gobind Rai an urge to endow his Sikhs with a distinct identity. With the desire to instill courage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow men, Gobind Rai became the tenth Sikh Guru. At the age of 33, Guru Gobind had Divine inspiration to actuate his designs. The Guru found the occasion of Baisakhi could serve his purpose, as every year thousands of devotees would come to Anandpur at the time of Baisakhi (springtime) to pay their obeisance and seek the Guru's blessings. Early in the year 1699, months before Baisakhi Day, Guru Gobind Rai sent special edicts to congregates far and wide that that year the Baisakhi was going to be a unique affair. He asked them not to cut any of their hair and to come with unshorn hair under their turbans and chunis. Besides, men were asked to come with full beards. The Baisakhi Day of March 30, 1699At the call of the Guru, thousands of people gathered at the Anandpur Sahib, the famous Golden Temple of Amritsar, India on the Vaisakhi Day, March 30, 1699. To instill courage in the fellow men, Guru Gobind made a powerful oration and revealed to them his divine mission of restoring amongst Sikhs and preserving the Sikh religion. At the end of his speech, the Guru flashed his unsheathed sword and said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice and demanded one head for oblation. To the Guru’s call, Daya Ram, a Khatri of Lahore offered himself. The Guru took him inside a tent. A little later he reappeared with his sword dripping with blood, and asked for another head. One by one four more earnest devotees - Daram Das - a Jat of Delhi, Mohkam Chand - a washerman of Dwarka (Gujarat), Himmat - a cook of Jagannath (Orissa) and Sahib Chand - a barber of Bidar (Karnataka) offered their heads. Every time the Guru took a person inside the tent, he came out with a bloodied sword in his hand. Astonished with their Guru’s behavior and believing him to have gone berserk, people started to disperse. Shortly after, Guru Gobind emerged with all five men dressed piously in white. He baptized the five in a new and unique ceremony called 'Khande di Pahul' (the double-edged Sword Amrit), what Sikhs today call Amrit. After this, the Guru asked the five baptized Sikhs to baptize him as well. They were then knighted as Singhs, as the Five beloved ones, the first members of the new community of equals, to be called the Khalsa, meaning "pure". Guru Gobind proclaimed that the Panj Pyare or the Five Beloved Ones would be the embodiment of the Guru himself, “Where there are Panj Pyare, there am I. When the Five meet, they are the holiest of the holy." These "saint soldiers" were to dedicate their lives to the service of others and the pursuit of justice for people of all faiths. The Guru also said whenever and wherever the five baptized or Amritdhari Sikhs comes together, the Guru would be present. All those who receive Amrit from five baptized Sikhs will be infused with the spirit of courage and strength to sacrifice. Thus with these principles, Guru Gobind established Panth Khalsa, the Order of the Pure Ones. The Guru also gave his new Khalsa a unique, indisputable, and distinct identity. The Guru gave the gift of bana, the distinctive Sikh clothing and headwear. He also offered five emblems of purity and courage. These symbols, worn by all baptized Sikhs of both sexes, are popularly known today as Five Ks:

Kesh, unshorn hair
Kangha, the wooden comb
Karra, the iron (or steel) bracelet
Kirpan, the sword
Kachera, the underwear

This act of total surrender of one's life to the service of the AKAL (God), the Timeless One, and at the feet of Guru Gobind Singh created the Sikh religion. For many centuries after that, the first male child of all families of Hindus in Punjab was ordained as a Sikh.Social Significance of Baisakhi DayApart from fighting the political tyranny, Guru Gobind also sought to eliminate social discriminations in the name of caste with the establishment of Khalsa Panth. The Panj Piyaras set by the Guru amalgamated people of low and high caste into one as it consisted of people of different strata of the society. To further do away with the system of caste discrimination and to give to all Sikhs an opportunity to live lives of courage, sacrifice, and equality, the Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai, he became Guru Gobind Singh. He also pronounced that all Sikh women embody royalty, and gave them the surname Kaur (Princess).

Baisakhi Festival
Baisakhi is one of the major festivals of Sikhs and is celebrated with lot of enthusiasm and gaiety in the state of Punjab and all throughout the world where there is a significant Sikh population. For the large farming community of Punjab, Baisakhi Festival marks the time for harvest of rabi crops and they celebrate the day by performing joyful bhangra and gidda dance. For the Sikh community, Baisakhi Festival has tremendous religious significance as it was on a Baisakhi Day in 1699, that Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru laid the foundation of Panth Khalsa-the Order of the Pure Ones.Date of BaisakhiBaisakhi Festival falls on the first day of Vaisakh month (April-May) according to Nanakshahi or Sikh Calendar. For this reason, Baisakhi is also popularly known as Vaisakhi. According to English calendar, the date of Baisakhi corresponds to April 13 every year and April 14 once in every 36 years. This difference in Baisakhi dates is due to the fact that day of Baisakhi is reckoned according to solar calendar and not the lunar calendar. The auspicious date of Baisakhi is celebrated all over India under different names and different set of rituals and celebrations. Baisakhi date coincides with 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala.Baisakhi CelebrationsPeople of Punjab celebrate the festival of Baisakhi with exuberance and devotion. As the festival has tremendous importance in Sikh religion, major activities of the day are organized in Gurdwaras. People wake up early to prepare for the day. Many also take bath in the holy river to mark the auspicious occasion. After getting ready people pay a visit to their neighbourdood gurdwara and take part in the special prayer meeting organized for the day. At the end of the Baisakhi ardas, congregates receive specially prepared Kara prasad or sweetened semolina. This is followed by a guru ka langar or community lunch. Later, during the day people of Sikh faith take out a Baisakhi procession under the leadership of Panj piaras. The procession moves through the major localities of the city amidst the rendition of devotional songs by the participating men, women and children. Mock duels, bhangra and gidda performances make the procession joyous and colourful. Celebrations by FarmersFor the large farming community of Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi marks a New Year’s time as it is time to harvest rabi crop. On Baisakhi, farmers thank god for the bountiful crop and pray for good times ahead. People buy new clothes and make merry by singing, dancing and enjoying the best of festive food. Cries of "Jatta aai Baisakhi", rent the skies as gaily men and women break into the bhangra and gidda dance to express their joy. Everyday farming scenes of sowing, harvesting, winnowing and gathering of crops are expressed through zestful movements of the body to the accompaniment of ballads and dhol music. In several villages of Punjab Baisakhi Fairs are organized where besides other recreational activities, wrestling bouts are also held.

History of Baisakhi
Baisakhi or Vaisakhi Festival is celebrated as the Sikh New Year and the founding of the Khalsa Panth. History of Baisakhi traces its origin from the Baisakhi Day celebrations of 1699 organized by the Tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh to form Khalsa - Brotherhood of Saint Soldiers to fight against tyranny and oppression.Story of BaisakhiThe story of Baisakhi Festival began with the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru who was publicly beheaded by the Aurungzeb, the Mughal ruler. Aurungzeb wanted to spread Islam in India and Guru Tegh Bahadur stood up for the rights of Hindus and Sikhs and the Mughals therefore saw him as a threat.After the death of Guru Teg Bahadur, his son, Guru Gobind Singh became the next Guru of the Sikhs. Guru Gobind Singh wished to instill courage and strength to sacrifice among his fellow men. To fulfil his dream, Guru Gobind Singh called on the historic Baisakhi Day congregation of Sikhs at Keshgarh Sahib near Anandpur on March 30, 1699.When thousands of people assembled for Guru’s blessing, Guru Gobind Singh came out of the tent carrying an unsheathed sword. He gave a powerful speech to infuse courage amongst fellowmen. At the end of the speech he said that every great deed was preceded by equally great sacrifice and demanded that anyone prepared to give his life come forward. On the Guru’s third call, a young man offered himself. The Guru took the man inside a tent and reappeared alone with a bloodied sword. Guru Gobind Singh asked for another volunteer. This was repeated another four times until a total of five Sikhs had gone into the tent with the Guru. Everyone present was worried and though that Guru Gobind Singh has killed five Sikhs. At this point Guru presented all the five men before the people. Every one present was surprised to see all five men alive and wearing turbans and saffron-coloured garments.These five men were called Panj Piara or 'Beloved Five' by the Guru. The Guru blessed them with a Pahul ceremony. In an iron vessel, the Guru stirred with a sword called Khanda Sahib, the batasha that his wife, Mata Sundari Ji had put into water. The congregation recited verses from scriptures as the Guru performed the sacred ceremony. The water was now considered the sacred nectar of immortality called amrit. It was first given to the five volunteers, then drunk by the guru and later distributed amongst the crowd. With this ceremony, all those present, irrespective of caste or creed, became members of the Khalsa Pantha (the Order of the Pure Ones). The Guru regarded the Panch Piaras as the first members of the Khalsa and the embodiment of the Guru himself. With the constitution of the Panj Pyare the high and low castes were amalgamated into one as among the original Panj Pyare, there was one Khatri, shopkeeper; one Jat, farmer; one Chhimba, calico printer; one Ghumar, water-carrier; and one Nai, a barber. The Guru gave the surname of Singh (Lion) to every Sikh and also took the name for himself. From Guru Gobind Rai he became Guru Gobind Singh. This was seen as a great step in national integration because society at that time was divided on the basis of religion, caste and social status. Guru Gobind Singh also bestowed on Khalsa, the unique Sikh identity. He directed Sikhs to wear five K's: Kesh or long hair, Kangha or comb, Kripan or dagger, Kachha or shorts and a Kara or bracelet. Guru Gobind Singh also discontinued the tradition of Gurus and asked all Sikhs to accept the Grantha Sahib as their eternal guide. He urged them to come to him with their hair and beard unshorn to get baptized by the sword.

Significance of Baisakhi
Vibrant Festival of Baisakhi is considered to be an extremely important festival in India for number of reasons. Apart from being important for the farmers as a harvest festival, the festival is of prime importance in Sikhism as a foundation day of Khalsa Panth. Besides, auspicious Baisakhi day is of importance for astrological reasons too !! Astrological Significance of BaisakhiThe festival of Baisakhi falls on April 13 every year and April 14 once in every 36 years. Change in date is because of the fact that date of Baisakhi is reckoned according to the solar calendar. Astrologically, the date of Baisakhi is significant as marks sun’s entry into Mesh Rashi. For this very reason, many people also know Baisakhi as Mesha Sankranti. The auspicious date of Baisakhi is celebrated all over India under different names and rituals. It is celebrated as 'Rongali Bihu' in Assam, 'Naba Barsha' in Bengal, ‘Puthandu’ in Tamil Nadu, 'Pooram Vishu' in Kerala and ‘Vaishakha’ in the state of Bihar. Significance of Baisakhi for FarmersFor the agriculturally rich state of Punjab and Haryana, Baisakhi marks the time for harvest of Rabi (winter) crops and is therefore extremely significant for the farmers. Baisakhi Festival is also celebrated as a Thanksgiving Day festival in these states. After waking up early and dressing themselves in new clothes, farmers visit temples and gurdwaras to express gratitude to God for the good harvest and seek blessing for ensuing agriculture season. Farmers also celebrate Baisakhi by performing energetic bhangra and gidda dance and participating in Baisakhi Fairs. Significance of Baisakhi in SikhismBaisakhi is of major importance for the people following Sikh faith. As it was on a Baisakhi Day, in the year 1699 that the Tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh founded Khalsa Panth or the Order of Pure Ones and gave a unique identity to Sikhs. On the same day the guru administered amrit (nectar) to his first batch of five disciples making them Singhs, a martial community. By doing so, he eliminated the differences of high and low and established that all human beings were equal.Sikhs celebrate Baisakhi by participating in special prayer meetings organized at gurdwaras. They also carry out joyful Baisakhi processions to mark the day.Significance of Baisakhi in Other ReligionsThe day of Baisakhi is of significance for the Hindus as it was on this day in 1875 that Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj - a reformed sect of Hindus who are devoted to the Vedas for spiritual guidance and have discarded idol worship. Besides, Baisakhi day is of relevance for the Buddhists as Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment and Nirvana on this auspicious day.

Legends of Baisakhi

There are various legends associated with the colourful and vibrant festival of Baisakhi. A study of these interesting legends of Baisakhi reveal that the day of Baisakhi is significant not just for Sikhs but also for Hindus and Buddhists alike. Besides, it is joyous to note that as a harvest festival, people of all communities in Punjab celebrate Baisakhi in a harmonious manner.

Baisakhi Festival marks the time for the harvest of Rabi crops and is therefore celebrated with utmost joy and enthusiasm in the state of Punjab where agriculture is the predominant occupation of the people. To celebrate the occasion, people dress themselves gaily and perform the joyful bhangra and giddha dance on the tune of the dhol. Farmers in Punjab celebrate Baisakhi Festival to hilt by feasting and merrymaking before they hit on tiring but joyful task of harvesting from the next day. As a harvest festival, Baisakhi is also celebrated by different names and with different rituals in several regions of India. Regional celebrations of Baisakhi are marked as Rongali Bihu in Assam, Naba Barsha in Bengal, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu, Vishu in Kerala and Vaishakha in Bihar. Birth of Khalsa.

The day of Baisakhi marks the birth of Khalsa Panth and therefore holds tremendous significance for the Sikhs. It was on the Baisakhi Day meeting organized at Anandpur Sahib, in 1699, that the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Sigh laid the foundation of Khalsa Panth and called on the Sikhs to sacrifice themselves for their community. Besides, it was on the Baisakhi Day that Guru Gobind Singh administered amrit (nectar) to his first batch of five disciples, the Panj Piaras making them Singhs, a martial community. After the Baisakhi Day in 1699 the tradition of gurus was discontinued, and the Granth Sahib - the Holy book of the Sikhs was declared the eternal guide of the Sikhs. Day to Receive Guru’s Blessings for Sikhs. According to a popular legend in Sikhism, it was on the day of Baisakhi in 1567 that Guru Amar Das had first institutionalized Baisakhi as one of the special days when all Sikhs would gather to receive the guru's blessings at Goindwal.

Foundation of Arya SamajThe day of Baisakhi Festival is also important for the Hindus as it on this day in 1875 that Swami Dayanand Saraswati founded the Arya Samaj - a reformed sect of Hindus who are devoted to the Vedas for spiritual guidance and have discarded idol worship.

For the Buddhist, the day of Baisakhi Festival is significant, as according to a popular legend it was on this auspicious day that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment or Nirvana under the Mahabodhi tree in the town of Gaya. For this reason, the day of Baisakhi is celebrated as Buddha Purnima is several parts of the country.

Rabb Har Saal Ehoji Baisakhi Lyaavey

Mennu milyaa meraa maahi mele vich

Rabb har saal ehoji baisakhi lyaavey,

Pyaar di jyot dilan vich jalaa jaavey

Bichhdey dilaan nu milaa jaavey

Phir khiliyan pyaar di kaliyaan ve

Mennu cheddiyan saari sakhiyaan ve

Karan rabb daa shukar dil naal main

Mennu bichhdyaa pyaar milya mele vich

Rabb har saal ehoji baisakhi lyaavey

Jithey har bichhadyaa pyaar mil jaavey

HAPPY VASAKHI

The Passing of Sardar Arjan Singhji on 1st April 2009

Ghalle aaye Nanaka, sade hee uth jaye

We come into this world when Nanak wishes and depart as it pleases Nanak

I shall always remember Uncle as the person who gave the most impeccable speech during our wedding lunch. The eloquent way he spoke, the poise and the grandeur of his language shall always remain a pleasant memory which we can rewind over and over again as we watch our wedding video. I was fortunate to be able to pay my last respects to Sardar Arjan Singhji during his final journey in this earthly world. Sardar Arjan Singhji passed away on the 1st day of April 2009. I guess this is God's way of playing a joke on his family members right on April Fools day. We were waiting for God to pop by at some point of time and say April Fool but alas all of us knew that would not happen. He loved Uncle more than us I resolve. Although I only knew Uncle (who is my sister-in law Harjit's (my husband's sister) father in law only for a short time and never had the opportunity to get to know him more but he always reminded me of my paternal and maternal grandfathers Sardar Hazara Singhji and Sardar Gurbax Singhji. The loss of the family is irreplaceable but at least we know he is in a better place far away from all bodily sufferings. May Uncle's soul rest in peace. Our deepest condolences to the family of Uncleji.

Waheguru Waheguru Waheguru

My new family

Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.

I am truly been blessed with such loving in laws. I have always heard ugly stories about in laws and how they make a bride's life miserable after the wedding. This was the reason I never wanted to get married because I felt it was all not worth it. But as people say, there are still nice people in this world the only thing is finding them and loving them. I found a gem of a husband and more so equally gems as in laws. May we all remain a happy family for the rest of our lives and may we resolve all our problems, conflicts in a harmonious way. Waheguru.

Well that was our wedding. I hope I haven't left behind anything and if n when i realise I have i shall proceed to update them slowly but surely. When i started this blog it was to document our impending marriage but now i want this blog to be a document of our live together so that we can proudly show it to our kids one day and let them read what they missed out on. So this will be a blog of our lives from now on.

In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony. To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there

Wedding Day 4 8th March 5pm to 7pm Temple function @PJ Gurdwara

Laughter bonds people. Anyone will tell you that laughter is the shortest distance between people — especially in a marriage.

The next day was spent at my in laws and everyone was busy preparing for the evening temple function that was scheduled from 5pm to 7pm at Petaling Jaya Gurdwara Sahib. I was sent back to the hotel for my make up which was going on from 3pm till 4.30pm. I swear in my 30 years of life I have never applied so much make up as I have in these 3 days of my wedding. Anyways once I got the make up out of the way mu hubby was also all ready to move to the temple so we went home to fetch mum and d kids who were to ride with us and went to the temple. The programme was a very nice, sweet and simple programme after which we were brought to the back of the temple and it was time for the my hubby's side relatives to have a dekko at me. Heheheh! I felt like a doll in a glass panel! After dinner we went home to relax and chat before finally retiring for the night.

Wedding Day 3 7th March Arrival of Doli in KL

4 hours later the doli arrived back at my in laws place in Petaling Jaya. I was given a traditional sent off from my house and also a very traditional welcome at my in laws house. As my hubby and me walked into the porch, I set my eyes on a beautiful two tier royal icing cake which was decorated with red roses and adorned with a bride and a groom on top. Needless to say my in laws were happy to see both of us back. I had a tearful send off at my place and here I got a tearful reception as my mum in law cried when she ushered us into the house. Festivities carried on till late up until my husband looked as if he wd collapse into sleep sitting on the chair. After all that were supposed to be done completed, we were asked to go and retire for the nite. I am still amused at my husband reactions when I attempted to take off my scarf (that heavy 1 ton veil of mine). He was amazed at he number of pins I was pulling out of my head and there came a point he told me 'enough la how many pins u gonna pull out from your head?'. I counted there were more than 40 pins stuck into my head and once all those came off so did the 1 tonne veil which I proceeded to put on my husband's head. All he could say was 'aiyo so heavy a?' Heheheheheh he is so cute!

Wedding day 3 7th March: Saagan n Vidaai

After the lunch I was brought home by my brother and my hubby was to arrive in his wedding car for the next planned event that was the sagan before the vidaai. The sagan was proceeded smoothly. However there was not one dry eye at home when my father hugged me and broke down. I can never see my father crying and this caused me to cry like a baby. My tears just refused to stop even as my father sat by my side I was still bawling like a baby. I knew my dad was going to cry but I never imagined it will be this much. Anyways my aunt commented that I cried a lot during my departure. I guess so cause although I am a stone's throw away from my parents deep down inside my heart I know things are never gonna be the same again. I had gone from becoming their daughter to a wife. It was a journey I had to make. Right from the day I was born i guess they knew this but its always difficult letting go I guess. The doli left at 4pm from my residence after which my brother (whom took a bet with me that he wont cry) hugged my mother and cried. He lost the bet!

Wedding Day 3: 7th March 1.30pm Lunch @ RJCC

We had actually very little time to recover from event and we were whisked away for the next planned event. Immediately after the ceremony we had to get back to RJCC where we were to go and have a few outdoor snaps with out wedding costume. I taught that would have taken just a while but we were actually held up with that way past one. Our lunch invitation was for one pm but one phone call to my dad rectified that and her said its ok call me when u r ready to walk in. Well after battling with the gruelling heat of Johor Bahru outside RJCC i was just relieved to be made to sit in the waiting lounge where there was air conditioning and I was sure I wont melt more than I already have. Whilst waiting for my hubby to do his shaving act I was accompanied by my mamiji and my masi who were chaperoning me whilst I cooled of my heels. Was just waiting to kick the shoes off my feet as they were starting to bite the beejepers of my foot. Anyways one by one the janjis passed me on their way to the hall for lunch. In the meantime my hubby had done all his shaving and was back at my side. We waited for a while till all the janjis had taken their place in the hall and then the time came for us to make out grand entry. The beat of the dhol, the shower of the flowers, the flash bulbs in our eyes and the smiling faces was all that I cd remember. I cant even remember who's who was there lined up to throw flowers on us. A long line of flowers throwers and a lot of flower petals (1kg to be exact) later we arrived at the main table to be given a sumptuous meal. I don't know about my husband but I was really not hungry and still had butterflies in my stomach thinking that the day we had planned for the past 6 months was halfway thru. Then came the time to make a mark on the wedding cake of ours. The magnificant 3 tier cake baked by aunty mary was just beautiful. I felt so sad to actually make a mark on such a wonderful cake but nevertheless did it anyways. Aftetr that we went around every table meeting my guest who came as far as Sungai Petani to be part of my happy day!

Wedding Day 3: 7th March Wedding Day 10pm Gurdwara Sahib JB

Would anyone believe that I had only 2 hours of sleep prior to my wedding day. Thanks to my make up specialist this did not show in my eyes at all. I slept at 3am and was up by 5am awaiting my make up specialist to start working her wonders on me. I was a bit nervous that under such a heavy veil I will sure sweat extra and my make up wont hold. But to my surprise my make up actually held till I started crying before the departure of the doli from my parents house. Whilst I was going thru the rig moral of getting my face pancaked, my husband was much luckier as he had time to sit and share some light moments with his best man whilst waiting to be escorted to the temple. Needless to say he was escorted to the temple together with the wedding party way before me. Well I was made to get ready by 8.30am and by 9am I was whisked out of my house and well on the way to temple in my dad's car which was driven by my brother. I could not believe my eyes when I got down at the temple grounds, there were so many of my friends and relatives waiting to get a glimpse of me in my wedding suits. I saw broad smiles and thumbs up being shown to me indicating the one thing that I feared the most ( my make up being a disaster) had not happened. This gave me extra confidence. My pretty flower girls my nieces Ashviny and Simran set the pace for me walking in front of me with their cute flower baskets as I was ushered into the temple by my brother and sister in law by my side followed by a host of relatives and friends who had taken time off their busy Saturday schedules to accompany me and witness my marriage. Everyone keeps telling me that the highlight of the wedding was the four round lavan taken by my husband and myself where the end of the of the fourth round signifies that we are now man and wife and our union witnessed by God. To this day that 4 rounds are still a blur to me as I was high with the happiness of finding my soul mate. I am waiting to watch the video of this highlight to make me believe that this actually happened. Its still a dream to me if you ask me.

More soon!

Wedding Day 2: 6th March 8pm (RJCC) Jaimala & Jago

Dressed in my red saree, my make up aunty did a wonderful job for my make up and hairdo. Everyone said I looked so different. Unfortunately everyone was so busy enjoying themselves I have very limited pictures of dis night. I am waiting for my photographer to return the pics to me so that I can pick the best and successfully update my blog. The janj arrived at 8pm to the hall. I was given strict instructions to became scarce from the hall when the janj arrived so all i heard was the rousing welcome the dholi's were giving the janj but could not sneak any peak of what actually was happening until the janjj reached the main table n I saw my husband being lead in by his host of relatives. This time he had donned a maroon turban with a maroon colour sherwani with a creme maroon shawl. Needless to say he was dashing as I have always told him he has the height to pull off that get up. Now I hope he believes me! Anyways cut to the chase. My husband and I were asked to come up to the stage for the jaimala. Thank god we were accompanied by all our relatives because i can't tell you and you most certainly can't imagine how odd it was standing in the centre of the stage whilst a sea of people having both their eyes on you. Talk about uncomfort then this was definitely it. The significance of this event was when my hubby put the sindoor on me and we exchanged garlands. I will never forget the kiss he gave me on stage. My hubby being a private person is normally not fond of showing his affections in public so that kiss came as a surprise to me totally. After the ceremony I was requested by my husband's sister to join them at the main table for dinner. The first I have ever seen where the bride is requested by her in laws to be seated together with them on the main table with her husband prior to the wedding ceremony.










My wedding also saw more first. I think this is the first time in any wedding history that the boy side and the girl side has combined their jago ( a pot traditionally adorned with candles which is meant to be carried on the head by a relative to and ladies dance around them to entertain the wedding party). We decided to break tradition and my husband's side brought their jaago down also so u can imagine the double fun had by all. My husband's niece Melinder dressed up like a man and what a cute man she made with her fake beard n turban. I hope my photographer got a shot of her! I again managed to make my husband shake a leg and this time went one step further and got his best man Jagdesh to shake a leg also. He and my husband really set the floor on fire. Its was heart warming to see both families on stage dancing. Our jaago had the symbolic message that this was not only the coming together/combination of 2 jaago but it was also the combination/coming together of 2 families. Wanna see how much fun we all had well..... you either had to be there to witness it because even pictures couldn't do justice to the fun had by all but still here are the pictures.


Till my next update......ciow!

Wedding Day 2: 6th March 5pm Arrival of Baraat/ Milni

The morning the janj was to arrive was a busy morning for everyone. All my relatives were busy arranging the tables and chairs for tea time. Some were given tasks outside home to do. Simply put it was chaos with music blaring and mouth moving. Anyways at 1pm I saw a broad smile on my father's face as he welcomed his two estranged sisters and brother in law, nepehw, niece in laws and their children into the house. He had not seen them for 8 years due to a misunderstanding. I am glad that my wedding worked as a platform to bring them back together and make my father happy. Life is short.

One by one all my relatives and friends arrived and all were anxious to see the janj and more so to see the groom. The janj arrived at 5pm and were welcomed by dhol and with lots of shor. Needless to say once someone said janj is here everyone at my place stood at attention and some tip toed just to get a glance at the groom. Dressed to kill in a navy blue sherwani and yellow turban and sehra was the smart groom hiding behind his equally smartly dressed best man. I have to admit here I had never imagined that my husband will look so good in a turban and beard. This is the same thing everyone had been telling me once my cousin took off the sehra for him once he sat for tea. I was not allowed to come in front of him so all I did was peak thru windows and the shoulder of my make up aunty who tried her best to cover me as I sneaked a peak. Wow he looked good. After witnessing all this I was whisk away by make up aunty to start preparing for my jaimala at Royal Johor Country Club at night at 8pm so I have no idea what happen after i went up. I will have to see the video to know what else transpired while I was applying grease paint on my face.